The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) appointed a world-renowned computer science professor as its president.
Eric Xing is an academic specialising in machine learning at Carnegie Mellon University, a private research university in the United States.
His research encompasses how automated learning can be used to solve complex problems in reasoning and decision-making.
Prof Xing's appointment came as the Abu Dhabi university – the world's first dedicated to artificial intelligence – prepares for its first batch of graduate students in January.
"It is a privilege to have this opportunity to lead such a ground-breaking establishment, and to do so in the UAE, a country that has made AI a strategic national priority," said Prof Xing, who was born in Shanghai, China.

"As president of MBZUAI, my vision is to build and enable a generation of leaders who have the necessary understanding, expertise and skills to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence through academic research and industry applications," he said.
“Artificial intelligence is one of the most transformational technologies of our time, with the potential to have an immeasurable positive impact on economies, industries, and society.
“We are determined to make the UAE a hub for the international AI community."
Prof Xing holds a doctorate in molecular biology from Rutgers University, and a PhD in computer science from UC Berkeley, a public research university.
He has served as visiting associate professor at Stanford University and a visiting research professor at Facebook.
The MBZUAI was accredited by the UAE academic authority in March.
The university, in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, will offer Master of Science and PhD-level programmes.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees, said the university was excited to welcome Prof Xing.
"He is one of the world's foremost academics in the field of artificial intelligence and an exceptional business leader who understands its practical application."
Prof Xing will take the reins from interim president, Prof Michael Brady.
The university will focus on building the capabilities of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, and is open to researchers and innovators from across the world.
MBZUAI will provide all admitted students with a full scholarship, plus benefits such as a monthly allowance, health insurance and accommodation.
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Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
MATCH INFO
Karnataka Tuskers 110-5 (10 ovs)
Tharanga 48, Shafiq 34, Rampaul 2-16
Delhi Bulls 91-8 (10 ovs)
Mathews 31, Rimmington 3-28
Karnataka Tuskers win by 19 runs
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Kanguva
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Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
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Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world
New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.
The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.
Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.
“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.
"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."
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Plastic tipping points
COMPANY PROFILE
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Friday, May 24:
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Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
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Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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The smuggler
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According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
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For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
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Name: Oulo.com
Founder: Kamal Nazha
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2020
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Sector: Technology
Funding: $450,000
Tomorrow 2021
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The specs
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'Saand Ki Aankh'
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