Costa Rica and MBZUAI discuss the importance of AI to the future of sustainability

The Costa Rican Head of State, President H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, accompanied by his wife, the First Lady H.E. Claudia Dobles Camargo and their delegation officially visited MBZUAI and were cordially received by the university’s Provost, Professor Fakhreddine Karray.

The delegation was taken through an overview of the university’s master’s and doctoral programs, as well as an introduction to the formation of the institution. Fruitful discussions were also undertaken about projects currently underway that promise to improve everyday human activity, the material advancement of society, and with it, the prosperity of humanity as a whole.

Alvarado congratulated Karray for “the comprehensive programs, and for the excellence and global recognition of the curricula and professors.” Further, he commended His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his generosity and vision in setting up an institution of superior education aimed at building up a generation of human talent, and with it, the ability to support industry to support development and the creation of job creating sectors and businesses.

Karray commended Costa Rica for their efforts in sustainability and the protection of the environment and climate change, as well as on the launch of the country’s first satellite. He also assured Alvarado of MBZUAI’s determination to admit talented students from Costa Rica in support of the Central American country’s AI capabilities. As part of the delegation Karray also welcomed Eng. Ariana Bermudez, the first ever Costa Rican to win an MBZUAI scholarship.

Alvarado and Karray agreed to designate the Costa Rican Ministry of Science and Technology as a central contact point, as well as several additional key contacts to foster the sharing of best practices between Costa Rica and MBZUAI.

The Costa Rican Head of State warmly thanked Karray for the university’s warm reception and wished MBZUAI all success in its important mission as the United Arab Emirates most distinguished AI education hub.