MBZUAI Partners With World Economic Forum to Launch AI Governance Centre

The Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has signed a landmark agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to establish a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). This new hub, known as the Centre for Intelligent Future, will be hosted at the university's campus in Abu Dhabi. It represents a key component of a global expansion to launch six new centres across the UAE, United Kingdom, France, and India.

The centre aims to accelerate the responsible adoption of frontier technologies with a primary focus on artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and the energy transition. Leaders from across government and industry will convene at the centre to co-design policy frameworks and pilot innovation initiatives. These efforts are intended to strengthen national and regional competitiveness while advancing global AI excellence.

MBZUAI President Eric Xing emphasized that the platform will connect research directly to economic and social challenges. He stated that the centre will help translate complex algorithms into real-world impact by focusing on how AI interacts with people and institutions. This role is crucial for shaping both scientific progress and the future of societal development.

World Economic Forum President Børge Brende highlighted the importance of bringing together industry and experts to solve shared technology hurdles. He noted that by contributing local insights, partners like MBZUAI strengthen global efforts to advance emerging technologies responsibly. The new nodes in the C4IR network are expected to address regional priorities while maintaining an international dialogue.

This collaboration builds upon the university's existing innovation initiatives, such as the Institute for Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence. By leveraging these academic resources, the centre will transform theoretical research into practical applications for sectors like agriculture and energy. The initiative ensures that AI development remains aligned with human needs and sustainability goals. Integrated into the broader C4IR Network, the Abu Dhabi centre will serve as a platform for practical policy solutions that can be adapted globally. This cooperation helps prevent the fragmentation of digital standards across different borders. The agreement marks a significant step in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global leader in AI governance and technological innovation.