EDB Partners with MBZUAI to Boost AI Education and Industry Research

Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to advance artificial intelligence education, internships, and industry-focused research.

The agreement, announced during Make it in the Emirates 2026, marks a strategic effort to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for AI and future-ready industries. By combining EDB’s financial expertise with MBZUAI’s academic and research capabilities, the partnership aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and real-world application across key sectors.

Under the MoU, both entities will collaborate across three main pillars: executive education and professional development, internship and career engagement, and applied AI research. The initiative will also enable EDB employees to participate in MBZUAI’s specialised AI programmes, equipping them with advanced skills to integrate emerging technologies into financial and industrial operations.

H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, stated that the partnership reflects the bank’s ambition to lead AI adoption in the UAE, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing where advanced technologies are expected to play a key role in enhancing competitiveness and driving industrial growth.

The collaboration will also provide MBZUAI students and graduates with hands-on experience through internships and career opportunities at EDB, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry needs.

MBZUAI President Eric Xing highlighted that the partnership brings together talent, expertise, and scale to apply AI effectively within the financial sector, while also building a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to support the UAE’s future growth.

Aligned with national initiatives such as Operation 300bn, the partnership aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen human capital, and support the country’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy driven by technology and sustainable development.