Dubai has taken a major leap in its ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence with the launch of its first PhD programme in AI, unveiled by the University of Birmingham Dubai during Dubai AI Week 2025.
The programme, officially launched in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation, aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. It aims to equip future leaders with advanced expertise across fields like smart cities, healthcare, sustainability, and future mobility.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Hamdan stressed the critical role of academia in future-proofing Dubai:
“The academic sector plays a key role in shaping our future. Its contribution is crucial in preparing the talent and expertise required to drive Dubai’s future readiness.”
Fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, the PhD programme will offer specialisations in natural language processing, computer vision, AI ethics, explainable AI, and more. Students will benefit from hands-on access to AI labs, incubators, and government-backed innovation platforms.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the UAE National Program for Artificial Intelligence, underscores the UAE’s commitment to inclusive and ethical AI development.
The launch event was also attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation.
Dubai AI Week 2025, running from 21st to 25th April, is hosted by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan. It brings together global experts, startups, tech giants, and policymakers to accelerate AI innovation and collaboration on a worldwide scale.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
