Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) Fellowship, a national initiative designed to develop the next wave of Emirati researchers into AI faculty at top institutions in the UAE and internationally. The fully funded, two-year postdoctoral program is a core component of the country’s strategy to build a sustainable, homegrown AI talent pipeline.
Quick Facts
- Fully funded two-year postdoctoral program.
- Open exclusively to recent Emirati PhD graduates.
- Prepares fellows for tenure-track faculty positions.
Forging a National AI Talent Pipeline
The RAIS Fellowship directly supports the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which aims to establish the nation as a global leader in the field. Rather than relying solely on attracting international talent, the initiative focuses on cultivating a domestic base of elite researchers.
This strategy is designed to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where Emirati scholars drive long-term research and innovation, securing the country’s AI ambitions for the future. By anchoring its talent development locally, the UAE is working to build a generational shift in its workforce.
Program Details and Eligibility
The fellowship is open to UAE Nationals who have recently completed a PhD across a wide range of disciplines, including machine learning, biology, economics, and physics. The primary requirement is that a candidate’s research incorporates AI, computational tools, or quantitative methods.
Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate strong research potential and whose work aligns with the UAE’s long-term strategic goals. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first cohort of selected fellows expected to begin the program in the autumn of 2026.
Thamar Solorio, Vice Provost of Faculty Excellence and Advancement at MBZUAI, commented on the initiative’s goals.
“RAIS reflects our belief that the UAE’s research future must be built from within. By supporting our most promising Emirati scholars at world-class institutions, we are creating pathways for a homegrown AI faculty that is both globally competitive and deeply connected to the country’s long-term ambitions. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort and supporting them as the future research leaders of the UAE.”
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI is the first university dedicated entirely to the advancement of science through AI. The university empowers the next generation of AI leaders, driving innovation and impactful applications of AI through world-class education and interdisciplinary research. In 2025, MBZUAI launched its first-ever undergraduate program, a Bachelor of Science in AI, with two distinct streams: Business and Engineering.
Source: Middle East AI News
