Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has announced the launch of The Academy, a new strategic initiative designed to broaden how artificial intelligence is shared, debated and understood across disciplines. Positioned as a global platform, The Academy brings together expertise from science, technology, the arts and the humanities to explore AI’s growing influence on society.
The launch took place in the presence of His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Member of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, alongside Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at MBZUAI. The announcement formed part of the university’s five-year milestone celebrations and coincided with the graduation of the sixth cohort of the MBZUAI Executive Program, as well as the unveiling of the university’s first AI x Arts Fellowship.
The inaugural fellowship cohort includes eight internationally recognised figures, among them 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. In 2026, the fellows will participate in two Abu Dhabi-based residencies designed to connect artists with AI scientists and cultural institutions across the emirate.
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.”
Held at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, the launch event featured previews from MBZUAI’s art collections, showcasing how scientific knowledge has been interpreted through creative practice.
The Academy also builds on the success of the MBZUAI Executive Program, a 16-week initiative supporting senior government and business leaders in applying AI to national priorities. To date, more than 200 leaders have completed the programme.
The event concluded with presentations of Leading Capstone Projects, including an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to enhance health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in Abu Dhabi. More regional news is available at https://abudhabi-news.com/.