Abu dhabi: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), hosted the fourth edition of its community engagement initiative, Mailis, focusing on the theme "The Art of Intelligence and Human Creativity."
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, held at the MBZUAI campus in Masdar City, was part of ADMAF's Riwaq Al Fikr initiative, which features a series of talks and lectures by notable artists and thinkers. The discussions centered on the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the arts, emphasizing AI's transformative impact on music, visual art, and creative expression.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, highlighted the ongoing partnership with MBZUAI to enhance cultural heritage through AI. She emphasized the importance of AI in digitization, archiving, and creating interactive experiences across languages, aiming to deepen knowledge and shape future narratives.
Rawdha Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach at MBZUAI, spoke about the intersection of art and AI as a space for new forms of expression. She noted the university's commitment to fostering dialogue that positions AI as a partner in enhancing human creativity in music and visual art.
The event included a panel discussion moderated by MBZUAI faculty member Dr. Gus Xia, with contributions from Fatima Al Dhaheri of Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Emirati artist Mansour Al Heera. The panel explored AI's creative potential in filmmaking, music composition, and design, and how technology expands artistic imagination.
The program also featured an AI and Piano GPT showcase by Dr. Xia, demonstrating the interaction between live human performance and AI-generated accompaniment. An Emirati creative showcase highlighted local talent, emphasizing cultural storytelling and innovation. The event concluded with an open question and answer session, encouraging dialogue on AI's role in enriching artistic expression and shaping the UAE's future creative economy.