The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first dedicated AI University, launched Wednesday in Masdar City.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is an all-new graduate-level AI research institution in Abu Dhabi. The University carries the name of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The University is currently accepting applications for its first Masters and Ph.D. programs, and classes will commence on September 2020. It offers a Masters of Science degree, which takes two years to complete, and a Ph.D. program of four years duration.

The university programs will cover three of the fastest-growing segments of AI: machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. It is offering full scholarships, monthly stipends health insurance, and accommodation to all its students.

The Abu Dhabi-based Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence, and applied research lab, is partnering with the University. It will supervise its PhD students and curriculum development. The Institute will also function as a principal partner for collaborative research with the University.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence

“The world needs more human capacity in the field of AI to bridge any possible gaps, and that is why today the UAE and Abu Dhabi is announcing the launch of Mohammad Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence – the world’s first graduate-level research-based AI university,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and chairman of the university’s board of trustees.

In 2017 the UAE government launched UAE 2031, a national AI strategy. It will transform eight of the country’s sectors, including space, renewable energy, water, and education. The UAE also appointed the world’s first minister of state for artificial intelligence Omar Al Olama.

According to business consultancy PwC, AI will add 14% to the world’s GDP by 2030. That is equivalent to $ 15.7 trillion. AI’s contribution to the UAE economy will be a similar percentage within the same timeframe.

The global race for leadership in AI is already hotting up. In July 2017, the State Council of China formulated a plan for the country to become the leading AI power by 2030 and to create a domestic AI industry worth about $150 billion in the next few years.

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