Exovera’s report, MBZUAI University Ties to China and Russia, investigates how the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a nexus of collaboration involving U.S., Chinese, and Russian individuals and institutions. Founded as the first graduate-level, research-based university focused solely on AI, MBZUAI has attracted faculty and partners with deep ties to sanctioned Russian companies and leading Chinese tech firms. These affiliations span academic appointments, joint labs, co-founded startups, and research collaborations that stretch across Abu Dhabi, Palo Alto, Paris, and Beijing.
The report highlights concerns about the UAE’s growing AI infrastructure potentially serving as a “pass through” point, enabling indirect engagement between U.S. researchers and sanctioned or adversarial entities. Key figures such as MBZUAI President Eric Xing maintain academic and business connections in China, while others, including faculty members Ivan Laptev and Maxim Panov, have long-standing affiliations with Russian defense-related firms like VisionLabs and DATADVANCE. As the UAE deepens its AI investments—particularly as a BRICS member—U.S. policymakers are urged to consider how future AI cooperation with Gulf states may inadvertently facilitate technological transfers to China and Russia.
