#Abu Dhabi #Artificial Intelligence #UAE #MBZUAI

MBZUAI's Record-Breaking Academic Year Begins

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), located in Abu Dhabi, has officially commenced the Fall 2025 academic semester, welcoming an unprecedented cohort of 403 students. This year's intake marks a significant milestone as it includes the inaugural undergraduate class and new graduate cohorts across various programs such as Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics. Furthermore, MBZUAI has launched two new Master's programs: the Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science and the Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

The admission process this year was incredibly competitive, generating over 8,000 applications for its Bachelor and graduate programs, resulting in an acceptance rate of just 5%. This remarkable figure underscores the prestige of MBZUAI and its ability to attract exceptional talent, both locally and internationally. Timothy Baldwin, the university's Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing, shared insights on the institution's growth, stating, "Artificial intelligence is transforming the world at a pace that vastly outstrips traditional education models. To realize its full global potential, MBZUAI invests heavily in reviewing and updating our programs to reflect modern AI research methodology and workflows."

As a relatively young institution, MBZUAI has quickly positioned itself among the top 10 AI universities globally, driven by its strong research credentials and alignment with societal and industrial needs. This year's introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence curriculum includes two separate streams: AI for Business and AI for Engineering. These tracks are specifically designed to blend technical rigor with leadership development and hands-on industry experience, thereby preparing graduates for the evolving job market influenced by artificial intelligence.

The first undergraduate class consists of 115 students hailing from over 25 nationalities, with UAE nationals comprising more than 25% of this group. The graduate programs are equally diverse, featuring students from countries like Canada, China, Egypt, and the USA, all contributing to MBZUAI's vibrant academic community.

In welcoming the incoming students, MBZUAI has initiated an immersive Orientation Week. This program aims to integrate new students into the university's culture of academic excellence, AI-driven innovation, and community engagement. The week consists of various activities including mentorship, cultural programming, and academic sessions that highlight UAE heritage and life in Abu Dhabi. One of the key events is the Orientation Mini Fair, where participants can connect with resources for academic success and career development.

Professor Baldwin emphasized the importance of equipping future generations with the necessary skills and tools to navigate an AI-driven landscape. He stated, "The jobs of tomorrow are being shaped by AI today, and we must ensure our students are prepared for these changes. Our programs offer extraordinary value, especially for undergraduate students, setting a new global benchmark in technical depth, real-world relevance, and job readiness in the high-end AI sector."

Overall, the Fall 2025 intake signifies a transformative year for MBZUAI. With total student numbers now exceeding 700, encompassing over 47 nationalities, the university continues to attract exceptional talent, including a significant portion of graduate students who graduated from the world’s leading computer science universities. As the institution progresses, it remains committed to its mission to foster a strong educational framework that aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031 and contributes to the thriving AI ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

For those interested in learning more about MBZUAI and its programs, further information can be accessed via their official website: www.mbzuai.ac.ae.