A bold new chapter begins in Abu Dhabi: The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has welcomed its first cohort of undergraduate students. As the world’s first university fully dedicated to AI, now offering a bachelor's degree, it marks a major step in the UAE’s ambition to become a global technology and talent hub. Innovation meets education – and the real estate market is already reacting.
The desert heat shimmers over the sleek glass buildings of Masdar City, but inside the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, a cool buzz of excitement fills the air. Students—some still teenagers—drag suitcases across the courtyard, eyes wide with anticipation. They’re not here for just any degree. They’re here to study the future itself.
This August, MBZUAI made history. For the first time since its elite inception in 2019, the university has opened its doors to undergraduates. Until now, it was a graduate-only institution, focusing on master's and PhD programmes. Now, a select group of 30 students from 17 countries will pioneer the world’s first bachelor’s degree fully focused on artificial intelligence.
“It’s like stepping into tomorrow,” says Arjun, 19, from India. “We’re not just learning coding—we’re learning how to think like machines, and maybe even better.”
The four-year programme blends machine learning, robotics, data science, AI ethics, and hands-on projects with industry partners. Students will have access to cutting-edge labs, international faculty, and real-world tech challenges.
“We are not just training engineers,” says university president Professor Eric Xing. “We’re shaping the architects of a new age.”
The launch of the undergraduate programme is part of a broader national strategy. The UAE aims to be a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital innovation by 2031. MBZUAI is the flagship—already ranked among the world’s top 20 AI research institutions, with over 500 published papers and collaborations with Google, IBM, and Huawei.
To help attract global talent, the university offers fully funded scholarships, accommodation, and living stipends. This year, over 2,000 applicants competed for just 30 seats.
For the students here, it’s more than a degree—it’s a launchpad to the future. And for Abu Dhabi, it’s a bet on brains, not just barrels.
The rise of MBZUAI as a global AI hub is reshaping Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape. Masdar City, once a quiet eco-project, is now drawing students, faculty, and tech professionals from around the globe. This is creating rising demand for:
For investors, this educational boom signals strong potential. Abu Dhabi’s shift towards a knowledge economy is just beginning—and the property market is taking notice.
