MBZUAI Ranks Among Global Top 10 in AI as UAE Expands National Curriculum

Abu Dhabi Leads AI Integration in Education from Early Learning to Postgraduate Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global educational landscape, reshaping how institutions teach, assess, and prepare students for a technology-driven future. From personalised learning tools to intelligent tutoring systems and data-informed decision-making, AI is increasingly being integrated into classrooms and curricula worldwide. Reflecting this global shift, Abu Dhabi has designated AI in education as a national strategic priority, with the UAE now offering more than 44 academic programmes in the field across its higher education institutions.

At the forefront of this national transformation is the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Established in October 2019, the university has quickly gained international recognition in AI research and education. According to CSRankings, MBZUAI ranks among the top 10 universities globally in core AI disciplines, including computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computational biology. It currently offers 13 master’s and PhD programmes and, from 2025, a bachelor’s degree with specialisations in Business and Engineering. MBZUAI’s student body reflects its global outlook, with representation from 39 countries. Emiratis constitute 17% of the student population, while women make up 31% of total enrolments. To date, over 300 students have graduated with advanced degrees, and around 80% of them have joined the UAE’s growing AI ecosystem, contributing to the country's talent pipeline.

In support of innovation and entrepreneurship, MBZUAI launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in 2023 to assist AI-focused startups. Among its notable research initiatives are K2, a 65-billion-parameter language model, and Jais, the most downloaded Arabic large language model. Additionally, the university has established the Centre for Integrative AI and the Metaverse Centre, significantly boosting its academic contributions with over 1,200 conference papers and 2,200 journal publications. Beyond MBZUAI, several universities across the UAE, such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, the American University of Sharjah, and Ajman University, have incorporated specialised AI-focused degrees or established dedicated centres, signalling a widespread institutional commitment to AI education.

Furthermore, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, AI will be formally introduced into the national K–12 curriculum. Students across all grade levels will be educated in seven core areas, including foundational AI concepts, data and algorithms, software tools, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policy and community engagement. This move reflects a systemic approach to digital preparedness, extending from early education to advanced research. These initiatives collectively align with the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision, which emphasises sustainable development, digital transformation, and economic diversification. The broader national AI strategy aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI governance and innovation, transform key sectors such as healthcare and public services, foster national talent, and drive the growth of a digitally empowered economy. With education at its core, the UAE is laying a strong foundation for a future defined by technological excellence and innovation.

Editor’s Note:

The UAE’s decisive move to embed artificial intelligence across all levels of education marks a transformative chapter in its national development narrative. By integrating AI into the K–12 curriculum and expanding specialised programmes in higher education, the country is not merely adapting to global trends; it is actively shaping the future of its students and positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation. The UAE is committed to preparing Emirati students for an automated, interconnected world by focusing on data literacy, ethical AI, and tech entrepreneurship. Institutions like MBZUAI highlight this dedication to AI research and talent development. Beyond AI, the UAE has launched the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 to improve academic quality, foster global partnerships, and align university outputs with labour market needs. Other initiatives include new scholarship programs, expanded international branch campuses, and strengthened regulatory frameworks.

Skoobuzz believes that as the UAE continues to invest in knowledge-driven growth, its students stand to benefit from an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, global engagement, and lifelong learning.