More than 3,000 apply to world's first AI university in Abu Dhabi

Applications from around the world are submitted to The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

Dignatories gather below a screen at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence in Abu Dhabi on October 16. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The recruitment process has begun for the world’s very first university dedicated to artificial intelligence, here in the UAE.

More than 3,000 people have started the process to attend The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which will open for students from September 2020.

The university, based in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, received the majority of applications from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, India and China.

More than 230 eager students have completed applications to attend next year's course - less than two weeks after the launch of the university was announced.

“It is gratifying that there has already been such a strong expression of interest so quickly after the announcement,” said Prof Sir Michael Brady, interim president of MBZUAI.

“This reaffirms our belief that there is a need for MBZUAI, as the world’s first higher education institution dedicated to artificial intelligence.

“MBZUAI will train future leaders in the field while consolidating its role as a world-class force in AI research.”

MBZUAI will offer Master of Science and PhD level programmes in areas of AI that will be crucial for future career development including machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing.

The university will provide all admitted students a full scholarship, plus benefits such as a monthly allowance, health insurance and accommodation.

There will also be partnerships with leading international and local companies to secure internships and help graduates find jobs.

“The level of interest in such a short time is a very encouraging sign,” said Dr Sultan  Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees.

“MBZUAI is attracting prospective students from around the world, affirming the UAE leadership’s vision of investing in human potential and enabling societies through knowledge and education to find practical solutions to some of the biggest challenges in the world.”

He said the university further established the UAE and Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation and higher education.