AI In Pharmacy Education Advances As Ajman University Hosts Regional Faculty Workshop

Ajman University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences hosted the 9th Regional Pharmacy Faculty Development Workshop on 29 January 2026, centring on artificial intelligence in pharmacy education. Over two days, specialists examined how AI tools are changing teaching, assessment, and workforce preparation in health sciences, highlighting implications for universities across the UAE, the wider Middle East, and international partners.

The event brought together more than 100 participants from over 20 universities and colleges, representing at least eight countries. Attendees included pharmacy and healthcare faculty members, academic leaders, clinical educators, and researchers. Sessions explored practical ways AI can support curriculum design and skills development while still meeting accreditation requirements and healthcare sector expectations.

The workshop was organised with the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, represented by the Commission for Academic Accreditation. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in the United States and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy also joined as partners. Their involvement reflected joint efforts to improve faculty capabilities and align pharmacy programmes with both UAE policy and international quality frameworks.

Programme sessions covered ethical and legal aspects of AI in teaching, the design of AI-enabled curricula, and approaches to personalised and competency-based learning. Speakers also examined analytics for assessment, as well as the growing role of AI tools in clinical pharmacy education. Structured talks were paired with interactive components so participants could test digital platforms and evaluate their use in classroom and practice settings.

International experts from accredited pharmacy schools in the United States discussed generative and predictive AI, highlighting applications that may streamline academic administration and support decision-making. Regional academics presented research projects and case studies showing how AI is already being piloted in pharmacy programmes. These examples ranged from simulation-based learning to data-driven course evaluation and continuous quality improvement.

Dr. Khalid Askar, Director of Innovation and Scientific Research at MoHESR, said: "The workshop supports the Ministry's objective of enhancing the higher education system by empoweringfaculty to keep up with rapid progress, particularly in health sciences and AI. This fosters the development of advanced educational programs and future-ready competencies." Dr. Khalid added: "At MoHESR, we remain committed to improving education quality by integrating smart technologies, strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions and accreditation bodies, and aligning curricula with national and international standards. This contributes to building skilled national talent to meet labor market demands and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

Commenting on Ajman University’s role, Chancellor Dr. Karim Seghir said: "Higher education institutions have a responsibility to anticipate how emerging technologies will shape professional practice and to prepare faculty accordingly. By convening this regional workshop, Ajman University is contributing to a policy-informed conversation on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into pharmacy education in ways that strengthen academic quality, support accreditation expectations, and respond to the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce."

The 9th Regional Pharmacy Faculty Development Workshop highlighted Ajman University’s continuing attention to academic staff development and evidence-based teaching innovation. By linking universities, regulators, and accreditation bodies, the event reinforced collaboration around AI use in pharmacy education and supported national goals for high-quality health sciences training in the UAE and the wider region.

With inputs from WAM