Abu Dhabi has announced the establishment of a new merit-based scholarship program under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). The initiative is set to support exceptional undergraduate students at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
A Strategic Investment in AI Excellence
The Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence is a significant strategic investment aimed at developing promising domestic AI talent and attracting the brightest young minds from around the globe. The program will provide financial assistance and unique development opportunities for approximately 350 students over a six-year period, commencing in the 2025-2026 academic year.
This scholarship is designed to support students entering MBZUAI’s recently launched Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which marks the university’s expansion from its singular focus on postgraduate education since its opening in 2020.
Forging Future Tech Leaders
The program is open to both national and international students, with a rigorous selection process designed to identify candidates with exceptional potential. The strict criteria will focus on mathematical fluency, demonstrable leadership capabilities, and a strong entrepreneurial attitude, ensuring that recipients are not just technically proficient but also poised to become future innovators and industry leaders.
His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the scholarship aims to empower talented young minds to be active partners in shaping the future as innovators who serve humanity.
Beyond Financials A Holistic Development Program
The scholarship extends beyond financial support, offering recipients exclusive opportunities to represent the UAE at high-profile youth events both locally and globally. It will also provide additional resources to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and technology innovation projects.
The undergraduate curriculum at MBZUAI integrates core AI expertise with leadership, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary studies including humanities and business. This approach is designed to develop the critical and ethical perspectives essential for advancing AI responsibly. Students will gain hands-on experience through industry placements, internships, and mentorships with leading technology and research organizations, leveraging the university’s state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and dedicated incubation spaces.
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
Officially opened in 2020, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based AI university. Located in Abu Dhabi, it forms a key part of the UAE’s national strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. The institution attracts top talent from around the world and serves as a central pillar of Abu Dhabi’s growing AI research and development ecosystem.
Source: Middle East AI News
