MBZUAI launches The Academy and world's first AI x Arts Fellowship

Abu Dhabi's MBZUAI unveils a groundbreaking AI knowledge platform and recruits eight global artists for the world's first AI x Arts Fellowship in 2026. The initiative includes UAE's first NFT artist and an Emirati cultural heritage specialist.

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has launched The Academy, a global platform dedicated to AI knowledge exchange, alongside the world's first AI x Arts Fellowship in February 2026. The initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for interdisciplinary AI innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic expression.

The Academy: A new strategic pillar

The Academy serves as MBZUAI's core strategic pillar, designed to disseminate cutting-edge AI knowledge and foster high-level exchange between the world's most brilliant minds. The platform aims to reimagine the intersection of science and the humanities, moving AI beyond laboratory settings into the heart of society.

Spring Chunxiao Fu, Managing Director at the MBZUAI Academy, explained the initiative's broader mission: "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."

World's first AI x Arts Fellowship unveiled

The inaugural AI x Arts Fellowship brings together eight global visionaries who will participate in two residency programmes in Abu Dhabi in 2026. The cohort includes large-scale data pioneer Refik Anadol, filmmaker James Gerde specialising in AI-augmented narratives, and multidisciplinary artist Emi Kusano.

The fellowship particularly highlights local talent, featuring Amrita Sethi, the UAE's first NFT artist, and Ahmad AlAttar, the first Emirati to combine AI with cultural heritage. They're joined by water and light artist Lachlan Turczan, neural network landscape artist Daniel Ambrosi, and curator Giuseppe Moscatello.

The programme connects artists and AI scientists to co-create conceptual frameworks influenced by technology, while linking with major museums and cultural platforms across Abu Dhabi. This intersection of technology and culture reflects the UAE's broader commitment to AI advancements across various sectors.

MBZUAI Executive Program empowers UAE leaders

The Academy's cornerstone MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP) has trained more than 200 UAE government and business leaders to leverage AI for national priorities. The 16-week programme brings together senior leaders from critical sectors including energy, healthcare, finance, and policy.

The sixth cohort graduation coincided with The Academy launch, featuring 43 senior leaders with more than two-thirds holding high-level executive roles such as undersecretaries, CEOs, and senior vice presidents. This aligns with research showing that 92% of UAE firms prioritise AI, though skills gaps remain a challenge.

Among the programme's Leading Capstone Projects, a winning solution featured an AI-powered personalised longevity companion designed to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare spending in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating practical applications of AI education.

Abu Dhabi's cultural AI landscape

The launch event, held at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in the presence of His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, showcased artworks from MBZUAI's special collections. These pieces document the historical development of scientific knowledge and its cultural interpretation through artistic practice.

The initiative represents a significant milestone in MBZUAI's five-year journey, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global AI hub. The focus on Emirati heritage and cultural preservation through AI applications demonstrates the university's commitment to balancing technological advancement with cultural identity.

The Academy and Fellowship details

The Academy operates as MBZUAI's strategic platform for ongoing AI knowledge dissemination and high-level intellectual exchange. The AI x Arts Fellowship residency programmes are scheduled for 2026 in Abu Dhabi, connecting fellows with major cultural institutions across the emirate.

The MBZUAI Executive Program continues its 16-week format for UAE government and business leaders, having successfully graduated six cohorts to date. Applications and programme details are available through MBZUAI's official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Academy at MBZUAI?

The Academy is a global platform launched by MBZUAI dedicated to disseminating cutting-edge AI knowledge and fostering high-level exchange to reimagine the intersection of science and the humanities.

What is the AI x Arts Fellowship?

The AI x Arts Fellowship is the world's first programme of its kind, bringing together global visionaries to co-create conceptual frameworks influenced by technology, with residency programmes in Abu Dhabi.

Who are the fellows in the inaugural AI x Arts Fellowship?

The inaugural cohort includes Refik Anadol, James Gerde, Emi Kusano, Lachlan Turczan, Amrita Sethi, Daniel Ambrosi, Ahmad AlAttar, and Giuseppe Moscatello.

What is the MBZUAI Executive Program?

The MBZUAI Executive Program is a 16-week programme that empowers UAE government and business leaders to leverage AI for national priorities, having trained over 200 leaders to date.