MBZUAI engages a diverse network of local and international suppliers that support its academic mission, advanced research environment, and institutional operations.

Procurement & Supply Chain operates as part of the University’s Finance & Procurement Operations function, ensuring close alignment between sourcing activities, contracting, supplier management, and responsible financial stewardship.

Supplier engagement at MBZUAI is designed to:

• Enable cutting-edge AI research, education, and innovation
• Ensure disciplined, transparent, and well-governed use of University resources
• Promote fairness, consistency, and accountability in supplier selection
• Build long-term, high-performing supplier relationships that create sustainable value

All sourcing, contracting, and commercial engagement is coordinated exclusively through formal procurement channels to ensure consistency, compliance, and institutional protection.

MBZUAI follows structured procurement practices appropriate for a public research university operating in advanced technology, international research, and data-intensive environments.

Key aspects of how MBZUAI works with suppliers include:

• Planned and category-based sourcing aligned with academic, research, and operational needs
• Competitive procurement processes proportionate to value, complexity, and risk
• Objective evaluation based on technical capability, commercial considerations, compliance, and institutional fit
• Clear separation between technical input, commercial evaluation, approvals, and contracting authority

Suppliers are requested not to approach faculty members, researchers, students, or other University staff directly for commercial purposes.

Engagement outside official procurement channels is not considered part of MBZUAI’s procurement process and may not be recognized.

At a high level, the sourcing framework includes:

• Category-based sourcing for research, technology, professional services, and operational requirements
• Competitive procurement through RFQs, RFPs, or tenders depending on scope, complexity, and risk
• Objective evaluation using defined technical, commercial, and compliance criteria
• Development of preferred or strategic supplier relationships where long-term partnerships create measurable value
• Ongoing monitoring of supplier performance, delivery reliability, and risk exposure

More detailed sourcing guidance, process flows, thresholds, and system-enabled workflows will be shared as MBZUAI’s procurement systems and processes continue to evolve.

• AI research hardware, including GPU servers, accelerators, and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure
• Robotics platforms, sensors, cameras, and experimental research systems
• Specialized laboratory and scientific equipment
• Research software, AI and machine learning platforms, modeling tools, and datasets

• Cloud services, enterprise platforms, and data infrastructure
• Cybersecurity solutions, identity management, and network systems
• Digital transformation tools and research management platforms
• Learning management systems and academic technology solutions

• Strategy, advisory, and management consulting services
• Legal, compliance, risk, and audit support
• Training, professional development, and specialist academic services
• Research collaboration, scientific consulting, and technical advisory services

• Facilities management, maintenance, and asset services
• Energy, environmental, health, and safety systems
• Security, cleaning, waste management, logistics, and transportation
• Catering, events, and campus support services

This category is intentionally explicit and critical.

• Branding strategy and visual identity development
• Creative agencies, design studios, and content creators
• Website design, UX, and digital experience services
• Video production, photography, and multimedia content
• Event branding, exhibitions, conferences, and academic showcases
• Print production, signage, branded materials, and publications
• Media buying, campaign execution, and institutional outreach support

• Office furniture, equipment, and fittings
• General consumables and operational supplies
• Shipping, freight forwarding, and logistics services

Suppliers engaging with MBZUAI are expected to:

• Conduct business with integrity, honesty, and professionalism
• Avoid actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest
• Comply with applicable UAE laws and recognized professional standards
• Refrain from offering gifts, hospitality, incentives, or improper influence
• Protect confidentiality, data security, and sensitive research information
• Use only official Procurement and Supply Chain communication channels

In the context of AI, data-driven systems, and emerging technologies, MBZUAI expects suppliers to demonstrate responsible practices, ethical awareness, and respect for academic independence. Failure to adhere to these principles may affect eligibility for current or future engagement.

Suppliers should not contact faculty members, researchers, students, or administrative units directly for commercial purposes. Unsolicited outreach outside official channels may not be processed.

• A purchase-order-first approach for all goods and services
• Clear invoice requirements, including valid references and supporting documentation
• Defined payment terms communicated during onboarding or contract award
• Centralized and digital invoice processing through MBZUAI’s finance platform

Invoices that do not align with MBZUAI’s requirements may experience processing delays.

Ensure invoices include the correct purchase order reference and required supporting documentation to avoid delays.