Abu Dhabi just announced the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence, a merit-based program that will fund 350 undergraduate students over six years at the world’s first graduate-level AI research university. The scholarship will launch during the 2025-2026 academic year at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), established this program to attract top global talent while developing local AI expertise. The initiative supports MBZUAI’s new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, which began accepting undergraduates for the first time in 2025.
MBZUAI Breaks New Ground in AI Education
MBZUAI opened its doors in 2020 as the world’s first graduate-level research university dedicated to artificial intelligence. The institution already ranks 14th globally in computer vision and natural language processing, and 29th in machine learning according to CS Rankings 2024-2025. MBZUAI
The university expanded beyond graduate programs this year with its inaugural undergraduate course. The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence combines technical AI training with leadership development, entrepreneurship skills, and interdisciplinary studies, including humanities, business, and liberal arts.
Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President, said the scholarship will inspire students to “grow and lead with knowledge, creativity, and purpose.” The program differs from traditional AI curricula by emphasizing ethical perspectives needed for responsible AI development at scale.
Rigorous Selection Process Targets Future AI Leaders
The scholarship program uses strict selection criteria focused on three key areas: mathematical fluency, leadership capabilities, and entrepreneurial attitude. Both domestic and international students can apply for the merit-based awards.
Recipients gain more than financial support. The program provides exclusive opportunities to represent the UAE at high-profile youth events worldwide. Students also receive resources to pursue entrepreneurship ventures and technology innovation projects during their studies.
Sheikh Tahnoon emphasized the program’s broader purpose: “This 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.” MBZUAI Official News
UAE’s Strategic AI Investment Continues
The scholarship program forms part of the UAE’s larger strategy to become a global AI leader. Abu Dhabi is committed to becoming the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027, backed by AED 13 billion ($3.5 billion) in investment.
The emirate has built the region’s largest concentration of AI research talent. Recent partnerships include Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi’s G42 AI company and strengthened cooperation agreements with the United States on artificial intelligence development.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees, called the scholarship “an investment in human potential, the most powerful driver of national progress.” He added that it helps build the next generation of global AI leaders who will shape tomorrow’s knowledge economy.
Hands-On Learning Environment Attracts Global Talent
MBZUAI students gain practical experience through industry placements, internships, and mentorships with leading technology and research organizations. The university provides high-performance computational infrastructure, smart classrooms, and dedicated incubation spaces for student projects.
The undergraduate program welcomes its first cohort of 403 students for Fall 2025, including 25% Emirati students. The university maintains a selective 5% acceptance rate while drawing talent from over 49 countries.
Faculty members bring experience from both academia and industry, providing students with real-world perspectives on AI applications. The program includes full-time industry co-op experiences to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
Global Impact of the UAE’s AI Education Model
The Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship positions MBZUAI at the forefront of undergraduate AI education worldwide. The program combines rigorous technical training with leadership development and ethical considerations rarely found in traditional computer science curricula.
This comprehensive approach addresses growing concerns about responsible AI development as the technology becomes more powerful and widespread. By integrating humanities and business studies with technical training, MBZUAI prepares graduates to consider broader societal implications of their work.
The scholarship program also signals the UAE’s commitment to competing with established tech education centers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. By attracting international talent while developing local expertise, Abu Dhabi builds a sustainable foundation for its AI ambitions.
Applications for the scholarship program are now open, with a deadline of November 15th for the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative represents one of the largest investments in AI education talent development in the Middle East region.
