Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has announced the launch of the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a flagship postdoctoral fellowship designed to cultivate the UAE’s top talent in artificial intelligence and computational research. The initiative provides a clear pathway for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to become leaders in the global AI landscape.
Cultivating Future AI Leaders
The RAIS program offers recent UAE National Ph.D. graduates a unique opportunity to undertake two-year, fully funded postdoctoral fellowships at some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions.
The program’s name holds significant cultural meaning. “Ruwwad” (رُوَّاد) translates to ‘pioneers,’ while the acronym RAIS intentionally echoes “Ra’is” (رئيس), meaning ‘leader’. This reflects the core ambition of the fellowship: to shape the next generation of the UAE’s research pioneers and leaders in the field of artificial intelligence.
A Comprehensive Fellowship Package
The fellowship is designed to allow scholars to focus entirely on their research without financial constraints. It includes a competitive stipend, dedicated research funds, insurance, relocation support, and a budget for conference travel.
By covering all associated costs, the program ensures that host institutions worldwide can welcome these Emirati scholars without any financial burden, fostering seamless international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A Strategic National Investment
The RAIS program is a strategic initiative to build a sustainable pipeline of academic talent, strengthening the nation’s research capabilities and solidifying its position as a global AI hub. Completion of the fellowship is intended to enhance participants’ eligibility for tenure-track faculty positions, with a direct pathway to academic leadership roles at MBZUAI.
“RAIS is more than a fellowship – it is a national investment in the scholars who will define the UAE’s research identity for decades to come,” said Thamar Solorio, Vice Provost of Faculty Excellence and Advancement at MBZUAI.
“Through our most promising Emirati minds at the world’s leading institutions, we are not just building careers, we are building the foundations of a homegrown AI faculty that is globally competitive and deeply rooted in our national ambitions,” she added.
About The Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) Program
The Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program is a postdoctoral fellowship by MBZUAI for Emirati Ph.D. graduates. It provides a fully funded, two-year research placement at leading global institutions. The program targets graduates across a broad range of fields, including core AI, machine learning, computational social science, data science, epidemiology, and life sciences, with the ultimate goal of creating a pipeline of elite faculty for the UAE’s academic institutions.
Source: MBZUAI
