MBZUAI Launches WAI Community Initiative To Enhance AI Understanding Across Generations

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has introduced WAI, a community initiative aimed at providing both young people and senior citizens with a basic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its everyday applications. This programme fosters intergenerational learning, highlighting how AI can empower individuals and communities.

The first edition of this initiative was supported by several organisations, including the Abu Dhabi Youth Council and Rabdan Volunteer Team. Their involvement ensured that the programme reached a diverse group of participants across the UAE. The inaugural event took place at MBZUAI’s campus, bringing together over 30 young participants and more than 15 senior citizens for a day focused on AI's role in modern life.

WAI offers interactive sessions that make AI accessible and easy to grasp. For young participants, the programme introduces essential AI concepts and practical tools. It includes a guided hands-on activity in prompt engineering, designed to spark curiosity and creativity. These sessions demonstrate how AI can boost productivity and drive innovation in both personal and professional settings.

Senior citizens also benefited from engaging sessions that provided an introduction to artificial intelligence and its practical uses. They explored key AI concepts through relevant examples, learned to use beginner-friendly tools, and participated in an interactive prompt-engineering activity. The engagement concluded with a discussion and Q&A session, encouraging reflection on their experiences.

All participants received certificates of completion to acknowledge their engagement and learning during the programme. This recognition highlights their commitment to understanding AI's potential impact on daily life.

Rawdha Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach at MBZUAI, stated: "This initiative is rooted in the belief that AI should not remain confined to classrooms and technical fields but be understood and embraced by everyone. Through WAI, we aim to bridge generations by empowering the youth to lead with curiosity and ensuring that our elders also remain connected in an increasingly digital world. It is an initiative about awareness, confidence, and shared progress, values that lie at the heart of our university and national identity."

The WAI initiative exemplifies MBZUAI's commitment to fostering understanding across generations. By equipping both youth and seniors with knowledge about AI, it ensures everyone can participate in an increasingly digital world. This approach aligns with the university's mission to promote awareness, confidence, and shared progress within society.

With inputs from WAM