Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, witnessed the inaugural Honorary Doctorate conferral ceremony of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), awarding Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, in recognition of his transformative leadership in artificial intelligence.
According to Emirates News Agency, this honour celebrates a professional lifetime of achievements that has propelled artificial intelligence from research labs to real-world impact at an unprecedented scale. During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated Sam Altman on receiving MBZUAI’s first honorary doctorate, affirming that this recognition reflects a career of groundbreaking contributions that align with the UAE’s vision for leadership in artificial intelligence and innovation. He emphasised that the nation is building a comprehensive AI ecosystem designed to serve humanity and drive inclusive growth.
The conferral took place as part of a special ceremony at the MBZUAI campus in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by ministers, dignitaries, university leadership, faculty, and students. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees, stated that the conferral of MBZUAI’s first Honorary Doctorate on Sam Altman is a testament to the university’s growing stature as a global center of excellence in artificial intelligence.
Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President and University Professor, remarked that Sam Altman has brought artificial intelligence into the hands of people everywhere, turning AI from a research concept into a global engine of progress. In honoring him, MBZUAI recognises an extraordinary innovator and leader who is building an enduring legacy in shaping humanity’s future.
Sam Altman expressed his gratitude for receiving MBZUAI’s inaugural honorary doctorate, commending the university’s commitment to putting AI at the center of education and research. He acknowledged the UAE’s bold vision to advance AI technology responsibly and ambitiously, aligning with OpenAI’s mission to ensure its benefits are widely shared.