#Abu Dhabi #Artificial Intelligence #UAE #MBZUAI

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence Expands Its Horizons

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi is kicking off the Fall 2025 academic year on a transformative note, having welcomed a record-breaking cohort of 403 new students. This substantial influx marks an exciting milestone for the institution, particularly as it includes the inaugural undergraduate class, alongside several graduate programs in key areas of artificial intelligence.

A Record Number of Applications

The university reported a staggering 8,000 applications for its Bachelor and graduate programs, leading to an exclusive acceptance rate of only 5 percent. Such figures highlight MBZUAI's prestigious standing as a center for AI education, attracting top talent from the UAE and beyond.

Timothy Baldwin, the university’s Provost and a prominent Professor of Natural Language Processing, expressed the significance of this year's intake by remarking how artificial intelligence is transforming sectors globally at unprecedented speeds. He emphasized the institution's commitment to adapting its curricula to stay abreast of the rapid developments in AI research methodologies and industry needs.

Diverse Academic Offerings

The recently introduced programs include a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence featuring two streams: AI for Business and AI for Engineering. This unique structure marries technical proficiency with essential leadership skills, hands-on entrepreneurship, and real-world industry experience.

The undergraduate class is notably diverse, comprising students from over 25 different countries, with 25 percent being UAE Nationals. This global representation not only enriches the academic environment but also enhances the university’s objective to prepare students for the diverse, international field of AI.

In the postgraduate sphere, new cohorts are enrolling in established programs revolving around Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics. The introduction of a Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science and a Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence further augments the university's academic portfolio.

Building Future Leaders in AI

Professor Baldwin emphasized the vital need to equip future generations with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving job landscape shaped by AI. He stated, "Our extraordinarily talented students don't just learn about AI, but they learn with it, through it, and for it.” This ethos represents a quality proposition across all programs, underscoring the depth of technical knowledge and real-world applicability that MBZUAI imparts.

Moreover, the incoming cohort contains 151 graduate students (over 27 percent) who previously studied at top-ranking computer science universities such as Cornell University and Tsinghua University. This statistic not only illuminates MBZUAI's pull in the global educational arena but also reflects the caliber of students the institution continues to attract.

Orientation Week: A Unique Welcome Experience

To ensure a seamless transition into university life, MBZUAI commenced an immersive Orientation Week for newcomers. This engaging program provides students with insights into the university’s culture, AI-driven innovation dynamics, and opportunities for community engagement. Orientation activities encompass academic sessions, mentorship opportunities, and cultural events that celebrate UAE’s rich heritage and the vibrancy of life in Abu Dhabi.

A key highlight was the Orientation Mini Fair, where students could discover resources aimed at academic success, career advancement, and maximizing their student experience.

As MBZUAI forges ahead with its ambitious educational mission, it remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic community. Plans are underway to align with the Abu Dhabi’s rapidly developing AI ecosystem, enhancing their contributions to the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031.

For those keen on discovering more about MBZUAI’s offerings and initiatives, detailed information is accessible on their official website at www.mbzuai.ac.ae.