Doing Business with MBZUAI - MBZUAI Doing Business with MBZUAI
Doing Business with MBZUAI

Supplier Onboarding and Registration

Doing Business with MBZUAI

Supplier Onboarding and Registration

Overview

MBZUAI has officially launched its new Supplier Registration Platform, introducing an independent supplier onboarding and registration process and transitioning away from reliance on external platforms.

All prospective suppliers are required to complete their registration through the new platform to ensure continued and future business transactions with MBZUAI.

To begin the registration process, please use the link: Start Supplier Registration

Supplier Registration Guidance document is available on the below link, providing step-by-step instructions for completing the registration.

MBZUAI Supplier Registration Guide



Supplier engagement at MBZUAI

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.

How MBZUAI works with suppliers

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.

Sourcing approach

MBZUAI’s sourcing approach is designed to ensure quality, competitiveness, risk management, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Framework highlights

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

Important note

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

What MBZUAI Procures

MBZUAI procures a wide range of goods and services to support its AI-focused academic, research, and institutional environment. The following examples are indicative and not exhaustive.

Research and Laboratory Requirements

  • 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

Information Technology and Digital Infrastructure

  • 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

Professional and Academic Services

  • 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, Operations and Campus 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

Branding, Marketing and Communications (MarComm)

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

General Goods and Institutional Support

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

Important Information

  • Supplier registration is mandatory to enable and maintain business engagement with MBZUAI
  • All registrations are subject to MBZUAI’s compliance, quality, risk, and strategic alignment criteria
  • Suppliers are encouraged to review MBZUAI’s Terms & Conditions, policies and requirements before applying

Ethics, Integrity and Responsible Engagement

MBZUAI maintains high ethical standards in all supplier interactions, reflecting its responsibilities as a public research university and its focus on advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.

Supplier Expectations

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.

Important Reminder

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

Invoicing and Payment Overview

MBZUAI’s invoicing and payment framework is designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely processing.

What Suppliers Should Expect

  • 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.

Helpful Tip

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

Official Procurement Contact

To maintain a controlled, compliant, and auditable supplier engagement environment, all supplier inquiries must be directed through the official Procurement & Supply Chain contact channel.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is MBZUAI currently onboarding new suppliers?
Yes. MBZUAI has launched its Supplier Registration Platform, and independent supplier onboarding is now open. All prospective suppliers are required to complete their registration through the system, as outlined on this page.
Can suppliers still register through government platforms?
No. MBZUAI has transitioned away from external and government platforms. Supplier registration and onboarding are now managed directly through MBZUAI’s Supplier Registration Platform.
How can suppliers express interest in working with MBZUAI?
Suppliers may use the official procurement contact channel listed above.
Will MBZUAI publish tenders or opportunities on this website?
High-level guidance may be published in future phases. Relevant suppliers will be contacted directly where appropriate.
What types of goods and services does MBZUAI procure?
MBZUAI procures AI research infrastructure, technology solutions, laboratory equipment, professional services, facilities support, MarComm services, and institutional support services.