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.
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.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the first 45 Emirati talents selected for the Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) ‘NexTech’ program. The NexTech program aims to develop Emirati talent in research and technology, aligning with Abu Dhabi's investment in knowledge development. ATRC will empower UAE national talent via outreach, talent scouting, and directing talent to TII research projects. Why it matters: This program signifies a strategic push towards building national competencies in advanced technology and accelerating the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
MBZUAI highlighted five Emirati women making contributions in AI, entrepreneurship, and leadership, coinciding with Emirati Women’s Day. Fatima AlKhoori is pursuing a Ph.D. at MBZUAI, researching transformer models for autonomous vehicle traffic sign recognition using UAE and German datasets. Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki, an MBZUAI assistant professor, specializes in Arabic speech and language processing. Why it matters: Showcasing Emirati women in AI underscores the UAE's commitment to gender diversity and national talent development in advanced technology fields.
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.