Abu Dhabi, UAE – Richard Morton, Director of the Institute of Foundation Models at the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), shared insights on the current state and future direction of artificial intelligence during the Machines Can Think Summit 2026. Morton spoke in an interview with Justin Cooke following his panel appearance at the summit.
Morton began by addressing widespread misconceptions around AI. While adoption and attention have accelerated rapidly, he emphasized that today’s systems remain fundamentally tools for synthesis rather than engines of true discovery.
“AI today is an extraordinary calculator,” Morton said. “It allows us to synthesize vast amounts of data and find correlations at scale, but it has not yet created fundamentally new knowledge.”
He noted that current models already deliver significant value, such as compressing years of clinical research into days. However, the next leap lies in moving beyond correlation toward genuine discovery.
“That’s where we want to go,” he said. “That’s the future.”
Morton described the UAE as one of the most compelling global environments for AI development. Large scale compute, energy availability, land, water for cooling, capital, and reliable governance form a rare combination.
“AI needs infrastructure and trust,” Morton said. “The UAE has both, along with a clear and detailed national AI strategy.”
As Director of the Institute of Foundation Models, Morton highlighted MBZUAI’s unique position as the world’s first AI focused university. Founded in a country that appointed its first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017, the university attracts top global talent across domains including biotechnology, sustainability, energy, and large language models.
“We’re drawing some of the best AI minds in the world,” Morton said. “That momentum keeps growing.”
MBZUAI operates as a truly global institution, welcoming students and researchers from around the world and producing strong employment outcomes. Morton explained that AI education will evolve as AI becomes embedded into everyday systems.
“AI won’t stay a standalone discipline,” he said. “It will become part of everything, like electricity or the internet.”
Looking ahead, Morton identified world models as the most exciting frontier in AI. Unlike language models that operate on text, world models aim to represent the three dimensional physical world, incorporating physics, matter, and sensory interaction.
“This is the next paradigm,” he said. “It’s a quantum leap from where we are now.”
For young professionals entering the workforce, Morton offered direct advice. AI adoption is no longer optional.
“You must use AI every day,” he said. “Understand how it improves your work.”
He pointed to hiring practices across the region where AI literacy and usage now define employability.
“How you use AI is becoming the test,” Morton said.
The interview reflected central themes of the Machines Can Think Summit 2026, foundation models, education, world models, and the integration of AI into the fabric of society.
About MBZUAI
MBZUAI is a graduate university in Abu Dhabi focused on artificial intelligence. It offers master’s and PhD programs in areas such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, and supports advanced AI research and talent development.
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Interview conducted by Justin Cooke at Machines Can Think Summit 2026
