Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has announced the creation of The Academy, a new initiative designed to elevate global engagement with artificial intelligence and its wider cultural and societal implications. Introduced as a core pillar of the university, The Academy aims to convene world-leading experts across AI, science, arts and the humanities.
The launch ceremony took place with His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, in attendance alongside Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The event formed part of the university’s five-year celebrations and coincided with the graduation of the sixth MBZUAI Executive Program cohort and the announcement of its inaugural AI x Arts Fellowship.
The fellowship’s first cohort features eight internationally recognised figures, including Refik Anadol, filmmaker James Gerde, multidisciplinary 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 scheduled for 2026 in Abu Dhabi will connect these fellows with AI scientists and cultural institutions to explore how technology is reshaping creative and social frameworks.
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.”
The event was hosted at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, where guests viewed artworks from the university’s collections that document the historical evolution of scientific knowledge through artistic interpretation.
The Academy also builds on the success of the MBZUAI Executive Program, a 16-week initiative aimed at empowering senior leaders to apply AI to national and organisational priorities. The most recent cohort included 43 participants from sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy and policy, with over two-thirds holding senior executive positions. In total, more than 200 leaders have completed the programme.
The launch concluded with a showcase of Leading Capstone Projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to support healthier living and reduce healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.
