Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2019: The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence. Wednesday the 16th of October 2019. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2019: The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence. Wednesday the 16th of October 2019. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2019: The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence. Wednesday the 16th of October 2019. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - October 16, 2019: The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence. Wednesday the 16th of October 2019. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak /

Education

Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi's AI university pushes back start date to January 2021

The decision was made to protect the health and well-being of students and staff

The National

May 10, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

The world's first dedicated artificial intelligence university in Abu Dhabi has pushed back its start date for its inaugural class to January 2021.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) was set to welcome its first batch of students in August, but the academic year has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the Board of Trustees said the decision was made to protect the "health and well-being" of students and staff.

"The university is eager and ready to welcome our first cohort of students from around the world, however, given the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the decision to start the academic year in 2021 has been made in the best interests of the prospective students, faculty, and staff," he said.

The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi in October 2019. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi in October 2019. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
From left to right Peng Xiao, Professor Daniela Rus, Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Professor Anil K Jain and Dr Kai-Fu Lee at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence.
From left to right Peng Xiao, Professor Daniela Rus, Professor Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Professor Anil K Jain and Dr Kai-Fu Lee at the launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence.
The first classes were scheduled to begin in September 2020 but have now been postponed to January 2021.
The first classes were scheduled to begin in September 2020 but have now been postponed to January 2021.
As the first university to have a singular focus on AI, the institution aims to attract students from around the world to advance the technology and propel the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.
As the first university to have a singular focus on AI, the institution aims to attract students from around the world to advance the technology and propel the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.
At the launch, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the "invention of electricity, the railroad, smartphones all transformed the world as we knew it. AI can lead to an ever-greater societal and economic transformation."
At the launch, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the "invention of electricity, the railroad, smartphones all transformed the world as we knew it. AI can lead to an ever-greater societal and economic transformation."
Omar Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence at the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
Omar Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence at the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education.
Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Falasi, Minister of Higher Education.
AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion (Dh57.7tn), according to business consultancy PwC.
AI is expected to add 14 per cent to the world’s gross domestic product by 2030, equivalent to $15.7 trillion (Dh57.7tn), according to business consultancy PwC.
The UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, first in the region, according to Oxford Insights.
The UAE ranks 19th worldwide on the government AI readiness index, first in the region, according to Oxford Insights.
With the opening of MBZUAI, AI research will be both common and local in the UAE.
With the opening of MBZUAI, AI research will be both common and local in the UAE.
Professor Sir Michael Brady and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
Professor Sir Michael Brady and Dr Sultan Al Jaber.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
L-R Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Falasi and Omar Al Olama.
L-R Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Falasi and Omar Al Olama.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.
The launch of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial intelligence at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi.

Construction on the campus, located in Masdar City in the capital, is due to be complete in the coming weeks.

Once open, it will offer Master of Science (MSc) and PhD-level programmes to interested students on a full scholarship, which includes a monthly allowance, health insurance, and accommodation.

Launched in October 2019, the university has garnered global interest and has received more than 1,200 applications from more than 80 countries.

All of those who applied have been informed of the change and the university admissions office said it would begin to send out additional acceptance offers soon.

Read More

World's first artificial intelligence university receives accreditation

This is the teaching moment for artificial intelligence

In a letter sent out to applicants, Professor Sir Michael Brady, interim president of MBZUAI, said the global containment measures related to Covid-19 made it “difficult to ensure” that every admitted student would be able to join the Masdar City campus in August 2020.

However, he expressed his excitement at welcoming all students in the New Year to explore the “full potential of AI together".

Students will also take up internships at some of the world’s leading global and local technology companies during their time on campus.

During a video conference on Wednesday, the board also discussed future plans for the university including faculty and leadership positions and potential employment opportunities for graduating students.

Martin Sabbagh profile

Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East

In the role: Since January 2015

Lives: In the UAE

Background: M&A, investment banking

Studied: Corporate finance

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

MATCH INFO

What: Brazil v South Korea
When: Tonight, 5.30pm
Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
 

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
Timeline

1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line

1962
250 GTO is unveiled

1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company

1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens

1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made

1987
F40 launched

1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent

2002
The Enzo model is announced

2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi

2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled

2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives

2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company

2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street

2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary

Read more
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Tomorrow 2021
US versus China

Royal Birkdale Golf Course

Location: Southport, Merseyside, England

Established: 1889

Type: Private

Total holes: 18

The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X

Price, as tested: Dh84,000

Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: Six-speed auto

Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km

The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
On Women's Day
War and the virus
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kareem Shaheen on Canada

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

School uniforms report
England World Cup squad

Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The%20Iron%20Claw
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sean%20Durkin%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Zac%20Efron%2C%20Jeremy%20Allen%20White%2C%20Harris%20Dickinson%2C%20Maura%20Tierney%2C%20Holt%20McCallany%2C%20Lily%20James%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Destroyer

Director: Karyn Kusama

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan

Rating: 3/5 

UAE release: January 31 

CoronavirusEducationUAEScience