MBZUAI's Strategic Move to Cultivate Emirati AI Leaders
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first dedicated graduate-level AI research university, has taken a pivotal step in strengthening the United Arab Emirates' position as a global AI powerhouse. On February 27, 2026, the university announced the pilot launch of the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) Fellowship, a fully funded two-year postdoctoral program exclusively for UAE nationals. This initiative directly addresses the growing demand for homegrown AI expertise by sending promising Emirati Ph.D. graduates to top global institutions for advanced research training, paving the way for their return as faculty leaders.
The fellowship aligns seamlessly with the UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which prioritizes building a self-sustaining AI ecosystem. By fostering national talent, MBZUAI aims to reduce reliance on expatriate researchers and ensure that AI innovations are deeply rooted in local priorities, from healthcare and energy to smart cities and national security.
UAE's Ambitious AI Vision and the Talent Imperative
The UAE has positioned itself as a frontrunner in AI adoption, ranking among the top global hubs in the Stanford AI Index 2026 for talent concentration, investment, and innovation. AI-related job postings constitute nearly 3% of total listings, with demand projected to surge 54% by 2030. Yet, a significant talent gap persists—67% of UAE firms report shortages in AI skills, underscoring the urgency for programs like RAIS.
The national strategy emphasizes four pillars: accelerating AI adoption across sectors, nurturing coders and researchers, promoting ethical governance, and advancing R&D. Initiatives like mandatory AI curricula in schools and specialized training have boosted concentration by over 100% since 2019. However, retaining and developing Emirati specialists remains key to sovereignty in AI, especially amid global competition for talent.
MBZUAI: Pioneering UAE's AI Education Landscape
Founded in 2019 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MBZUAI has rapidly ascended to top global rankings in AI subfields—top 15 in Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing, top 25 in Machine Learning per CSRankings. It offers fully funded master's and Ph.D. programs in eight AI disciplines, with the first undergraduate cohort arriving in 2025. The university boasts world-class faculty, state-of-the-art labs, and partnerships with industry giants, producing graduates who drive UAE's AI transformation.
MBZUAI's research output spans healthcare AI, robotics, and multimodal models, aligning with national goals. Programs like Aspire Ph.D. Fellowship and AI Reach summer research further talent pipelines, but RAIS uniquely targets post-Ph.D. Emiratis for faculty tracks.
Unpacking the Ruwwad AI Scholars Fellowship
RAIS bridges the gap between Ph.D. completion and faculty readiness, offering Emiratis a structured path to global excellence. Fellows conduct research at elite institutions like MIT, Stanford, or Oxford, integrating AI into their fields—whether core machine learning, biology, economics, or epidemiology. The program emphasizes independence, with fellows defining projects under dual mentorship: host principal investigators (PIs) and MBZUAI career advisors.
Upon completion, fellows gain priority for tenure-track positions at MBZUAI, contributing to a homegrown faculty that blends international rigor with UAE priorities. Thamar Solorio, MBZUAI's Vice Provost of Faculty Excellence, describes it as 'a national investment in scholars who will define the UAE’s research identity for decades.'
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Explained
The fellowship is open to UAE nationals with Ph.D.s completed between Spring 2024 and Spring 2026. No prior AI expertise required—applicants from diverse fields are encouraged if they envision AI's role in their work. Minimum CGPA: 3.2/4.0 or equivalent.
- UAE citizenship (mandatory).
- Recent Ph.D. holder (within 2 years of graduation).
- Strong research independence and quantitative foundation.
- Confirmed host PI at a top global institution (MBZUAI assists).
- Alignment with MBZUAI research strengths (e.g., ML, CV, NLP).
This inclusivity democratizes access, welcoming biologists applying AI to genomics or economists modeling policy impacts.
Program Structure: From Global Labs to UAE Leadership
The 24-month structure includes:
- Year 1-2 Research Abroad: Immersive postdoc with host PI, quarterly development plans, MBZUAI check-ins.
- Career Development: Workshops on teaching, grant writing, leadership.
- Return Phase: Transition to UAE faculty roles, leveraging networks.
Comprehensive Benefits for Fellows
RAIS offers unmatched support:
- Competitive stipend + pension match.
- Family allowances, relocation, health insurance.
- Research funds, conference travel.
- Visa sponsorship, no host institution costs.
- Pathway to MBZUAI faculty positions.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applications via Interfolio (portal opens Jan 28, 2026):
- CV, research statement (3-5 pages), personal statement .
- Host PI letter of support (contact RAIS@mbzuai.ac.ae for help).
- Transcripts, 2 recommendation letters.
- Submit by April 15 for priority; rolling review.
- Info sessions: March 31 & April 2, 2026.
Addressing UAE's AI Talent Challenges
Despite rapid growth, UAE faces a 67% AI skills shortage among firms. RAIS counters this by creating 10-20 elite Emirati researchers annually, scaling to faculty. Complements scholarships like Tahnoon bin Zayed (350 undergrads over 6 years) and Aspire Ph.D., forming a full lifecycle talent pipeline. Aligned with UAE AI Strategy's talent pillar, it promotes ethical AI and R&D sovereignty. UAE AI Strategy details.
Global Placements and Success Stories
Fellows partner with PIs at institutions like Stanford or ETH Zurich, tailoring projects to UAE needs—e.g., AI for desert agriculture or Arabic NLP. Early cohorts will set precedents, with MBZUAI's track record (top AI rankings) ensuring success. Similar programs globally, like Singapore's A*STAR, show 80% retention rates.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Implications
Experts praise RAIS for blending global exposure with national roots. Solorio notes: 'We are building foundations of a homegrown AI faculty globally competitive.' Impacts: Reduced brain drain, diverse AI applications, economic boost (AI to add $320B to UAE GDP by 2031). Challenges: Scaling beyond pilot, integrating interdisciplinary talent.
Future Outlook: Scaling UAE's AI Faculty Pipeline
RAIS positions UAE for AI self-sufficiency, with MBZUAI planning expansions. By 2031, expect hundreds of Emirati AI faculty driving innovation. Aspiring applicants should prepare strong visions; this fellowship could define UAE's AI legacy. For UAE higher ed opportunities, explore UAE university jobs.
