Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has launched the first in a series of MAILIS, an in-person platform that brings together Emirati youth and leaders to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The inaugural event, hosted at the MBZUAI campus, convened more than 50 Emiratis, including top-performing high school students, alumni from the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), and leaders from the education and technology sectors.

Programmed under the theme Find Your Path in AI, MAILIS spotlighted personal journeys, career insights, and the university’s latest academic milestone—the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme, now open for applications for Fall 2025. Through meaningful conversations around AI, inspiring future careers, and supporting the UAE’s national development goals.

Rawdha Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach at MBZUAI, said: “Launched as part of the UAE’s Year of Community, MBZUAI MAILIS is more than just a conversation—it’s a platform to connect, inspire, and chart a new path for AI in the UAE. It reflects our belief that AI is not only the future; it is now—and that academic excellence, industry relevance, and national development must go hand in hand.”

The newly launched outreach initiative, MBZUAI MAILIS, aims to create meaningful spaces for students, educators, and policymakers to connect around shared goals of innovation, learning, and national development.

The event started with Almeraikhi delivering a keynote on AI’s potential to advance innovation across sectors and was followed by a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Eman Al Mughairy, MBZUAI’s Head of National Development Programs. Panelists included Khaled Al Remeithi, Director of Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD); Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, National Experts Program (NEP) Technology and Innovation Fellow; and Professor Hao Li, and Director of the MBZUAI Metaverse Center and Professor of Computer Vision. 

Khaled Al Remeithi, Director of Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) said: “AI is reshaping the future, and events like MBZUAI MAILIS are crucial to helping young minds see where they can fit in and contribute meaningfully. A key takeaway for students is to start exploring the opportunities in AI early, because building the UAE’s AI-driven future begins with unlocking human potential.”

Students engaged with speakers during an open Q&A session, asking questions about academic and career pathways, research opportunities, and AI’s broader societal impact.

The event also served as an introduction to MBZUAI’s newly launched undergraduate programme with applications currently being accepted for this Fall. Unlike traditional AI curricula, this Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will equip students with a strong foundation in AI fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, and provide cross-disciplinary training in business, finance, industrial design, market analysis, management, and communication.

For registration interest, email: nd.programs@mbzuai.ac.ae.