The 2024 class of Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) made history as the world’s first dedicated artificial intelligence university graduated its diverse cohort of 101 students from 22 different nationalities. The graduation ceremony took place at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, where Emiratis made up 24% of the graduating class.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and chairman of the board of trustees of MBZUAI, commended the graduates for choosing to pursue studies in the burgeoning field of AI. He emphasized the significant role they would play in shaping history and driving human progress through their expertise in AI.
MBZUAI’s president, Prof Eric Xing, urged the graduates to help dispel misconceptions about AI and harness its power for the greater good. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in addressing challenges in healthcare and climate change, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and leveraging AI for the benefit of society.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who congratulated the students on their achievements. Numan Saeed, the valedictorian of the 2024 class, shared his personal motivation for pursuing AI studies, citing his research in applying AI to cancer treatment as a way to make a difference in the world.
This graduating class also marked a milestone for MBZUAI, as it included the institution’s first PhD graduates, further solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field of artificial intelligence. The event concluded with a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future contributions of these talented graduates to the world of AI.