Abu Dhabi: 59 graduates from 25 countries graduate from MBZUAI – News

Al Jaber says MBZUAI is empowering the next generation of AI experts

Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber and Eric Xing with a student at the MBZUAI graduation ceremony. – Photos provided

The graduation ceremony of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) celebrated the second cohort of 59 students representing 25 countries to obtain a master’s degree in computer vision and machine learning, as well as the first natural language processing graduates.

The event was held in the presence of Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Chairman-elect of COP28 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBZUAI, and Prof. Eric Xing, Chairman of the Board of MBZUAI, President of MBZUAI and University professors, as well as board members and university faculty members.

Al Jaber pointed out in his speech that MBZUAI is empowering the next generation of artificial intelligence experts.

“I believe the class of 2023 will have far-reaching social and economic impact and develop practical AI solutions that will help overcome some of society’s grand challenges, particularly in the areas of climate, healthcare and education ,” he said in his speech. The event was held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

As he prepares to host COP28 UAE, Al Jaber points to artificial intelligence as one of the “most powerful tools” for making transformational progress on the climate agenda.

Among the 59 graduates, 32 majored in machine learning, 20 majored in computer vision, and 7 majored in natural language processing. The Class of 2023 came from 25 countries, including China, the UAE, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Italy and Jordan, underscoring the University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that attracts students from around the world of top talent. More than half of our graduates take part in voluntary industry placements, preparing them to move on and become creators and changemakers in healthcare, technology, energy, transportation and government.

“In a world that has never been more complex or more open to opportunity, you – the class of 2023 – are poised to drive solutions that move the UAE and the world forward,” Al Jaber added.

The Class of 2023 also has 17 academic papers published or accepted in major conferences and journals of international standing, and received top honors in domestic and international hackathons.

The ceremony included the MBZUAI Research Showcase, where faculty and students showcased current projects, highlighting the University’s three key research pillars – health, climate and education.

Xing urges graduates to embrace curiosity, explore new frontiers, and change the world by harnessing the potential of AI to bring about meaningful and positive change.

“This is a pivotal time as the broader public interest turns its attention to artificial intelligence – with the speed, scale and ambition of the UAE as a young nation, it provides an international hub of innovation that attracts the field The greatest talent in the world. I congratulate the Class of 2023 as they embark on the next stage of their journey.”

Today, 46% of graduates are already employed, Ph.D. placements, or paid internships. Organizations such as Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Police, G42 Healthcare, Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence and SnapChat UK have secured employment.