Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has appointed Dr. Behjat Al-Yousuf as executive vice president for outreach and engagement. In her new role, Dr. Al-Yousuf will oversee the university’s external partnership mission, including outreach with the broader community, government agencies, and industrial partners. She will support the development and implementation of AI research initiatives, as well as develop, oversee, and provide AI advisory and consultancy services to public and private sector organizations, including government agencies, large businesses, small and medium enterprises, and AI startups.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to further contribute to the UAE’s scientific and technology sector through the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to leveraging the capabilities of the university while working with public and private sector entities within the UAE and across the world to find new solutions that will propel global society into an AI-empowered era,” Dr. Al-Yousuf said.

Professor Sir Michael Brady, interim president of MBZUAI, said: “We are very pleased to have Dr. Behjat join the team at MBZUAI. With her significant experience and many accomplishments, she is the ideal person to lead the university’s industrial research and outreach programs, steering the use of AI for the good of our community in the UAE and beyond. This will provide a solid foundation for MBZUAI’s role in driving the progression of AI as a tool for positive transformation.”

Dr. Al-Yousuf joins MBZUAI from her previous role as interim provost of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a position she held since May 2015 as well as being a professor of practice in engineering systems. She has a strong track record of presenting ground-breaking research and key papers at prestigious regional and international events, including the delivery of numerous publications on subjects such as education and software architecture