MBZUAI's inaugural class included eight Emirati master's graduates in computer vision and machine learning, making up 15% of the Class of 2022. All eight have secured employment or will pursue Ph.D. studies at MBZUAI, contributing to healthcare, technology, energy, transport, and government sectors in the UAE. Fatima Albreiki and Wafa Al Ghallabi will continue at MBZUAI for Ph.D. studies in Computer Vision. Why it matters: MBZUAI is nurturing local AI talent to support the UAE's national strategy and address global challenges in key sectors.
Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inaugural graduation of MBZUAI, where 52 students from 24 countries received postgraduate degrees in CV/ML. 63% of the graduates have confirmed employment, Ph.D. placements, paid internships, or startups, with 91% remaining in the UAE. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasized MBZUAI's role in advancing global progress through AI research across sectors and highlighted the importance of AI in tackling climate change. Why it matters: The graduation and high retention rate underscore the UAE's commitment to building a local AI talent pool and fostering AI innovation within the country.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2025 commencement ceremony for 104 graduates across Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He congratulated the students and emphasized the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI hub. The ceremony was attended by several high-profile UAE officials and MBZUAI leadership. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's continued investment in AI education and its strategic focus on developing local talent in key AI specializations.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2024 commencement ceremony for 101 graduates. The graduates included PhDs in ML and master's degrees in CV, ML, and NLP. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI research and innovation hub, aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Why it matters: This graduation highlights the UAE's investment in AI education and its ambition to become a leader in AI research and development, training national talent to address global challenges.
MBZUAI valedictorian Shahd AlShamsi is using AI and ML to develop personalized cognitive healthcare, shifting treatment from reaction to prevention. Her master's research involves a digital twin framework that integrates representations of a person’s cognitive experience using deep learning models and EEG data. She hopes to develop a mobile application to extend her work to personalized mental health. Why it matters: This research highlights the potential of AI to improve personalized healthcare in the UAE and beyond, and demonstrates the contributions of Emirati researchers.
MBZUAI will graduate its first three Ph.D. students on June 6, 2024. Numan Saeed's research focused on using AI and big data to diagnose head and neck cancers using PET and CT scans, aided by NLP to interpret doctors' notes. The graduates will remain in the UAE to contribute to the country's growing AI sector. Why it matters: This milestone highlights the growing AI talent pool in the UAE and the potential for AI research at MBZUAI to address critical healthcare challenges.
Sultan Al Mansoori (Mubadala) and Hind Almarzooqi (Abu Dhabi Pension Fund), professionals in the UAE, are part of the inaugural cohort of the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MAAI) program at MBZUAI. They aim to leverage AI for national priorities and establish Abu Dhabi as a global AI hub. The program focuses on practical AI application and addresses a critical skills gap between AI innovation and real-world implementation. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's strategic investment in AI talent development and its ambition to lead in AI application across various sectors.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduation ceremony showcased AI sustainability solutions developed by 83 UAE leaders. Two winning projects, X-4 Cast and Pulse, focused on improving weather forecasting accuracy and increasing inclusivity in climate change discussions, respectively. The 12-week program included instruction from UC Berkeley, Harvard, and other top universities, with participants developing 14 collaborative projects. Why it matters: The program highlights the UAE's commitment to AI-driven solutions for national challenges, particularly in sustainability, and fosters AI awareness across diverse sectors.