Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has signed a multi-year agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This MBZUAI AWS partnership aims to push forward AI research, build skills, and help startups grow in the UAE and beyond.​
Joint Research Program Starts
MBZUAI and AWS kick off a Strategic Research Program. They target key AI areas that both agree on. AWS brings cloud tools, expert guidance, and a list of public datasets. MBZUAI adds its top faculty, young researchers, and lab spaces. Together, they turn ideas into real-world fixes that matter. The program strengthens ties between university labs and industry needs. Researchers get hands-on access to powerful computing that speeds up experiments.​
Training for Students and Pros
The deal fits with the UAE’s National Strategy for Higher Education 2030. It backs the Expanded Professional Experience program, too. Students get hands-on work in real settings through projects and training. AWS offers live classes and online lessons on its Skill Builder platform. These cover cloud tech, AI basics, and machine learning skills. Faculty members also join workshops to update their teaching methods. This setup prepares the next generation for jobs in a fast-growing tech field.​
GenAI Academy Opens Doors
A new GenAI Academy launches for MBZUAI undergrads. It runs hackathons that tackle issues in government work, business startups, and social good. Students use Pro Tools to solve tough problems right away. Teams compete to build working prototypes in short time frames. Winners gain extra mentorship and funding chances. The academy fosters creative thinking tied to practical outcomes.​
Help for New Startups
MBZUAI’s Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center jumps in. Startups that qualify get AWS Activate perks. That means free cloud credits, tech advice, and business tips to speed up growth. Founders learn to scale operations without huge upfront costs. This support helps turn student projects into viable companies. Early-stage ventures in AI find a clear path to market success.​
Leaders Share Their Views
Timothy Baldwin, who serves as MBZUAI Provost and teaches Natural Language Processing, says this team-up mixes school smarts with AWS power. It opens doors for teachers, researchers, and students to make a real difference. Chris Erasmus, AWS General Manager for the UAE and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa, points out how their cloud know-how pairs with MBZUAI’s bold ideas. This sets up strong tech skills for the next wave of talent.​
Broader Impact on the UAE AI Scene
The partnership builds a stronger AI ecosystem in the UAE. It draws global attention to the country’s push for tech leadership. Local talent stays home instead of seeking opportunities abroad. Businesses tap into fresh innovations faster. Government projects benefit from reliable AI tools. Over time, this collaboration could spark new industries and jobs. UAE leaders see it as a key step toward a knowledge-based economy. Students today become experts tomorrow, driving national growth.
