MBZUAI has implemented three HyFlex (hybrid flexible) classrooms using Zoom to connect remote and in-person students. The classrooms include smart whiteboards, sensor cameras, and multiple screens, benchmarked against setups at Harvard and King's College. A research article on the development of MBZUAI's HyFlex approach is under peer review. Why it matters: This initiative enhances hybrid learning in the region and provides a model for other universities looking to integrate advanced technology into their educational spaces.
MBZUAI is prioritizing natural language processing (NLP) research, aiming to be a top university in the field within 12-18 months according to Professor Timothy Baldwin. MBZUAI's NLP department is focusing on deep learning, algorithmic fairness, computational social science and social media analytics. A key area is Arabic NLP, addressing the challenges of dialectal variations and code-switching in social media. Why it matters: This focus on Arabic NLP and real-world problem-solving will contribute to the UAE's ambitious agenda of growing a local AI industry and integrating AI into various sectors.
An article highlights the role of AI in promoting female empowerment, particularly in the UAE, where Emirati women entrepreneurs constitute a significant portion of business owners. MBZUAI is playing a key role by equipping women with AI skills, as exemplified by alumna Farha Albreiki, who is applying her ML expertise at Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO). Albreiki is also involved in initiatives like the TRANSCO Women Working Group to foster gender diversity in the tech sector. Why it matters: This underscores the importance of AI education and initiatives within the GCC to support women's participation and leadership in technology and engineering.
MBZUAI welcomed 142 students from 34 countries, its largest and most diverse cohort since 2019, with a competitive admission rate of 4.6% out of over 4,000 applications. The new students are pursuing master's and Ph.D. degrees in computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing, bringing the total student body to nearly 300. MBZUAI also established new robotics and computer science departments to meet global demand. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens the UAE's position as a global AI research hub, attracting top talent and fostering innovation in key AI disciplines.
MBZUAI hosted 34 undergraduate STEM students from around the world for its inaugural one-month Undergraduate Research Internship Program (UGRIP) in Abu Dhabi. The interns, hailing from countries including the UAE, USA, and India, engaged in ongoing MBZUAI research projects spanning sustainability, education, and healthcare. Interns worked on projects ranging from fake news detection using NLP to tumor diagnosis using computer vision. Why it matters: This program strengthens MBZUAI's position as a global AI research hub and cultivates AI talent within the region.
MBZUAI Professor Fakhri Karray and co-authors from the University of Waterloo have published "Elements of Dimensionality Reduction and Manifold Learning," a textbook on methods for extracting useful components from large datasets. The book addresses the challenge of the "curse of dimensionality," where growth in datasets complicates their use in machine learning. Karray developed the material from a popular course he taught at Waterloo. Why it matters: The textbook provides a unified resource for students and researchers in machine learning and AI, addressing a foundational challenge in processing high-dimensional data, relevant to diverse applications in the region.
MBZUAI graduate Gokul Karthik Kumar credits the university's interdisciplinary approach for helping him discover his passion for working at the intersection of computer vision and NLP. He chose MBZUAI over the University of Waterloo due to the flexibility to explore different AI domains. Kumar will join G42’s Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI) as an applied scientist to develop large language models tailored for UAE-focused applications. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in nurturing AI talent for the UAE and G42's focus on developing local LLMs.
MBZUAI celebrates Emirati master’s students Fatima AlKhoori (transportation engineering) and Rzan Alhaddad (mechanical engineering) for International Women in Engineering Day. AlKhoori is a transportation engineer involved with the UAE’s Youth Sustainable Development Goal’s Council. Alhaddad, who MC'd MBZUAI’s Class of 2023 Commencement, is passionate about applying AI to environmental sustainability. Why it matters: The article highlights the increasing role of Emirati women in STEM and AI, particularly in applying machine learning to address sustainability challenges.
An article in Forbes highlights the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) as the first university devoted exclusively to AI advancement. MBZUAI President Eric Xing champions a 'connectionism' approach, designing computational models inspired by interconnected human cognition networks. AI's ability to process and analyze data at high speeds unlocks new knowledge realms, acting as a universal translator between humans and the digital world. Why it matters: MBZUAI is positioned as a key institution driving AI innovation and responsible AI practices in the Middle East.
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's President addressed the graduating class of 2023, consisting of 59 graduates from 25 countries, at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The speech emphasized AI's transformative power and the need to shift education towards problem-solving and knowledge creation. It encouraged graduates to embrace AI while nurturing independent thinking and contributing to interdisciplinary problem-solving. Why it matters: The address highlights MBZUAI's vision of shaping future AI leaders and promoting a balanced perspective on AI's potential and risks in the region.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing has been named a 2023 Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS). He was honored for contributions to statistics, machine learning research, AI entrepreneurship, and AI education. The IMS will formally recognize the 2023 fellows at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Toronto in August. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing prominence of MBZUAI and its leadership in the international AI and statistics community.
