The world's first dedicated artificial intelligence university in Abu Dhabi has pushed back its start date for its inaugural class to January 2021.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) was set to welcome its first batch of students in August, but the academic year has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the Board of Trustees said the decision was made to protect the "health and well-being" of students and staff.
"The university is eager and ready to welcome our first cohort of students from around the world, however, given the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the decision to start the academic year in 2021 has been made in the best interests of the prospective students, faculty, and staff," he said.
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The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi in October 2019. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National -
From left to right Peng Xiao, Professor Daniela Rus, Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Professor Anil K Jain and Dr Kai-Fu Lee at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence. -
The first classes were scheduled to begin in September 2020 but have now been postponed to January 2021. -
As the first university to have a singular focus on AI, the institution aims to attract students from around the world to advance the technology and propel the UAE’s economic diversification efforts. -
At the launch, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the "invention of electricity, the railroad, smartphones all transformed the world as we knew it. AI can lead to an ever-greater societal and economic transformation." -
Omar Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence at the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. -
Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education. -
AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion (Dh57.7tn), according to business consultancy PwC. -
The UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, first in the region, according to Oxford Insights. -
With the opening of MBZUAI, AI research will be both common and local in the UAE. -
Professor Sir Michael Brady and Dr Sultan Al Jaber. -
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. -
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. -
L-R Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Falasi and Omar Al Olama. -
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. -
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
Construction on the campus, located in Masdar City in the capital, is due to be complete in the coming weeks.
Once open, it will offer Master of Science (MSc) and PhD-level programmes to interested students on a full scholarship, which includes a monthly allowance, health insurance, and accommodation.
Launched in October 2019, the university has garnered global interest and has received more than 1,200 applications from more than 80 countries.
All of those who applied have been informed of the change and the university admissions office said it would begin to send out additional acceptance offers soon.
In a letter sent out to applicants, Professor Sir Michael Brady, interim president of MBZUAI, said the global containment measures related to Covid-19 made it “difficult to ensure” that every admitted student would be able to join the Masdar City campus in August 2020.
However, he expressed his excitement at welcoming all students in the New Year to explore the “full potential of AI together".
Students will also take up internships at some of the world’s leading global and local technology companies during their time on campus.
During a video conference on Wednesday, the board also discussed future plans for the university including faculty and leadership positions and potential employment opportunities for graduating students.
