National Engagement and Outreach (NEO)
About
National Engagement & Outreach (NEO)
National Engagement & Outreach (NEO) connects MBZUAI with communities, partners, and institutions across the UAE.
Bringing together Outreach, National Development Programs, Protocol Affairs, Diplomatic Affairs, and Government Affairs, it delivers high-impact AI-driven initiatives across priority sectors.
About
National Development Programs & Outreach (NDPO)
As a key function of NEO, National Development Programs & Outreach (NDPO) drives MBZUAI's mission to strengthen community engagement, build national AI talent, and expand public understanding of artificial intelligence across the UAE.
NDPO connects academia, research, and stakeholders with real-world application to ensure AI is accessible, relevant, and impactful across society. Its programs span talent development, community awareness, and social impact - from NEXTGEN and the AI Youth Advisory Board to WAI and MAILIS. Together, they build pathways into AI and translate its deployment across sectors.
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Our programs at a glance
Talent development
Building the next generation of AI talent in the UAE through structured pathways and immersive programs.
NextGen Summer Program
MBZUAI’s most direct investment in early AI talent. Designed for exceptional Grade 9–10 students across the UAE, it builds foundational AI skills, critical thinking, and provides an early introduction to MBZUAI’s academic environment. Delivered by MBZUAI alumni and graduate students, the program combines hands-on learning, real-world challenges, and direct exposure to AI as a field.
AI Youth Advisory Board
Deepening stage of MBZUAI’s talent pipeline for Grade 11–12 students ready for advanced rigor, direct research exposure, and meaningful engagement with AI as a field. It builds curiosity through academically-demanding experiences, combining faculty engagement, postgraduate involvement, and alumni contributions to deliver an enriching learning experience at MBZUAI.
Our programs at a glance
Community and awareness
Creating accessible, engaging initiatives that bring AI closer to society and enable communities to understand and interact with AI in meaningful ways.
WAI
Introductory-level sessions designed for youth and senior citizens, providing AI fundamentals and practical activities through simple, interactive formats that build confidence and everyday understanding.
MAILIS
A culturally rooted platform that brings together experts, innovators, and leaders to explore the intersection of AI across different fields through thought-provoking conversations, held on a quarterly basis.
Our programs at a glance
Social impact
Through AI Sectorial X - MBZUAI's flagship cross-sector engagement initiative - we translate AI deployment into real-world applications through a range of programs and activations. Our priority sectors include:
AI x “Creative industries”
AI x “Energy”
AI x “Health”
AI x “Environment”
Join us
Events, programs & initiatives
Explore active MBZUAI events, outreach programs, and community initiatives open for public participation.
MAILIS 6th Edition — Agentic AI
The upcoming edition will explore how autonomous AI agents are reshaping the way we work, learn, and make decisions.
Date: 23 June, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Collaborate with us
Contact NEO team