Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has announced the launch of The Academy, signalling a new phase in its ambition to shape how artificial intelligence interacts with society, culture and human creativity. Positioned as a flagship initiative, The Academy will act as a global platform for thought leadership and interdisciplinary exchange.
The launch was attended by His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, and Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The event formed part of the university’s fifth-anniversary celebrations and coincided with the graduation of the sixth MBZUAI Executive Program cohort and the announcement of the first AI x Arts Fellowship.
The fellowship’s first cohort features eight prominent figures from across the creative and technological spectrum, including Refik Anadol, filmmaker James Gerde, artist Emi Kusano, and water and light artist Lachlan Turczan. They are joined by Amrita Sethi, Daniel Ambrosi, Ahmad AlAttar and curator Giuseppe Moscatello. Two residency programmes in Abu Dhabi in 2026 will bring these fellows together with AI scientists and cultural organisations to explore the societal impact of advanced technologies.
Spring Chunxiao Fu, Managing Director at the MBZUAI Academy said: “The launch of The Academy reflects the mission of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to move AI beyond the laboratory and into the heart of society. By bringing together the world’s greatest minds – from the artists in our new fellowship to the leaders in our executive programmes – we hope to shape the narratives and elevate the global conversation beyond technology to purpose and impact, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s ambitious role in the global AI landscape.”
Hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, the launch included a preview of artworks from MBZUAI’s collections, documenting the relationship between scientific progress and artistic interpretation.
The Academy also encompasses the MBZUAI Executive Program, which supports senior public and private sector leaders in applying AI to strategic priorities. The most recent cohort included 43 leaders from sectors such as healthcare, finance and energy, with more than two-thirds holding senior executive roles. Since its inception, the programme has trained over 200 leaders.
The event concluded with presentations of capstone projects demonstrating applied AI innovation, including a personalised longevity assistant designed to support healthier lifestyles and reduce healthcare costs. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
