Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has announced the launch of The Academy, a new strategic initiative designed to broaden global engagement with artificial intelligence and its societal impact. Established as a core pillar of the university, The Academy aims to connect advanced AI research with culture, leadership 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, and Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The announcement formed part of MBZUAI’s five-year milestone celebrations and coincided with the graduation of the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program, alongside the unveiling of the AI x Arts Fellowship.
The inaugural fellowship cohort brings together eight international figures from across art, technology and culture. These include Refik Anadol, filmmaker James Gerde, multidisciplinary artist Emi Kusano and water and light artist Lachlan Turczan, alongside Amrita Sethi, Daniel Ambrosi, Ahmad AlAttar and curator Giuseppe Moscatello. In 2026, the fellows will take part in two residency programmes in Abu Dhabi, working alongside AI scientists and engaging with 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 a preview of works from MBZUAI’s art collections, exploring the relationship between scientific knowledge and artistic interpretation.
The Academy also incorporates the MBZUAI Executive Program, which equips senior government and business leaders to apply AI to national priorities. More than 200 leaders have completed the programme to date.
The event concluded with presentations of Leading Capstone Projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
