A delegation from Rabdan Academy, led by Academy President James Morse, visited MBZUAI and met with President Eric Xing and other senior leaders. They toured the MBZUAI campus and received an update on MBZUAI activities. Both parties discussed establishing a long-term partnership and exploring future collaborations. Why it matters: Partnerships between specialized academies like Rabdan and research universities like MBZUAI can help align AI education with specific industry and government needs in the UAE.
This paper presents an experience report on teaching an AI course to business executives in the UAE. The course focuses on enabling students to understand how to incorporate AI into existing business processes, rather than focusing only on theoretical and technical aspects. The paper discusses the course overview, curriculum, teaching methods, and reflections on teaching adult learners in the UAE.
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.
MBZUAI is launching the second edition of its Executive Program, following the completion of its inaugural edition in January. The 12-week program aims to enhance AI capacity building for senior leaders in the UAE across both public and private sectors. The program covers topics such as AI ethics, policy-making, and the future of robotics, and is taught by global AI leaders. Why it matters: This program signals the UAE's commitment to developing national AI leadership and integrating AI into its economic development plans.
Stanford Professor Yoav Shoham, a leading AI expert, will speak at the MBZUAI Executive Program. Shoham will present on lingual cognition and intelligence as part of a virtual class session. He has founded several AI companies, including AI21 Labs, and chairs the AI Index initiative. Why it matters: The participation of globally recognized AI experts like Shoham enhances the prestige and educational value of AI programs in the UAE, attracting talent and fostering innovation.
KAUST has launched its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Entrepreneurship Adventures" on edX, starting July 4, 2021. The gamified masterclass is the first entrepreneurship course in Arabic on the edX platform. It features industry experts like Amin Al-Nasser (Saudi Aramco) and Lubna Olayan (Saudi British Bank). Why it matters: The course aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, addressing the increasing demand for entrepreneurship education and supporting the Kingdom's startup ecosystem.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is hosting an AI seminar by Kajetan Schweighofer on October 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM GST. TII describes itself as a global research center focused on discovery science and transformative technologies. The seminar series is part of TII's efforts to share its developments and research. Why it matters: Such seminars contribute to the growth of the AI ecosystem in the UAE by facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.