Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, attended the inauguration of Dubai's inaugural PhD programme in Artificial Intelligence. This groundbreaking programme was announced by the University of Birmingham Dubai during the ongoing Dubai AI Week 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the launch of this programme signifies a significant step in Dubai's ambition to establish itself as a global leader in AI. It aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, emphasizing the emirate's dedication to fostering innovation through advanced education and research.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the vital role of academic initiatives in enhancing both local and global innovation landscapes. He stated, "The academic sector is pivotal in shaping our future, providing the talent and expertise essential for Dubai's readiness for the future."
He further noted that the new PhD programme is designed to cultivate specialized talent in critical AI domains, including smart city development, advanced healthcare, sustainability, and future mobility-key areas of Dubai's digital transformation journey.
The programme launch event was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation. Dubai AI Week 2025 is organized by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan.
The PhD programme aims to develop a strong talent pipeline to drive innovation and ensure the ethical and impactful development of AI in the region. It is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the UAE Ministry of Education and recognized for academic and research excellence.
Students in the programme will explore various streams, including AI for medicine, natural language processing, computer vision, AI ethics, and explainable AI. The curriculum offers personalized academic supervision, advanced research training, and access to AI labs and government-led innovation initiatives.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with the UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence, underscores the UAE's commitment to equipping future generations with the necessary skills to lead in the AI era.
Dubai AI Week, running from 21st to 25th April, aims to bring together international experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and innovators to propel global AI innovation.