Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the UAE’s premier graduate-level AI institution, has conferred its first-ever Honorary Doctorate on Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The ceremony, held at the university’s Abu Dhabi campus, was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and recognized Altman’s transformative leadership in the field of artificial intelligence.
Recognizing Global AI Leadership
The honorary doctorate was awarded in recognition of Altman’s pivotal role in scaling generative AI from a research concept into a global technology impacting billions of users. Professor Eric Xing, President of MBZUAI, praised Altman for his vision and courage in making AI accessible worldwide. The event was attended by ministers, dignitaries, and university faculty, underscoring its significance. HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, described the conferral as a testament to the university’s growing stature as a global center of excellence in AI.
A Symbol Of Strategic Partnership
This academic honor also highlights the deepening strategic relationship between the UAE’s AI ecosystem and OpenAI. Described as an act of ‘AI diplomacy’, the event solidifies MBZUAI’s position on the global stage. Sam Altman has been a frequent visitor to the UAE, commending the nation’s ambitious approach to AI. He was instrumental in securing US government support for locating a major AI infrastructure project, the Stargate hub, in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in international tech collaboration.
A Shared Vision For The Future Of AI
During the ceremony, both parties emphasized their aligned goals. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled reiterated that the recognition reflects the UAE’s comprehensive vision for an AI ecosystem designed to serve humanity and drive inclusive growth. In his acceptance, Sam Altman expressed his honor and commended MBZUAI’s commitment to placing AI at the core of its education and research. He highlighted the alignment between the UAE’s bold vision for AI advancement and OpenAI’s mission to ensure the benefits of artificial general intelligence are widely shared.
About MBZUAI
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based university focused solely on artificial intelligence. Based in Abu Dhabi, the university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance AI as a global force for positive progress. MBZUAI offers specialized graduate programs for local and international students in key areas of artificial intelligence, including computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing.
Source: Middle East AI News
