National Engagement & Outreach (NEO)

National Development Programs & Outreach (NDPO)

As a key function of NEO, National Development Programs & Outreach (NDPO) drives MBZUAI's mission to strengthen community engagement, build national AI talent, and expand public understanding of artificial intelligence across the UAE.

NDPO connects academia, research, and stakeholders with real-world application to ensure AI is accessible, relevant, and impactful across society. Its programs span talent development, community awareness, and social impact - from NEXTGEN and the AI Youth Advisory Board to WAI and MAILIS. Together, they build pathways into AI and translate its deployment across sectors.

Our pillars

AI awareness

Building nationwide understanding and confidence in AI

Centre of excellence

Showcasing MBZUAI’s research leadership and innovation

Talent development

Developing pathways for UAE talent into AI

Social reach and impact

Applying AI across sectors and communities

Our programs at glance

Talent development

Building the next generation of AI talent in the UAE through structured pathways and immersive programs.

 

NextGen Summer Program

MBZUAI’s most direct investment in early AI talent. Designed for exceptional Grade 9–10 students across the UAE, it builds foundational AI skills, critical thinking, and provides an early introduction to MBZUAI’s academic environment. Delivered by MBZUAI alumni and graduate students, the program combines hands-on learning, real-world challenges, and direct exposure to AI as a field.

Explore program

 

AI Youth Advisory Board

Deepening stage of MBZUAI’s talent pipeline for Grade 11–12 students ready for advanced rigor, direct research exposure, and meaningful engagement with AI as a field. It builds curiosity through academically-demanding experiences, combining faculty engagement, postgraduate involvement, and alumni contributions to deliver an enriching learning experience at MBZUAI.

Explore program

Community and awareness

Creating accessible, engaging initiatives that bring AI closer to society and enable communities to understand and interact with AI in meaningful ways.

 

WAI

Introductory-level sessions designed for youth and senior citizens, providing AI fundamentals and practical activities through simple, interactive formats that build confidence and everyday understanding.

 

MAILIS

A culturally rooted platform that brings together experts, innovators, and leaders to explore the intersection of AI across different fields through thought-provoking conversations, held on a quarterly basis.

Social impact

Through AI Sectorial X - MBZUAI's flagship cross-sector engagement initiative - we translate AI deployment into real-world applications through a range of programs and activations. Our priority sectors include:

AI x “Creative industries”

AI x
“Energy”

AI x
“Health”

AI x “Environment”

Read more