In its earliest days, the study of computers was a frontier science, accessible only to those with prior academic grounding in mathematics or engineering. In 1954, the world’s first computer science degrees were awarded to a handful of postgraduates at Cambridge University in England. More than seven decades later, computer science has become a foundational discipline in itself; it is the fastest growing undergraduate degree programme in US universities, and available as a module in more than half of American high schools. In some countries, including the UAE, computer science education is mandatory in primary and secondary schools.
Artificial intelligence research, the next frontier, is undergoing a similar process. University degree offerings in AI have cropped up in a few countries in recent years. On Monday, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, the world’s first university devoted to AI studies, announced the launch of an undergraduate programme.
As AI begins to permeate every facet of modern life and across industries– from healthcare diagnostics to autonomous vehicles – the need to extend its study to undergraduate education has become increasingly important. It is no longer appropriate, moreover, to limit deep academic engagement with AI to only those who have the time or resources to pursue graduate degrees.
The urgency of shoring up AI knowledge among younger citizens is particularly important in the Gulf, where countries are investing huge resources into becoming global AI leaders. In its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the UAE government says it aims for the country to be “one of the leading nations in AI” and “the world’s most prepared country for AI” by 2031 – an ambitious but achievable timeline. Having taken the lead by appointing the world’s first minister of AI, Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE continues to lead on this important issue.
The urgency of shoring up AI knowledge among younger citizens is particularly important in the Gulf
Preparation entails keeping pace. The rapid evolution of AI demands a broader talent pipeline, and one that is employable across the job market – not just in the R&D departments at big tech companies. Consequently, the MBZUAI Bachelor of Science in AI has a dual-stream approach, offering tracks in AI in business and AI in engineering. The former prepares students to harness AI for strategy, data analysisand entrepreneurial ventures. The latter track focuses on the technical underpinnings – algorithm design, machine learning systems and hardware integration.
“Our students won’t just be taught theory and programming," Prof Eric Xing, MBZUAI’s president, said. "They will graduate with a critical understanding of society and people, of markets and the economy.”
In addition to developing Emirati talent in the AI industry, a new pathway for undergraduate AI education could also add rocket fuel for AI talent across the region. As the UAE’s national AI strategy notes, “There are giants in the field of AI who have come from some of the most fragile states in the Middle East.” For regional talent, the document says, the UAE is a “safe hub” to re-skill in AI.
With continued investment and more widespread adoption, studying AI will quickly go from being the cutting edge to being as run-of-the-mill as reading, writing and arithmetic. That is as it should be, if we are to prepare for a frontier that is getting closer every day and look beyond it to see what’s next.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The biog
Job: Fitness entrepreneur, body-builder and trainer
Favourite superhero: Batman
Favourite quote: We must become the change we want to see, by Mahatma Gandhi.
Favourite car: Lamborghini
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
ODI FIXTURE SCHEDULE
First ODI, October 22
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Second ODI, October 25
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Third ODI, October 29
Venue TBC
FIXTURES
All games 6pm UAE on Sunday:
Arsenal v Watford
Burnley v Brighton
Chelsea v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Everton v Bournemouth
Leicester v Man United
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Liverpool
Southampton v Sheffield United
West Ham v Aston Villa
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yallacompare profile
Date of launch: 2014
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
Most%20ODI%20hundreds
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Company%20profile
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
The five pillars of Islam
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Specs%20
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