Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is launching its own undergraduate scheme.
The programme will help to train the next generation in the UAE on how to develop AI expertise and help benefit not only the region but the entire world, according to Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and member of the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, who serves as chairman of MBZUAI’s board of trustees. The programme offers bachelor's degrees in AI business and AI engineering, according to the state news agency Wam.
"It will equip the next generation of home-grown talent with deep technical expertise and an understanding of AI’s broader impact," said Mr Al Mubarak. "In doing so, it will strengthen the nation’s ability to foster a skilled workforce capable of driving AI advancements that benefit not only our country and the region and the world."
The programme was described as the first a first by MBZUAI’s president, Prof Eric Xing. “Our students won’t just be taught theory and programming," he said. "They will graduate with a critical understanding of society and people, of markets and the economy, and the practical experience and confidence to drive and lead AI initiatives, whether within established companies or through their own entrepreneurial ventures.
"We’re focused on preparing our graduates for the rapidly changing landscape of AI. We are reshaping what it means to be educated in AI – producing not just engineers, but also entrepreneurs, designers, influencers, executives and visionary innovators prepared to drive AI innovation in every sector at all stages.”
MBZUAI was first announced in 2019 as artificial intelligence developments began to create excitement after years of research across technology and academic circles. The university officially opened in 2020. The programme is open to both local and international students with a remit to attract "the brightest and most ambitious minds".
“We are not just educating students, we are building future generations of workforce and community of AI," said Prof Xing. "With this undergraduate programme, MBZUAI is setting a new standard in AI education, ensuring our graduates are equipped to transform industries and drive global progress."
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
SM Town Live is on Friday, April 6 at Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai. Tickets are Dh375 at www.platinumlist.net
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6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
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8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
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