Mohamed Bin Zayed University Of Artificial Intelligence Introduces Ruwwad AI Scholars Fellowship For Emirati Postdoctoral Researchers

The Abu Dhabi-based Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has introduced the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) Fellowship, a program aimed at supporting Emirati Ph.D. graduates in pursuing postdoctoral research in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields. 

The fully funded, two-year fellowship enables participants to undertake research at institutions in the UAE and abroad, contributing to the development of research capacity in AI-linked disciplines. It is open to candidates from fields including machine learning, data science, engineering, biology, economics, and physics, with a focus on work that integrates AI, computational tools, or quantitative methods. 

In a statement, Thamar Solorio, Vice Provost of Faculty Excellence and Advancement and Professor of Natural Language Processing at MBZUAI, said, “RAIS reflects our belief that the UAE’s research future must be built from within. By supporting our most promising Emirati scholars at world-class institutions, we are creating pathways for a homegrown AI faculty that is both globally competitive and deeply connected to the country’s long-term ambitions. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort and supporting them as the future research leaders of the UAE.”

Fellows will receive a competitive stipend alongside benefits such as pension contributions, family support, and relocation assistance. The program includes 24 months of research experience with principal investigators at international institutions and is supported by a dual mentorship model that combines academic supervision with career guidance from MBZUAI. It aims to prepare participants for academic roles within the UAE’s research ecosystem, while supporting applied research across areas such as advanced algorithms and policy-related applications. Participants will also form part of the UAE’s first cohort of computational research faculty scholars. 

Eligibility is limited to UAE nationals who have completed or are expected to complete their Ph.D. between spring 2024 and spring 2026. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a three- to five-page research statement, a one- to two-page personal statement, a letter of support from a host principal investigator, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. 

Applications are currently open, with submissions reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration is given to applications received by mid-April, with additional intake continuing through the following month. The program is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.