Why UAE's AI university is a bigger deal than expected
Almost half of the world’s five-year commitment to investment to AI is by the US ($42.08B); a quarter is by China ($21.28B) and a tenth is by Japan ($9.18), as per data reported from Boston Consultancy Group.
While the world is committing investments, the UAE has a smart strategy to become an AI hub — attract and invest in the next generation of talent who will lead the industries in the coming years.
Abu Dhabi, in another feat to strengthen its economy as it diversifies from its dependency on oil, has launched the world’s first university of artificial intelligence — Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is an open invitation from Abu Dhabi to the world to unleash AI’s full potential.— Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the MBZUAI board of trusteesThe IIAI will support in the development of the curriculum as well as supervise PhD students.
The graduate-level university has started accepting applications for its Masters and PhD courses starting September 2020; which it will run in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI), an applied research lab.
The IIAI will support in the development of the curriculum as well as supervise PhD students.
The best part about the university is that it will provide 100% scholarships to all accepted students, including tuition and monthly stipend amongst many other benefits, as per its website.
“All admitted students are granted upon acceptance the privilege to complete their study with a full scholarship including 100% tuition, a monthly stipend and many more benefits. However, and in order to maintain their scholarships, stipends and other benefits, students are expected to maintain high academic standing, comply with the university code of conduct and fulfill certain requirements during their study tenure.”Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence website
This most certainly will attract students from across the world who want to develop their career in AI. According to estimates by PwC, artificial intelligence is expected to contribute almost $16 trillion to the world’s GDP by 2030, accounting to 14 per cent.
The university will attract global talent in artificial intelligence, which is expected to strengthen industries across the UAE's through AI adoption.
Named after Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the university is a major step towards UAE’s vision for AI.
In October 2017, the UAE appointed Omar Al Olama as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence — another first in the world.
