Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has announced the launch of The Academy, a new strategic platform aimed at advancing global dialogue around artificial intelligence and its role in shaping society. The Academy is designed to share cutting-edge AI knowledge while fostering collaboration between technologists, artists and scholars.
The launch was held with His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, and Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI, in attendance. The announcement coincided with the university’s five-year anniversary celebrations and the graduation of the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program, alongside the unveiling of the AI x Arts Fellowship.
The first fellowship cohort brings together eight internationally recognised figures, including Refik Anadol, James Gerde, Emi Kusano and Lachlan Turczan. They are joined by Amrita Sethi, Daniel Ambrosi, Ahmad AlAttar and curator Giuseppe Moscatello. Two residencies planned for 2026 in Abu Dhabi will enable collaboration between the fellows, AI scientists and leading 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.”
Hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, the launch event included previews of artworks from MBZUAI’s collections, exploring how scientific progress has been interpreted through artistic practice.
The Academy builds upon the MBZUAI Executive Program, a 16-week initiative that equips senior leaders to apply AI to national priorities. The latest cohort included 43 leaders from sectors such as healthcare, energy, finance and public policy, with more than two-thirds holding senior executive positions. More than 200 leaders have completed the programme to date.
The event also showcased 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/.