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.
Abu Dhabi will open the first university in the world dedicated to artificial intelligence research, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), as the enormous potential for AI to address global challenges and spur economic growth becomes clear.
"Over the next few decades, humanity has some huge problems to contend with: climate change, sustainability, eliminating poverty. We can either be discouraged or we can look to the potential of the pervasiveness of technology to solve problems small and large," said Professor Daniela Rus, a member of MBZUAI's founding board of trustees and director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), at the launch event for the university on Wednesday.
To help address these pressing challenges, MBZUAI is offering Master of Science and PhD degrees in three of the fastest-growing areas of AI: machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing.
Professor Rus implored prospective students to ask, "not what tech can do for them, but what they can do for technology".
The National digs into what students at MBZUAI will be researching - that is, what they will be doing for technology - and why each specialty matters.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is the study of algorithms and statistical models that use computers to accomplish a task without explicit instructions from humans, instead relying on patterns and inference based on data.
This field of AI has attracted as much as $7 billion (Dh25.7bn) in venture capital as of 2016, according to US consultancy McKinsey, making it one of the biggest categories of AI research.
Machine learning can be used to determine the most efficient routes which can cut down on congestion and reduce carbon emissions; help diagnose disease to speed up treatment-related decisions; analyse environmental trends and renewable energy resources; and detect patterns in images to improve security or make scientific breakthroughs.
Machine learning is already part of everyday life, from credit card fraud protection to Netflix recommendations of what to watch next.
IBM has deployed machine learning to help wind and solar companies predict conditions up to a month in advance, using its technology dubbed 'Watt-sun' which can help renewable power plants be powered up and ready to capture the energy of a sunny or windy day.
Computer Vision
This field of AI studies how computers can be used to interpret visual imagery and physical surroundings.
The market for computer vision is forecast to be worth $17.4bn by 2023, up $5.5bn from 2018, as demand for robotics systems that can 'see' and navigate grows, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets.
This technology is being used and further developed for automating tasks in space, inspecting underwater structures like offshore drilling platforms and in drones to inspect forestation and agriculture.
Computer vision has applications for the UAE's large industrial and manufacturing sectors, particularly in oil, gas and petrochemicals, which can improve productivity and efficiency through automated monitoring systems supported by this technology.
Natural language processing
Star Trek's universal translator - that nifty device capable of instantly translating any language, allowing conversation between anyone - could one day soon become a reality. In fact, the Minister for Artificial intelligence, Omar Al Olama, spoke enthusiastically about advances in instant translation from the Aqdar World Summit in Moscow last month.
Within a short time, it will be possible to communicate instantly and accurately in any language in the world, despite not knowing a single word, he predicted.
This will have immediate benefit in the UAE, home to some 200 nationalities and about two dozen different languages.
This field of AI, known as natural language processing, is working to develop computers able to extract meaning and intent from spoken and written text in a readable and grammatically correct form. NLP powers the likes of virtual assistants Alexa, Siri and Google Translate, and the technology is being used to gain insights from enormous sets of data, too.
Fourteen per cent of companies globally are using NLP in some capacity, according to a survey by Deloitte.
For government agencies working in defense, public safety, transportation or health care, they can come up against some of the same challenges as a non-native speaker in a strange land. Large agencies can struggle to make sense of huge volumes of unstructured text or data to make "informed decisions, improve services and save lives", according to Deloitte. Natural language processing can be used to help investigate crime or provide insights for policy analysis by "connecting the dots" within massive amounts of data.
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
The currency conundrum
Russ Mould, investment director at online trading platform AJ Bell, says almost every major currency has challenges right now. “The US has a huge budget deficit, the euro faces political friction and poor growth, sterling is bogged down by Brexit, China’s renminbi is hit by debt fears while slowing Chinese growth is hurting commodity exporters like Australia and Canada.”
Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.
This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.
Five healthy carbs and how to eat them
Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand
Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat
Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar
Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices
Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants
Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
All matches in Bulawayo Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return.
The trek
Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required.
