United Arab Emirates University at the Forefront of a Comprehensive National System for Education, Research, and Innovation

Over 1,000 AI research papers published over the past five years

20 AI-specialized faculty members

Five bachelor's programs and two graduate programs in AI-related fields

One AI minor and three AI micro-credentials

Over 2,200 students enrolled in AI and digital technologies-related majors

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) continues to strengthen its position as a leading academic and research institution in artificial intelligence (AI) by leading a comprehensive national system for education, research, innovation, and institutional transformation. This aligns with the implementation of the University’s Artificial Intelligence Agenda 2025–2031, which serves as a strategic roadmap for enhancing UAEU’s capabilities in this vital field while supporting the UAE’s vision of building an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy powered by advanced technologies.

The University adopts an integrated institutional approach that embeds artificial intelligence across education, scientific research, institutional operations, and community service. Through this approach, UAEU develops innovative solutions to national and global challenges while preparing highly qualified national talent with the future skills required to lead the digital economy and shape the future.

Over the past five years, UAEU researchers have published more than 1,000 artificial intelligence research papers indexed in the Scopus database, covering advanced applications in healthcare, engineering, environmental sustainability, education, and community service. Their research also focuses on machine learning, computer vision, big data analytics, explainable artificial intelligence, and intelligent decision-support systems. The University is currently undertaking a wide range of AI-driven research projects in areas such as rainfall forecasting, water resources management, medical diagnosis and health data analysis, structural health monitoring of concrete infrastructure, and smart city development, demonstrating the broad application of artificial intelligence in advancing sustainable development.

UAEU has further strengthened its research excellence through strategic partnerships with leading international universities and research institutions. These collaborations have expanded the scope of scientific research, enhanced the quality of research outcomes, and promoted the exchange of expertise in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

An Academic System Preparing Future Leaders

As part of its commitment to preparing national talent capable of leading digital transformation, UAEU has adopted Artificial Intelligence as a University General Education Requirement for all students beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year, ensuring that every graduate acquires a solid understanding of AI fundamentals and applications.

The University currently offers five bachelor's degree programs related to artificial intelligence and digital technologies: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Data Science Mathematics, and Bachelor of Science in Information Security. In addition, UAEU offers an Artificial Intelligence minor and three micro-credentials in AI-related fields, including Artificial Intelligence for Games, Artificial Intelligence for Smart Energy Systems, and Generative Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering. At the graduate level, the University offers two postgraduate programs: the Master of Science in Internet of Things and the PhD in Informatics and Computing.

A total of 2,207 students are currently enrolled in bachelor's programs related to artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including 760 students in the Bachelor of Science in Information Security, 532 in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 417 in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, 395 in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, and 41 in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science Mathematics. The University also has 62 graduate students enrolled in AI-related postgraduate programs, including 15 students in the Master of Science in Internet of Things and 47 students in the PhD in Informatics and Computing.

Supporting this academic ecosystem are 20 faculty members specializing in artificial intelligence, who contribute to developing innovative academic programs, supervising multidisciplinary research, and strengthening collaboration with strategic sectors.

A Hub for Research and Innovation

The Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation (AIDI) at United Arab Emirates University is strategically positioned to support the UAE’s national agenda for advancing artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and future-ready government services. The Center serves as a national hub for world-class AI research, innovation, and practical transformation, with a strong commitment to supporting key government initiatives, including the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme and the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence across government services, institutional workflows, and operational excellence.

AIDI is home to distinguished researchers and innovators, including faculty members recognized among the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists worldwide. The Center has established a strong record of high-impact publications, international collaborations, and innovative AI-based solutions. It seeks to lead digital transformation, promote the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence, and contribute to the advancement of the University, the UAE, and the wider region through research excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Fekri Kharbash, Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence at United Arab Emirates University, said: "Artificial intelligence is one of the strategic pillars of the UAE’s vision for the future. Through the Artificial Intelligence Agenda 2025–2031, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that leverages advanced technologies across education, research, institutional operations, and community service. The University is committed to preparing national talent capable of leading digital transformation, fostering innovation, and developing AI-driven solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for the knowledge-based economy."

He added: "The University continues to invest in advanced digital infrastructure, attract leading research talent, and expand partnerships with world-renowned universities and research institutions, enhancing its ability to generate knowledge and develop innovative solutions with tangible economic and societal impact."

Prof. Nizar Zaki, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said: "The Center represents an advanced research platform that brings together expertise from multiple disciplines to develop innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence and big data analytics. We lead a multidisciplinary research ecosystem focused on advancing machine learning, computer vision, explainable artificial intelligence, and intelligent data analytics while empowering researchers and students to leverage the latest technologies."

He added: "Through close collaboration with local and international partners, we are transforming research outcomes into innovative solutions that support sustainable development and strengthen the national economy. As we continue to expand our research projects and global partnerships, UAEU is further consolidating its position as one of the leading academic institutions in artificial intelligence nationally and internationally."

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