MBZUAI hosted its second in-person Internships and Opportunities Fair, connecting master's and doctoral students with 37 organizations from the UAE's private and public sectors. Companies like ADNOC, Dubai Police, and Etihad Airways showcased short-term and permanent AI-related opportunities. An industry panel discussion featuring DHL and General Motors gave career advice. Why it matters: The event highlights the increasing demand for AI expertise within the UAE and MBZUAI's role in contributing to the nation's AI capabilities.
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.
MBZUAI students Hanoona Bangalath and Muhammad Maaz, with perfect GPAs, had papers accepted at ECCV 2022 ("Class-agnostic Object Detection with Multi-modal Transformer") and NeurIPS 2022 ("Bridging the Gap between Object and Image-level Representation for Open-Vocabulary Detection"). Both will stay at MBZUAI for their PhDs, crediting the university's resources and faculty. Their supervisor, Salman Khan, praised their curiosity and hard work, highlighting their role in building the institution's reputation. Why it matters: The success of these students underscores MBZUAI's potential to foster high-quality AI research and attract top talent to the UAE.
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.
The article discusses the challenges in effectively applying text classification techniques, despite the availability of tools like LibMultiLabel. It highlights the importance of guiding users to appropriately use machine learning methods due to considerations in practical applications such as evaluation criteria and data strategies. The piece also mentions a panel discussion hosted by MBZUAI in collaboration with the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue. Why it matters: This signals ongoing efforts within the UAE AI ecosystem to address practical challenges and promote responsible AI usage in NLP applications.
MBZUAI's president Eric Xing discussed AI career prospects after the university's first graduation. He also addressed the risks of ChatGPT and other AI developments. MBZUAI's Cesare Stefanini contributed to the development of underwater robots, while researchers Thamar Solorio, Monojit Choudhury, and Aseem Srivastava will study loneliness in digital spaces. Why it matters: The interview highlights MBZUAI's role in shaping AI talent and addressing societal impacts of AI in the UAE and beyond.
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.
MBZUAI appointed Ekaterina Kochmar as an assistant professor of NLP to advance AI-assisted learning. Kochmar co-founded Korbit AI, an AI-powered dialogue-based tutoring system for STEM subjects. Korbit AI aims to democratize education by providing personalized, high-quality education globally at minimal cost. Why it matters: This appointment highlights MBZUAI's commitment to AI in education and personalized learning, positioning the UAE as a hub for innovation in educational technology.
MBZUAI held its first commencement for the Class of 2022, graduating 52 students with master's degrees. MBZUAI is the first research-based university dedicated to AI development. The university has risen to become a world top-25 AI program with partnerships with over 20 international and local entities. Why it matters: This milestone signals the growth of specialized AI education in the UAE and MBZUAI's emergence as a global hub for AI research and collaboration.
MBZUAI showcased AI applications for health, education, and climate at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023. Talks highlighted AI's capacity to address challenges in climate change and other sectors, aligning with the UAE’s vision for technology-enabled solutions. MBZUAI researchers will demonstrate real-world AI applications and discuss research related to climate, health, and education. Why it matters: MBZUAI's focus on AI for sustainability demonstrates the UAE's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for addressing global challenges and advancing its leadership in clean energy and emissions reduction.
MBZUAI's Women in AI (WAI) club, founded by master’s students Asma Hashmi and Ameera Bawazir, aims to increase female representation in AI at MBZUAI and the UAE. The club aligns with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, addressing the underrepresentation of women in AI globally (22%). MBZUAI reports 31% female students in its first cohort and hopes to increase this, supported by faculty like Prof. Najwa Aaraj. Why it matters: This initiative highlights efforts to close the gender gap in AI within the UAE's leading AI university, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
Keith Ross, Dean of Computer Science, Data Science and Engineering at NYU Shanghai, will be giving a talk on recent advances in Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). The talk will review DRL breakthroughs and discuss algorithmic research on DRL for high-dimensional state and action spaces, with applications to robotic locomotion. Ross's research interests include deep reinforcement learning, Internet privacy, peer-to-peer networking, and computer network modeling. Why it matters: Reinforcement learning is a core area of AI research in the GCC region, and a talk by a prominent researcher can help inform and inspire local researchers.
MBZUAI held a pre-commencement celebration for its inaugural graduation on January 30, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. The first graduating class includes 52 students from 24 countries earning master's degrees in computer vision and machine learning. MBZUAI has quickly risen to become a top 25 institution globally in AI, with faculty from top 100 AI institutions. Why it matters: This milestone highlights the rapid growth and increasing importance of AI education and research in the UAE and the broader Middle East.
