Overview

• Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence conferred its first honorary doctorate on Sam Altman during a campus ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
• Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed witnessed the event and congratulated Altman for advancing AI from research labs to real-world applications.
• University leaders said the choice reflects MBZUAI’s growing global stature, with board chair Khaldoun Al Mubarak calling it evidence of a rising center of excellence.
• President Eric Xing praised Altman for reshaping AI’s role worldwide, while Altman said the UAE’s responsible AI vision aligns with OpenAI’s mission to ensure broad benefit.
• In a subsequent meeting, President Mohamed bin Zayed received Altman in Abu Dhabi to explore potential collaboration between OpenAI and UAE institutions.