Abu Dhabi recently became a hub of technological immersion as Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) welcomed over 300 students from both UAE schools and MBZUAI into the captivating world of the metaverse. The occasion? The AI Armchair series, an innovative initiative aimed at demystifying artificial intelligence (AI) and making it more relatable for the younger generation.
The series commenced with a stimulating conversation themed ‘How AI Gives You Superpowers’. This session spotlighted Jais, the groundbreaking Arabic large language model (LLM) launched in collaboration between G42’s Inception, the US-based Cerebras Systems, and MBZUAI. The attendees were not only informed but also actively engaged in an interactive storytelling demonstration centered on Jais.
A notable finding from a survey at the event highlighted the importance of AI in the future job market. A whopping 77% of the students present, aged between 12 to 15, expressed their belief that proficiency in AI would be crucial for securing jobs once they finish their education.
Sultan Al Hajji, MBZUAI Vice-President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, encapsulated the spirit of the event: “The UAE is distinctively positioned, being among the few nations with a dedicated AI strategy integral to its vision. Enhancing AI understanding among our youth aligns perfectly with the UAE’s broader economic and societal aspirations. The AI Armchair series is a step towards building this awareness, sparking crucial conversations about the transformative potential of AI.”
Al Hajji further emphasized the intention behind these forums, saying, “The AI Armchair aims to foster meaningful dialogues about AI, discussing its vast possibilities and transformative power. What we see here is a collective aspiration for a brighter future, and this platform seeks to nurture just that.”
The event also featured Dr. Hao Li, Associate Professor of Computer Vision and Director of the Metaverse Center at MBZUAI. Dr. Li delved into the historical progression of AI, highlighting its monumental impact on various industries. Attendees were also given a glimpse of state-of-the-art AI-driven software capable of creating immersive 3D images and avatars. Dr. Li’s insights provided a window into the cutting-edge research ongoing at MBZUAI, particularly regarding telepresence and language adoption.
In a segment that particularly enraptured the audience, Marco Tempest, a renowned technologist from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an alumnus of MIT MediaLab, showcased how artists leverage emerging technologies like AI to craft profound human experiences. Through an enthralling live demonstration, he underlined AI’s potential as an unparalleled tool for creativity.
The AI revelations are set to continue, with Dr. Li preparing to showcase more of MBZUAI’s metaverse insights at the GITEX Global event scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16th to 20th.
