MBZUAI Leads UAE’s Global AI Ambitions with New Student Programs

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The United Arab Emirates is moving fast to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is at the heart of this ambition. The university is the world’s first to focus entirely on AI education and research, aiming to create a strong base of national talent, boost innovation, and support the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.

Timothy Baldwin, the Provost of MBZUAI and Professor of Natural Language Processing, explained that the university’s mission is built on three main pillars. First, it seeks to attract and develop world-class AI talent from the UAE and abroad. Second, it focuses on conducting research in areas that are crucial for national growth, including healthcare, energy, sustainability, and robotics. Third, MBZUAI encourages innovation through partnerships with global tech leaders and by supporting startups and entrepreneurship within the country.

MBZUAI is already recognized as one of the top 10 AI-focused universities in the world. The university hosts more than 700 students, but admission is highly competitive, with only a 5 percent acceptance rate from over 8,000 applications received in 2025. This year, the university welcomed its first batch of undergraduate students, with more than 110 students enrolling. Notably, 25 percent of them are Emirati nationals, reflecting the university’s goal to build local talent in AI.

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The university recently introduced a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, and this year it will also launch three new graduate programs. These include a Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence, a Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science, and a PhD in Robotics. These programs will complement MBZUAI’s existing courses in computer science, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Together, they provide students with a strong foundation in AI and advanced research skills.

MBZUAI also supports the UAE’s economic diversification and innovation strategy through its Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IEC). The centre helps local startups by providing mentorship, funding access, and guidance, creating an environment where innovative AI ideas can grow into real-world solutions. The university actively collaborates with global technology companies and government organizations to ensure that its research addresses practical challenges.

Research at MBZUAI focuses on areas where AI can make the biggest impact. One major project is AIDO, or AI-Driven Digital Organism, which is the world’s first multiscale AI model for biology. This initiative supports national programs like the Emirati Genome Programme and helps with disease prediction, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

To extend the reach of its research and expertise, MBZUAI has also launched the MBZUAI Academy. The academy provides executive education programs for leaders, helping them understand AI and integrate it into their work. Its flagship MBZUAI Executive Programme gives UAE leaders practical tools to apply AI in government, business, and other sectors. In October 2025, the academy plans to launch the Global AI Leadership Programme, which will bring together international decision-makers to learn from the UAE’s approach to AI development.

MBZUAI is not just a university; it is a key part of the UAE’s plan to become a global hub for artificial intelligence. By combining world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, MBZUAI is shaping the future of AI in the country and around the world. It is training the next generation of AI experts, supporting local startups, and contributing to national programs that use AI to improve health, sustainability, and technology.

With its strong programs, high-level research, and strategic partnerships, MBZUAI is setting an example for how AI can transform a country’s economy, education, and global reputation. The university is a beacon for students and researchers who want to make a real impact in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.