In a first, UAE academic authority accredited an artificial intelligence university that will start the classes in September. The institute — Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) — got the licence for offering Master of Science and PhD programmes to close the skill gap in the market. The university has already received 1,200 applications, and interested graduates can still apply through its website. All the admitted students will be given full scholarship along with other benefits such as a monthly allowance, health insurance and accommodation. The board of the university has also decided to work with local and global companies to ensure internships and will assist students in finding employment opportunities.

“We aim to provide students with world-class courses in an environment that exceeds expectations in order to attract the best talent from across the world,” said Dr Sultan AI Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the board of trustees at MBZUAI. 

Since AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion, it is of paramount importance to take the lead in the market. Consequently, the university has planned to engage with policymakers and businesses to ensure they adopt best practices.

The UAE government has been one of the early adopters of artificial intelligence and continues to understand the potential of technology. This has led the government to roll out AI strategy for 2031, outlined the plans on how artificial intelligence will make the government efficient. The government also pinpointed eight sectors that it aims to transform, including space renewable energy, water, and education. The country had also appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar AI Olama.