MBZUAI's Metaverse Lab is developing AI algorithms for photorealistic virtual humans and dynamic environments. Hao Li, Director of the lab, envisions using the metaverse for immersive learning experiences related to history and culture. He is also working on tools to prevent deepfakes and other cyberthreats. Why it matters: This research at MBZUAI aims to advance AI and immersive technologies for education and address potential risks in the metaverse.
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.
MBZUAI has opened graduate admissions for the 2023/2024 academic year, offering master’s and doctoral programs in computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing. The university ranks in the top 25 globally in AI, computer vision, machine learning, and NLP, according to Computer Science Rankings. In Fall 2022, MBZUAI welcomed 125 new students, including 22 doctoral and 105 master’s students, bringing the total student population to over 250. Why it matters: This signals continued growth for MBZUAI as a leading AI research institution in the region, attracting international talent and contributing to the development of AI expertise in the UAE.
Kevin Toner from Northern Ireland is the first student from NI to graduate from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi. He will receive a Masters in machine learning as part of the inaugural graduating class. Toner's interest in machine learning began during his computer science studies at Queen's University Belfast. Why it matters: This milestone highlights MBZUAI's growing international reach and its role in attracting global talent to the UAE's AI ecosystem.
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 its first in-person Opportunities Fair on September 7, connecting graduate students with 38 employers from various industries. Companies like ADNOC, Mubadala, DP World, G42, and McKinsey participated in the event, which included an exhibition and career development workshops. MBZUAI ranks 24th globally in AI, computer vision, machine learning, and NLP. Why it matters: This fair highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in supplying qualified graduates to meet this demand.
MBZUAI has launched the third edition of its Executive Program (MEP), bringing together 45 global leaders, with over a third being women. The 12-week program will cover topics from AI fundamentals to ethics, and will include capstone projects addressing real-world problems with AI solutions. This edition will sponsor participants from an NGO and a startup to broaden perspectives. Why it matters: The program aims to build AI capabilities in line with UAE's vision and establish Abu Dhabi as an international AI hub, equipping leaders with skills to implement AI solutions across sectors.
ICESCO and MBZUAI concluded a series of meetings at Moroccan universities to introduce engineering and science students to AI and scholarship opportunities at MBZUAI. Over 500 master’s and doctoral students participated in the week-long event. MBZUAI representatives highlighted the university's focus on computer vision and machine learning. Why it matters: This collaboration promotes AI education and research opportunities for students in Morocco, potentially fostering AI talent and innovation in the region.
Ekaterina Kochmar from the University of Bath presented the Korbit Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), an AI-powered dialogue-based platform providing personalized learning experiences. A comparative study showed that students using Korbit achieved 2-2.5 times higher learning gains and higher completion rates compared to a traditional MOOC platform. Kochmar is also a co-founder and CSO of Korbit AI. Why it matters: The research highlights the potential of AI to deliver personalized education and significantly improve learning outcomes in online STEM education, an area of focus for many GCC universities.
Ted Briscoe from the University of Cambridge discussed using machine learning and NLP to develop learning-oriented assessment (LOA) for non-native writers. The technology is used in Cambridge English courseware like Empower and Linguaskill, as well as Write and Improve. Briscoe is also the co-founder and CEO of iLexIR Ltd. Why it matters: Improving automated language assessment could significantly enhance online language learning platforms in the Arab world and beyond.
MBZUAI President Professor Eric Xing discussed AI's potential to augment human capabilities and the responsibility of AI researchers in shaping future leaders. Xing's background includes professorships at Carnegie Mellon University, leadership at Petuum Inc., and directorship of the Center for Machine Learning and Health. He also held visiting positions at Stanford University and Facebook Inc. Why it matters: The emphasis on responsible AI development and education aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to become a leader in ethical and human-centric AI.
MBZUAI concluded the second edition of its Executive Program (MEP) with 43 UAE leaders from public and private sectors completing 12 weeks of coursework. The program covered AI and machine learning topics, AI ethics and policymaking, and robotics, taught by global AI leaders. Participants addressed UAE national challenges with AI research solutions as part of a capstone project. Why it matters: This program aims to enhance AI capabilities and knowledge among UAE leaders, fostering innovation and increasing efficiency across various sectors.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, Lody Embrechts, met with MBZUAI's Interim President Michael Brady and Provost Ling Shao. They discussed promoting further collaboration between the UAE and the Netherlands on AI innovation. MBZUAI is partnering with G42, Cerebras, and India’s C-DAC to advance AI research. Why it matters: International collaborations like this are crucial for fostering innovation and developing a robust AI ecosystem in the UAE.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has rescheduled the start of its first academic year to January 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees during a video conference chaired by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The board also discussed campus progress, student onboarding, faculty appointments, and industry partnerships. Why it matters: The delay, while pragmatic, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by new academic institutions in establishing themselves amid global health crises, potentially impacting the growth of the AI ecosystem in the UAE.
