MBZUAI and the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) have signed an agreement to launch an AI lab within MOCCAE. The lab will focus on AI solutions for environmental, agricultural, and climate-related challenges, supporting the UAE's food security strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Example use cases include AI-powered strawberry-picking robots and AI tools for monitoring and visualizing climate change. Why it matters: This initiative signals a commitment to leveraging AI for sustainability and environmental stewardship, potentially establishing the UAE as a leader in applying AI to address critical environmental challenges.
MoIAT and MBZUAI conducted the second edition of their "Industry 4.0 and AI for Industrial Leaders" training program. The four-day program aims to develop skills in AI implementation within industry and enhance national industrial capacity through 4IR technologies. Industrial leaders gained technical knowledge to harness AI and accelerate industrial transformation. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in AI by 2031, boosting industrial productivity, and integrating advanced technologies to contribute significantly to the national GDP.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its NextGen Winter Program, a two-week AI literacy program for UAE high school students (Grades 10-12) taking place December 8-19, 2025. The program includes interactive workshops, group challenges, and engagement with MBZUAI faculty, with registration closing on November 19, 2025. This winter edition follows a successful summer program that saw high interest from UAE youth in AI. Why it matters: The program contributes to building national AI capabilities by providing early AI exposure to UAE youth, in line with the UAE's vision for future-ready talent.
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-curate a program involving international professors, artists, and scientists. The collaboration will focus on STEAM projects, artist residencies, and publishing research papers. The partnership was announced in conjunction with the Riwaq Al Fikr talk exploring AI's implications for the music and creative industries. Why it matters: This MoU signifies a growing trend of integrating AI with arts and culture in the UAE, potentially fostering innovation and new forms of artistic expression.
WAM (Emirates News Agency) and MBZUAI have signed a strategic agreement to collaborate on media and AI, knowledge sharing, training, and development. MBZUAI will be the Strategic Academic Sponsor of the Global Media Congress organized by ADNEC and WAM in November 2022. MBZUAI will also provide WAM employees with seats in its Executive Program and offer consultancy services for establishing an AI lab at WAM. Why it matters: This partnership aims to modernize the UAE's media sector by leveraging MBZUAI's AI expertise to develop innovative media applications and support the Global Media Congress.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued gold and silver commemorative coins to mark the fifth anniversary of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The gold coin features the Knowledge Centre of MBZUAI, the years “2020” and “2025”, and the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve”. The issuance comprises 10 gold coins and 500 silver coins, each weighing 50 grams, and have been delivered to MBZUAI. Why it matters: The issuance reflects the UAE's commitment to highlighting national initiatives in education and recognizing MBZUAI's role in building a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.
100 C-suite leaders from UAE's industrial sector graduated from the Leadership 4.0 training program, implemented by MoIAT in collaboration with MBZUAI. The program aims to develop AI implementation skills in industry, aligning with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. The training took place at MoIAT’s headquarters in Dubai. Why it matters: This initiative signals a strategic push to integrate AI into the UAE's industrial sector by upskilling leadership, potentially boosting competitiveness and innovation.