Abu Dhabi launches scholarship in AI studies for undergraduates

Abu Dhabi has launched a scholarship to support outstanding undergraduate students at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

The Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence will commence in the 2025–2026 academic year and will support approximately 350 undergraduate students over six years.

Selection criteria will focus on mathematical fluency, leadership and entrepreneurial attitude.

In addition to financial support, recipients will be provided with opportunities to represent the UAE at high-profile youth events locally and globally, along with resources to pursue entrepreneurship ventures and technology innovation.

The "scholarship aims to empower talented and ambitious young minds to be active partners in shaping the future we aspire to — as innovators who apply knowledge, share it widely, serve humanity, and strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ position as a leading destination at the forefront of global innovation," highlighted Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).

It's in line with the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to position the nation as a global leader in artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

Unlike traditional AI programmes, MBZUAI’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence integrates core technical expertise with leadership, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary study. Students engage with the humanities, business and liberal arts to develop critical and ethical perspectives essential for advancing artificial intelligence responsibly and at scale. The programme is open to both national and international students and aims to attract the brightest and most ambitious minds, positioning MBZUAI at the forefront of undergraduate artificial intelligence education.

Throughout the programme, students will gain hands-on experience through industry placements, internships, and mentorships with leading organisations in technology and research. They will also benefit from MBZUAI’s advanced learning environment, featuring high-performance computational infrastructure, smart classrooms, dedicated incubation spaces, and world-renowned faculty with experience spanning academia and industry.