Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

RISE OF AI EDUCATION With every passing day, artificial intelligence or AI is becoming an important aspect in every facet of our lives. Stanford University’s recent study shows more and more students are enrolling in introductory AI and machine learning classes. LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report also puts ‘Artificial Intelligence Specialist’ as the top ranking emerging job, with 74 per cent annual growth over the past four years.

As AI and machine learning become more popular, the need for dedicated courses in school and colleges will only increase. Skills unique to the AI-related roles are Machine Learning, Deep Learning, TensorFlow, Python and Natural Language Processing.

“Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have both become synonymous with innovation, and our data shows that’s more than just buzz,” says LinkedIn. “Hiring growth for this role has grown 74 per cent annually in the past 4 years and encompasses a few different titles within the space that all have a very specific set of skills despite being spread across industries, including artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer,” it adds.

Preparing its next generation for the future, Abu Dhabi launched the world’s first graduate-level AI university.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, is a research-based academic institution that offers specialised degree programmes for local and international students in the field of Artificial Intelligence. The university aims to support the advancement of scientific research, development, transfer, and use of Artificial Intelligence through the introduction of MSc and Ph.D. programmes that allow students to fulfill their intellectual potential in a state-of-theart environment.

Named after His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the AI university will introduce a new model of academia and research to the field of Artificial Intelligence. The establishment promises to provide students and faculty members with access to some of the world›s most advanced AI systems in existence.

The courses currently on offer at MBZUAI are:

PhD in Computer Vision PhD in Machine Learning MSc in Computer Vision MSc in Machine Learning

From 2021, the university plans to PhD and MSc courses in Natural Language Processing. “The research-based AI university will bring the discipline of AI into the forefront, moulding and empowering creative pioneers who can lead us to a new AI empowered era,” said His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, who has been appointed Chair of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees.

In less than two weeks after the university’s launch was announced, MBZUAI received over 3,200 applications. All admitted students will get full scholarship, along with benefits such as a monthly allowance, health insurance and accommodation. There will also be partnerships with international and local firms to secure internships and help in jobs searches.

The university will open for students from September 2020. The launch of the world’s first AI university has caught international media attention, with many calling it a “milestone”. This future-ready approach of the UAE government has made sure that both the people of Emirates and GCC region as a whole are ready for tomorrow.