MBZUAI Celebrates Largest and Most Diverse Commencement Ceremony

Strategic Insights -

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, attended the 2025 commencement ceremony of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), marking the largest and most diverse cohort to date. The graduating class consisted of 104 students, including 13 PhD and 91 master's degree recipients, with a strong representation of Emirati and international talent. The ceremony was attended by prominent UAE officials and academics, highlighting the country's commitment to advancing AI research and development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025 commencement ceremony of MBZUAI featured the largest and most diverse cohort to date, consisting of 104 students, including 13 PhD and 91 master's degree recipients.
  • The cohort included 20 Emirati graduates, the highest number since the university's inception, with 9 local female graduates in different AI specialities, demonstrating the university's commitment to cultivating homegrown talent.
  • The graduating class represented 24 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Italy, and included first-time graduates from Armenia, Bangladesh, Comoros, Dominica, Eritrea, Norway, Serbia, and Uruguay, showcasing the university's growing international reach.
  • MBZUAI now boasts an expanding alumni network of 316 AI specialists, with nearly 80 per cent of alumni starting work in Abu Dhabi within one year of graduation.
  • The university continues to expand its offerings, with 13 graduate programmes and the launch of its first undergraduate programme, a Bachelor of Science in AI with Business and Engineering tracks.
  • His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the UAE leadership's firm belief that shaping the future begins with knowledge, science, and technological advancement, and reinforced the county's position as a leading global hub for AI research and development.

Statistics:

  • 104 students graduated from MBZUAI in 2025, representing the largest and most diverse cohort to date.
  • 13 PhD and 91 master's degree recipients comprised the graduating class.
  • 20 Emirati graduates were part of the 2025 cohort, including 9 local female graduates in AI specialities.
  • 24 countries were represented in the 2025 graduating class, including first-time graduates from Armenia, Bangladesh, Comoros, Dominica, Eritrea, Norway, Serbia, and Uruguay.
  • MBZUAI's alumni network has grown to 316 AI specialists.
  • Nearly 80 per cent of MBZUAI alumni started working in Abu Dhabi within one year of graduation.

Sources:

  • Wam - H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attends MBZUAI's 2025 commencement ceremony
  • Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) website