The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France are teaming up to become global leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This powerful collaboration will combine the UAE’s resources with France’s top universities, creating a powerhouse for AI research and development.
A key part of this partnership is the exciting new collaboration between Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate-level AI university, and two prestigious French universities: Ecole Polytechnique and the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI). These universities are joining forces to develop a brand new dual education program. This program will allow students to gain valuable experience from both French and UAE institutions, preparing them to be the future leaders in AI.
Why France and the UAE?
The UAE has made AI a central focus for its future, even appointing a dedicated AI minister in 2017. France is a major player in AI research as well, boasting a strong foundation in mathematics and technology. This collaboration brings together the UAE’s ambition with France’s expertise, creating a perfect storm for innovation.
One of the core goals of this partnership is to make AI research open and accessible. MBZUAI recently released K2, a fully open-source large language model, and this spirit of openness will continue to be a driving force. By making AI development transparent, this collaboration aims to benefit everyone, not just a select few.
While the US and China are often seen as the frontrunners in AI, France shouldn’t be underestimated. France is home to cutting-edge AI startups like Mistral AI, and boasts a thriving research environment. This collaboration with the UAE will allow France to solidify its position as a European leader in AI.
The Future of AI is Human-Centered
Professor Olivier Oullier, CEO of Inclusive Brains, emphasizes the importance of keeping the human aspect in mind when developing AI. Inclusive Brains is a French company that creates interfaces between humans and AI machines. Their collaboration with the International Knee and Joint Center in Abu Dhabi is a great example of this human-centered approach.
