Health and Biomedicine
Applying artifical intelligence to accelerate diagnostic accuracy, optimize personalized medicine, and drive scientific breakthroughs in patient care.
AI at NYU Abu Dhabi
Artificial intelligence is transforming research, education, industry, and public life. Grounded in more than a decade of interdisciplinary scholarship, AI at NYU Abu Dhabi advances responsible AI research, talent, and innovation. Building on its position in the UAE and NYU's global network, NYUAD is helping accelerate Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global AI hub.
10+
Years of Interdisciplinary AI
28
Centers, Labs, and Groups
3
NYU Campuses
Research and Impact
Advancing AI for Real-World Impact
Behind the science at NYU Abu Dhabi are researchers across 28 centers and labs, drawing on over a decade of interdisciplinary expertise spanning the sciences and humanities. Our work focuses on five core research areas — AI Foundations, Robotics, Responsible AI, Cyber and Quantum, and Human-Centered AI. Together, these foundations spark discoveries and advancements in health, the environment, sustainability, cities and infrastructure, space, and genomics.
Explore our priority research areas to see how AI translates into real-world solutions.
Smart Infrastructure and Cities
Deploying data-driven AI solutions to improve municipal infrastructure, enhance mobility, and build resilient, sustainable smart cities.
Sustainability
Harnessing intelligent systems to optimize renewable energy grids, reduce resource consumption, and advance long-term circular economy solutions.
Geonomics and Systems Biology
Employing high-performance computational models to decode complex genetic sequences and advance biological discovery.
Space
Processing massive astronomical datasets and developing autonomous controls for planetary exploration and deep-space research.
Environment and Climate
Leveraging predictive AI and environmental analytics to monitor climate trends, conserve biodiversity, and model planetary change in real time.
AI Foundations
Developing core algorithms, mathematical models, and machine learning frameworks to power next-generation intelligent systems.
Cyber and Quantum
Integrating quantum computing with advanced cybersecurity to safeguard digital infrastructure and process complex computational models.
Robotics
Advancing physical AI and autonomous systems to operate safely, adaptively, and effectively in complex physical environments.
Human-Centered AI
Designing intuitive AI systems that augment human intelligence, elevate user experience, and align with societal needs.
Responsible AI
Pioneering ethical frameworks, governance standards, and transparent algorithms to ensure AI systems remain fair, accountable, and secure.
The people and centers behind the science
NYU Abu Dhabi brings together world-renowned talent and state-of-the-art facilities to advance our AI agenda.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Shared AI Vision
Aligned with the UAE's national AI Strategy, NYU Abu Dhabi serves as a central AI hub within NYU’s global network – uniting regional vision with international research capabilities. Established partnerships with UAE government organizations provide the foundation for new initiatives, connecting local priorities with world-class expertise to deliver lasting public value and translate frontier AI into measurable impact.
Mubadala
The Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental ScienceS (ACCESS) is the leading research center on the climate and the environment of the Arabian peninsula and the Gulf region. It brings scientific research on local and regional climate change and environment up to speed with the rapid development of the societies and economies that dwell in the region.
Cleveland Clinic
NYU Abu Dhabi, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Yas Clinic- Khalifa City, and Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) have announced a pioneering collaboration that brings new, AI-supported MRI analysis techniques from the research lab to clinical validation, marking a significant milestone in UAE-driven healthcare innovation.
Meem Foundation
NYU Abu Dhabi has partnered with the Meem Foundation to support the university's Clinical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, led by Dr. Farah Shamout. Backed by a strategic research grant, the initiative focuses on building ethical, patient-centered machine learning tools to tackle critical healthcare challenges in the UAE and beyond.
AD Ports
NYU Abu Dhabi and AD Ports Group are co-developing a predictive AI decision engine that leverages spatial intelligence and stochastic modeling to optimize port operations, reduce vessel wait times, and advance sustainable global trade.
Etihad Rail
NYU Abu Dhabi and Etihad Rail are deploying cutting-edge AI and robotics to optimize rail operations, accelerate sustainable transit, and set new industry standards.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Services
From the Lab to the Economy
Bridging the space between technical innovation and market deployment demands robust infrastructure and agile venture building. Through the Center for Research Computing, startAD programs, and our annual global hackathon, NYU Abu Dhabi provides the computational foundation, venture support, and collaborative ecosystem needed to accelerate lab breakthroughs into real-world economic solutions.
Research Translation and Entrepreneurship
Moving discoveries into startups, products, and partnerships through NYU Abu Dhabi's Research Translation and Entrepreneurship office, with support for intellectual property and new ventures.
High-Performance Computing
Research-grade computing operated by NYU Abu Dhabi's Center for Research Computing – anchored by the Dalma supercomputer – delivers the high-performance processing power and technical support needed to turn complex data into actionable discoveries.
startAD Venture Programs
startAD ignites homegrown innovation and propels the UAE toward a knowledge-based, entrepreneurial economy, in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The AI for Good initiative develops AI-powered applications to widen healthcare access for vulnerable populations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
International Hackathon
The annual NYU Abu Dhabi International Hackathon for Social Good brings together student talent with world-class tech founders, venture capitalists, and academics to build quantum computing applications for real-world impact – tackling challenges across health, sustainability, education, and human rights.
Academics
Building the Next Generation of AI Leaders
NYU Abu Dhabi offers a range of educational opportunities including degree pathways, dedicated opportunities for UAE talent, and executive programs designed for organizations and leaders.
Master's Programs
MSc in Data Science and AI (MIDSAI)
The Master's in Interdisciplinary Data Science and AI prepares future innovators with the technical expertise research experience and interdisciplinary perspective needed to lead AI initiatives across academia, government, and industry.
Undergraduate
BSc in Computer Science
The undergraduate pathway into AI, taught within the liberal arts core.
Doctoral
Global PhD in Computer Science
A fully funded student fellowship with co-supervision across NYU's global network.
UAE Nationals
Kawader Research Assistant Program
Hands-on research placements for Emirati undergraduate research assistants.
Fellowship
Tomoh Fellows AI Strategist Program
The AI Strategist Program for UAE National Tomoh Fellows.
Executive
AI for Organizations and Leaders
Short, intensive AI modules for public and private sector leaders.
Students and Alumni
From Classroom to Capability
From degree pathways and UAE talent initiatives to executive programs for organizational leaders, NYU Abu Dhabi’s talent pipeline bridges study and real-world capability. We empower students and professionals to turn education into impact by applying their learning to live challenges alongside government and industry partners, gaining practical experience whilst contributing to meaningful solutions.
Get Involved
Engage with Us
Whether you're driving policy, investing in AI innovation, or building stategic talent capabilities, NYU Abu Dhabi is your partner. Co-develop applied research, design executive cohorts, and access our research, talent, and IP through licensing and sponsored research. With 245+ filed patents, we're ready to build together.