The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has attracted 38 students from the eleventh grade across the entire country to participate in the inaugural edition of the “Summer School” program. This program aims to highlight the career opportunities available in the field of artificial intelligence, while also allowing students to gain close insights into the capabilities and innovative solutions of this field.
The university organized the “Summer School” on its campus in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. The goal was to encourage students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and work as a team on a group project that focuses on artificial intelligence and sustainability.
The first edition of the “Summer School” saw an overwhelming response, receiving over 230 registration requests, surpassing the initial limit of participants. This reflects a significant interest in future study options in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.
Students from 23 schools were selected and introduced to various aspects of artificial intelligence use, including film and music production, app development, generative AI, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Faculty members, along with a group of graduates, students, and university staff, supervised the workshops that were organized with the aim of acquainting students with the skills needed for the future and the job opportunities available in this field.
The program saw the participation of 14 male students and 24 female students from 3 different nationalities, including 36 Emirati students. They all demonstrated a strong interest in earning a university degree in computer science and a keen enthusiasm for learning how to use artificial intelligence in everyday applications.
The participating students were divided into seven groups, each presenting solutions aimed at enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting marine life, supporting marginalized communities, and implementing applications in the transportation sector to ensure road safety. This demonstrates the immense potential of artificial intelligence in addressing social challenges and promoting sustainability.
The committee announced three winning teams: “Greenflow,” a mobile and data-driven intelligent system for agriculture and greenhouses; “EcoEats,” an AI-enhanced system for food redistribution and waste reduction; and “Guardians of the Forest,” an AI-driven system focused on deforestation prevention and biodiversity protection.
Professor Timothy Baldwin, Dean of the University, stated that Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is dedicated to educating the next generation of future leaders about the role of artificial intelligence in daily life and encouraging them to harness it for the benefit of humanity.
He added that the number of applications we received, the level of knowledge exhibited by the participants, their ability to innovate in solving real-world challenges, and their passion for ethically applying the knowledge they have gained were among the remarkable aspects we observed through the summer school program.
Dr. Ahmed Sultan Al-Shaibi, the interim Executive Director of the Higher Education Sector at the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, emphasized that artificial intelligence significantly enhances education when used ethically and responsibly. It supports students in developing critical thinking skills, understanding complex subjects, and encouraging creativity.
He stated that initiatives like the (Summer School) at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence offer a unique opportunity for young people to broaden their horizons and enhance their understanding and knowledge of the technologies that will drive the fundamental changes we will witness in the coming years.
He added: This initiative helps to familiarize students with advanced concepts of artificial intelligence and develop their skills in entrepreneurship and teamwork. We are committed to supporting continuous learning and innovation, keeping up with evolving trends, and preparing our students to be innovators and leaders in the future digital world.
Ahmed Saeed Al-Marashedh, a student from Khalifa bin Zayed Al Awwal School and a member of the “Eco Eats” team, said that participating in the summer school organized by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was an incredibly inspiring experience. It allowed him to explore amazing technologies being developed in the United Arab Emirates and provided an opportunity to meet students from other schools, exchange ideas, and enjoy time together.
WAM
