The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is actively advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research to utilize it as a worldwide force benefiting humanity’s progress and well-being. With the expertise to drive technological advancement nationally and globally, MBZUAI presently focuses on three main research pillars: health, climate, and education.
MBZUAI is a postgraduate research institution aiming to cultivate collaborative interdisciplinary AI research and development capabilities. It also imparts education to foster innovative leaders equipped with comprehensive knowledge, contributing to technology and enterprise growth in the UAE and worldwide.
The university plays a crucial role in the UAE Government’s strategic objectives, recognizing AI’s significance for future prosperity. MBZUAI’s mission aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a prominent hub for the global AI community, according to WAM.
As of August 2023, MBZUAI holds the 19th position globally in specialized areas including AI, computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Additionally, it has introduced new departments and graduate programs in robotics and computer science to address the growing global demand for these fields.
Educators are using artificial intelligence (AI) to democratize education, broadening access to robust learning resources, particularly for underprivileged groups such as families with lower socioeconomic status, remote communities, individuals facing learning disabilities or obstacles to traditional education, and girls and young women in specific regions.
Emerging Technologies and Education Transformation
Emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are advancing swiftly, while internet availability is becoming more widespread. This presents an opportunity to introduce transformative educational solutions to children who might not have access to conventional schools.
MBZUAI employs AI to develop methods for generating lifelike 3D videos and avatars from 2D images. This holds significance as producing 3D content for VR and AR traditionally involves substantial costs and time.
Leveraging AI, faculty and researchers are striving to curtail these expenses and even generate real-time 3D content. This innovation will enable the creation of authentic 3D avatars of both teachers and students, laying the foundation for more captivating virtual classrooms. MBZUAI’s Metaverse Lab has achieved the capability to craft realistic 3D renditions of historical figures, recreate pivotal historical events, and illustrate the functioning of human organs in 3D.
In numerous parts of the globe, such technology could facilitate the delivery of tailored, high-quality education to children who would otherwise lack access. Even in more advanced educational systems, this technology can enhance learning by providing teachers with immersive 3D content and tools that invigorate education.
Through AI tutors, the faculty at MBZUAI is striving to enhance the inclusivity of education and personalise the learning experience to address the needs of each student. In such applications, it is essential for AI to remain impartial, and the development of algorithms must remain uninfluenced by personal biases, gender, culture, or politics.
It should adhere to high-quality datasets and possess the ability to evaluate students’ responses, offer guidance and insights, and assess areas that need improvement.
Empowering Executives in AI Leadership
Artificial intelligence (AI) will never substitute teachers, but it will simplify their roles, enhance their job satisfaction, and ultimately result in improved student achievements.
Like most societal advancements, this progress offers both opportunities and challenges and necessitates guidelines for optimal practices. Technology has already advanced to a stage where it can deliver top-notch education.
This continuous learning and teaching system is built upon MBZUAI’s proficiency in natural language processing (NLP), causal inference, reinforcement learning, reliable AI, and transparent AI. It will establish the UAE as a frontrunner in tele-education and customised primary and secondary instruction, while also generating a substantial pool of skilled workers.
The MBZUAI Executive Programme is an intensive 12-week initiative aimed at addressing the demand for leaders proficient in AI across government, industry, academia, and other domains. Guided by prominent global experts and innovators in the AI field, the programme offers executives a hands-on understanding of AI and its implications for business and policy development.
