Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has officially launched The Academy, marking a significant expansion of its role as a global hub for AI research, dialogue and cultural engagement. The Academy is designed to disseminate advanced AI knowledge while fostering collaboration between science, the arts and the humanities.
The launch was held in the presence of His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, alongside Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The announcement aligned with the university’s five-year milestone celebrations and the graduation of the sixth MBZUAI Executive Program cohort, as well as the unveiling of the university’s first AI x Arts Fellowship.
The inaugural fellowship cohort brings together eight international creatives and innovators, including Refik Anadol, James Gerde, Emi Kusano and Lachlan Turczan. They are joined by UAE NFT artist Amrita Sethi, neural network artist Daniel Ambrosi, Emirati cultural technologist Ahmad AlAttar and curator Giuseppe Moscatello. The fellows will participate in two Abu Dhabi-based residencies in 2026, designed to foster collaboration with AI scientists and cultural institutions across the emirate.
Spring Chunxiao Fu, Managing Director at the MBZUAI Academy said: “The launch of The Academy reflects the mission of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to move AI beyond the laboratory and into the heart of society. By bringing together the world’s greatest minds – from the artists in our new fellowship to the leaders in our executive programmes – we hope to shape the narratives and elevate the global conversation beyond technology to purpose and impact, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s ambitious role in the global AI landscape.”
The launch event took place at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation and included previews from the university’s art collections, which explore the cultural interpretation of scientific advancement.
The Academy’s work builds on the MBZUAI Executive Program, a 16-week initiative that equips senior leaders with the tools needed to apply AI across national priorities. The latest cohort included 43 senior participants from sectors such as energy, healthcare, finance and policy, with more than two-thirds in executive leadership roles. To date, over 200 leaders have completed the programme.
The event also highlighted applied innovation through leading capstone projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
