Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a pioneering graduate-level research university located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, established in October 2019.

It is the world’s first university dedicated solely to the study and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). MBZUAI was founded as part of the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, aimed at positioning the country as a global leader in AI technology.

The university is named after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and it serves as a key institution supporting the UAE government's vision of fostering innovation and economic growth through AI.

MBZUAI offers graduate programs including Master of Science and PhD degrees in specialized areas of AI such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, with plans to introduce an undergraduate program starting in 2025.

The university was officially licensed by the UAE’s Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation in early 2020. The inaugural class started their studies in January 2021, initially through online platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with in-person classes commencing in late 2021.

Since its inception, MBZUAI has rapidly expanded its academic staff and research departments, including robotics, computer science, and data science.

The university provides full scholarships for all admitted students, covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and other benefits. MBZUAI attracts international faculty and students, fostering a research environment focused on innovative AI solutions with real-world applications. It operates in close collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive AI research and societal development.

The board of trustees and advisory committees include global experts in the field of AI, reinforcing its status as a world-class centre of AI education and research. MBZUAI also serves as a strategic think tank for AI policy and development within the UAE and beyond, contributing to the global AI ecosystem.