The UAE has launched an AI-powered platform to identify and develop promising national talent in various fields. The platform, named 'AI Talent Nurturing Platform,' aims to enhance the skills of UAE nationals and prepare them for future job opportunities. It will use AI to assess individuals' capabilities and provide personalized training programs. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to building a strong AI workforce and fostering innovation in key sectors.
Three researchers from the AI Cross-Center Unit (AICCU) have been selected to pursue master’s and PhD studies at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The TII-sponsored students will receive full scholarships and salaries while studying machine learning and computer vision. One student previously worked on the NOOR project, the world’s largest Arabic NLP model. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's commitment to developing local AI talent and fostering collaboration between research institutions and universities.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is profiled as a key source of AI talent in the UAE. MBZUAI focuses on graduate-level AI education and research, attracting international students. The university collaborates with industry partners and government entities to align its curriculum with the country's needs. Why it matters: MBZUAI is strategically important for the UAE's ambition to become a leader in AI research and applications, addressing the skills gap in the region.
G42 has released an AI Talent Report based on a survey of AI professionals. The report identifies key factors that attract AI experts to employers, including opportunities for learning, development, and impactful projects. It also covers desired compensation, work-life balance expectations, and preferred company cultures. Why it matters: The report provides insights for organizations in the Middle East seeking to attract and retain top AI talent, which is crucial for advancing AI innovation in the region.
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 held its fourth annual Internships and Opportunities Fair, connecting over 160 students with 48 industry partners. The fair provided a platform for students to explore internships and career opportunities in AI-related fields. Participating companies included ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Police, e&, and IBM. Why it matters: The event highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in supplying skilled graduates to the local AI ecosystem.
MBZUAI has placed over 90 master's and PhD students in internships at public, private, and multinational organizations globally. The internships span various AI disciplines, including computer science, CV, ML, NLP, and robotics. Students are undertaking placements at institutions like the Technical University of Darmstadt, Johns Hopkins University, and Microsoft Research Lab – Asia, as well as UAE entities like ADNOC and Dubai Police. Why it matters: This initiative strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem by providing hands-on experience for students and addressing the growing demand for AI expertise in the region.
MBZUAI held its third annual Internships and Opportunities Fair, connecting students with over 40 potential employers including Etihad, e&, Abu Dhabi Police, ADNOC and Bayanat.ai. Over 100 master’s and Ph.D. students in CV, ML, and NLP will undertake summer internships, while graduating students explored full-time positions. The event featured speed interviews and coaching to support students in securing AI roles across sectors like health, telecommunications, and finance. Why it matters: This fair facilitates the integration of MBZUAI-trained AI talent into the UAE's expanding tech ecosystem, addressing the growing demand for AI expertise.
MBZUAI held its Class of 2023 commencement ceremony, graduating 59 students with master's degrees in CV, ML, and NLP. The ceremony was attended by UAE officials including Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber. Dr. Al Jaber emphasized AI's role in addressing global challenges and supporting the UAE's economic diversification and sustainability goals. Why it matters: The graduation highlights the UAE's ongoing investment in AI talent development and its focus on leveraging AI to address critical challenges in climate, healthcare, and education.
MBZUAI welcomed 127 new students from over 25 countries for the Fall 2022 semester, bringing the total student population to 259. The incoming class includes 22 doctoral students and 105 master’s students across computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing. 32% of the new students are female, and 30 are UAE nationals who will support the UAE’s National Strategy for AI 2031. Why it matters: This continued growth of MBZUAI's student body strengthens the UAE's AI talent pool and supports its national AI strategy.
MBZUAI hosted a virtual Student Opportunities Fair, connecting its AI students with UAE employers. 26 companies including ADNOC, Etihad, Huawei, and Majid Al Futtaim attended the fair. Students explored internships ranging from NLP to big data applications. Why it matters: The event highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in developing a skilled workforce for the nation's AI ambitions.
MBZUAI has students from 40 countries enrolled in its Master's and Ph.D. programs. Emiratis comprise 13% of the student body while females make up 31% of all students. The university offers graduate programs in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing and has a student-faculty ratio of 1:4. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's growing international presence and its role in developing AI talent in the UAE.