Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has launched The Academy, a new platform created to expand global engagement with artificial intelligence and its impact across science, culture and society. The Academy is positioned as a forum for advanced dialogue, knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The launch was attended by 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 coincided with the university’s five-year milestone celebrations, the graduation of the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program and the introduction of the AI x Arts Fellowship.
The fellowship’s inaugural 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. In 2026, the fellows will participate in two residencies in Abu Dhabi, working alongside AI scientists and engaging with major cultural institutions.
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 was hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, where attendees explored works from the university’s art collections illustrating the historical evolution of scientific knowledge.
A core element of The Academy is the MBZUAI Executive Program, a 16-week initiative aimed at enabling senior leaders to apply AI to strategic priorities. The latest cohort included 43 participants from critical sectors, with more than two-thirds holding senior executive roles. To date, over 200 leaders have completed the programme.
The event also highlighted practical innovation through Leading Capstone Projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditure in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
