Sam Altman Receives MBZUAI First Honorary Doctorate

Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 26, 2025: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was awarded the first honorary doctorate by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in recognition of his transformative contributions to artificial intelligence. The ceremony was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The award celebrates Altman’s professional achievements in advancing AI from research laboratories to practical, real-world applications. During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Khaled congratulated Altman, highlighting that the recognition aligns with the UAE’s vision to lead in AI and innovation while building a comprehensive ecosystem designed to serve humanity and foster inclusive growth.

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The event, held at the MBZUAI campus in Abu Dhabi, saw the participation of ministers, dignitaries, university leaders, faculty, and students. His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees, remarked that conferring the university’s first honorary doctorate to Altman underscores MBZUAI’s global standing as a center of excellence in AI. He called Altman “a pioneer whose brilliance and tenacity have made AI’s transformational benefits accessible worldwide.”

Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President, praised Altman for turning AI from a research concept into “a global engine of progress,” noting his vision, conviction, and courage in scaling generative AI. Altman, in his remarks, expressed his honor at receiving the doctorate and applauded MBZUAI’s dedication to placing AI at the center of education and research. He emphasized that the UAE’s vision aligns with OpenAI’s mission to responsibly share AI benefits globally.

This historic conferral marks a milestone for MBZUAI as it continues to expand its influence in AI research and innovation, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to being a global hub for advanced technology.

MBZUAI plans further initiatives to collaborate with global AI leaders, aiming to foster responsible AI development and innovation across industries.