At the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), procurement isn’t just about supply chains and purchase orders—it’s about shaping a smarter, more sustainable future. Leading this mission is Mansour Al Blooshi, Head of Procurement at MBZUAI, whose unconventional career path has uniquely equipped him to play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s AI aspirations.
From Football Pitches to Procurement Desks
Before stepping into the world of procurement, Mansour’s life was anything but ordinary. As a professional football referee in the UAE league, he mastered skills like fairness, patience, and decision-making under pressure—qualities he now applies to procurement.
His unexpected journey into the profession began during his tenure as cabin crew at Etihad Airways, where a chance conversation with a manager introduced him to procurement. “I’d never even heard the term before,” he admits, but a combination of curiosity, mentorship, and relentless hard work launched his career.
After honing his skills at Etihad Airways and later at Masdar Institute (now part of Khalifa University), Mansour joined MBZUAI in 2020. In August 2022, he assumed his current role, steering procurement for the world’s first graduate research university dedicated to artificial intelligence.
Powering an AI-Driven Institution
Established in 2019, MBZUAI is more than a university—it’s a trailblazer in AI research and education. Its eco-friendly, purpose-built campus is home to 283 students from 41 countries, all studying on full scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, flights, and stipends. This generosity places unique demands on Mansour’s procurement team, which must balance operational efficiency with sustainability and innovation.
“Our primary suppliers are in IT,” Mansour explains, noting partnerships with Emircom, Alpha Data, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to develop the university’s cutting-edge IT infrastructure and High-Performance Computing (HPC) data center. Whenever possible, MBZUAI prioritizes working with local companies, underscoring its commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.
Sustainability at the Core
For Mansour, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle. Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s 2050 sustainability goals, he has integrated eco-conscious practices into every facet of procurement at MBZUAI.
One of his first initiatives was eliminating plastic water bottles on campus. He then introduced a sustainability policy requiring suppliers to meet strict environmental standards. “Sustainability now accounts for 20% of our commercial evaluations,” he says. From IT equipment to kitchen supplies, the focus is on recyclable, sustainable products that minimize environmental impact.
This forward-thinking approach ensures that MBZUAI isn’t just advancing AI—it’s doing so responsibly.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation
When Mansour joined MBZUAI, the procurement system was in flux, with processes being handled manually. He tackled these inefficiencies head-on, creating custom workflows and tools to streamline operations and prevent open purchase orders from impacting the annual budget.
“No two days are the same in procurement,” he reflects. “It’s a routine job, but never a routine scenario.” Despite challenges, Mansour thrives on educating others about the importance of procurement and fostering greater understanding within the organization.
Training AI Leaders for Tomorrow
MBZUAI’s mission extends beyond academia. The university runs executive training programs to equip UAE government and private sector leaders with the tools they need to integrate AI into their organizations. Its flagship Executive Program has already trained over 120 leaders, fostering a thriving AI ecosystem in the UAE.
“Leadership buy-in is essential for successful digital transformation,” Mansour emphasizes. Through its training programs and world-class faculty, MBZUAI is building a foundation for AI adoption across industries.
A Vision for Global Leadership in AI
As Mansour looks to the future, his optimism for MBZUAI and the UAE is palpable. “We have all the resources when it comes to talent and brilliant ideas,” he says. “The UAE can become a global hub for AI, and MBZUAI is at the heart of this transformation.”
With its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, MBZUAI isn’t just a university—it’s a symbol of the UAE’s ambition to lead the world in artificial intelligence. As Mansour proudly puts it:
“MBZUAI is the paradise of AI.”
