AI Futures Summit At Khalifa University Explores Artificial Intelligence's Impact On Higher Education

The 'AI Futures Summit: Empowering Higher Education' commenced today, focusing on artificial intelligence's transformative role in education. Organised by Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Knowledge E, the event highlights the UAE's commitment to future-ready educational institutions. The summit gathers policymakers, university leaders, and international experts to align AI innovation with the UAE’s vision for academic excellence.

Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education from Kazakhstan, attended the opening ceremony. The event attracted global AI leaders, researchers, scientists, international experts, and scholars at Khalifa University's Main Campus. This positions Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for discussions on AI in higher education.

The summit features five keynotes, over 50 speakers, more than 30 case study presenters, and six high-level panel discussions. It also includes 14 parallel sessions and workshops covering themes like AI in teaching and learning, healthcare, research management, and creative education. Khalifa University faculty will share their expertise through a hands-on workshop designed to provide practical insights into AI integration in higher education.

A significant part of the summit was the University Leadership Panel. It included Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri from Khalifa University; Prof. Esameldin Agamy from the University of Sharjah; Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi from UAE University; Prof. Tod Laursen from American University of Sharjah; Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; and Prof. Timothy Baldwin from MBZUAI. They discussed how higher education can empower the UAE’s AI vision through innovation and trust.

Dr. Nader Ghazal delivered a keynote on building bridges through AI-driven learning. Nik Claesen offered a European perspective on professionalising research management in the AI era. Other sessions included Prof. Dr. Christian Kapteyn discussing generative AI's future in learning and Cameron Mirza emphasising organisational readiness for unlocking AI's value in universities.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri stated that academics and research at universities drive innovations in AI. He mentioned initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027 aiming to position the emirate as a leader in AI-driven governance and making AI a mandatory subject across all stages of government education.

Building Trust Through Innovation

The discussions also focused on how higher education can harness AI to strengthen research ecosystems, build talent pipelines, advance ethical governance, and reinforce public trust in emerging technologies.

"As we welcome global leaders and policymakers in AI," Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri said, "we firmly believe it is academics and 'research’ at higher education institutions – universities and research institutions – that drive innovations in AI."

The summit underscores the UAE's proactive approach by starting early with comprehensive training programs for students at all levels of government education.

With inputs from WAM