MBZUAI has appointed Dr. Ling Shao as Executive Vice President and Provost to lead academic affairs and research. Dr. Shao is also the CEO and Chief Scientist of the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI). MBZUAI is partnering with IIAI for PhD student supervision and curriculum development. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top AI talent and establishing itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.
MBZUAI has appointed Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf as Executive Vice President for Outreach and Engagement. Dr. Al Yousuf will lead the university's external partnership mission, develop AI research initiatives, and provide AI advisory services to public and private sector organizations. Previously, Dr. Al Yousuf was Interim Provost of Masdar Institute and has held roles in the UAE Space Agency and other international groups. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and community engagement in the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI launched its Executive Program, a hybrid course for government and industry leaders to promote greater engagement with AI. The program's first session, led by MBZUAI President Eric Xing, covered the history and future of AI and machine learning. It aims to accelerate AI development across various sectors in the UAE, focusing on efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact reduction. Why it matters: This initiative signals the UAE's commitment to fostering AI literacy and driving AI adoption across key sectors, aligning with national economic development plans.
Harvard Professor David C. Parkes is leading a session on AI, Machine Learning, and Economics for the inaugural cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program. This program includes 42 participants, including ministers and C-suite executives, and spans 12 weeks. The program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership mission through education and capacity building. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's ongoing efforts to attract global AI expertise and develop local leadership in the field, furthering its national AI strategy.
Microsoft Azure AI CTO Dr. Xuedong Huang will speak at the MBZUAI Executive Program on AI-powered communications. Huang will share his experience in advancing Microsoft's AI stack, from deep learning infrastructure to new user experiences. He has over 170 U.S. patents and has contributed to speech technology, including Windows SAPI and Azure Speech. Why it matters: This talk can help foster knowledge transfer and collaboration between a global AI leader and the UAE's flagship AI university.
Turing Award winner Raj Reddy spoke at the MBZUAI Executive Program. Reddy is a Professor of Computer Science and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and has held leadership roles at CMU, AAAI, and IEEE. His research focuses on AI, human-computer interaction, and technology's societal impact. Why it matters: High-profile speakers at UAE AI programs can help attract talent and investment to the region.
The MBZUAI Executive Program's fifth module will cover the future of robotics, featuring UC Berkeley Professors Pieter Abbeel and Ken Goldberg. Abbeel will discuss deep learning in robotics, while Goldberg will share insights on robotic technologies in business. The 12-week program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership through education and innovation, with 42 high-level decision-makers participating. Why it matters: By training leaders in AI and robotics, the program can accelerate the adoption of advanced automation technologies across various sectors in the UAE and the broader region.
MBZUAI has appointed Professor Timothy Baldwin as Associate Provost and acting chair of its new NLP Department. Baldwin will focus on strengthening the curriculum and building a world-class faculty team. He previously spent 17 years at the University of Melbourne. Why it matters: The recruitment signals MBZUAI's commitment to becoming a leading center for NLP research and education in the region.
MBZUAI held its first Advisory Board meeting to discuss ongoing activities as it prepares to welcome its first graduate student class in September 2020. The board emphasized the importance of practical results and industry engagement, including knowledge of IP, patent laws, and startup finance. The Advisory Board will provide strategic recommendations and support in securing financial aid, internships, training, and employment opportunities for students. Why it matters: This event underscores MBZUAI's commitment to aligning AI education with real-world applications and fostering innovation in the UAE and beyond.
A delegation from MBZUAI visited Egypt to discuss potential collaborations with Egyptian universities in AI. Discussions involved joint research projects in healthcare and Arabic language processing, establishing joint AI labs, faculty exchange programs, and dual degree programs. MBZUAI expressed its enthusiasm for collaborating with Egyptian universities, offering its faculty and research capabilities. Why it matters: This partnership can help advance AI research and education in both countries, especially in areas like Arabic NLP and AI applications in healthcare, fostering regional AI talent and innovation.
MBZUAI has launched online refresher courses in math and programming for its inaugural cohort of 100 admitted students from 31 countries. These courses, taught by MBZUAI faculty, aim to prepare students for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer vision and machine learning starting January 2021. The courses are designed to provide a comprehensive refresher in core subjects. Why it matters: This initiative ensures students are well-prepared for the specialized AI education at MBZUAI and helps foster a strong foundation for future AI research in the region.