Dubai: The 8th International Conference on Education Quality commenced today in Dubai, focusing on the theme 'AI Innovations: Future Foresight for Empowering Public Institutions and Enhancing Educational Quality'. The event is a part of Dubai AI Week and is organized by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference, which runs from April 22nd to 24th, serves as a leading platform for promoting institutional innovation and digital transformation in the realms of education and public services. The first day of the event was hosted at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, with subsequent sessions planned at the Directorate's headquarters in Al Jafiliya.
The conference has drawn over 500 participants, representing government, academia, and private sectors. More than 200 research papers were accepted for presentation, with involvement from 31 government entities, 55 universities, 32 institutional partners, and over 200 speakers, including representatives from tech giants Microsoft and Google.
Notable officials attending the event included Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai; Abdullah Busnad, Director-General of Dubai Customs; Abdulrahman Sharaf, Assistant Secretary-General of the Judicial Council; Mansoor Mohammed Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University; Mishaal Julfar, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority - Dubai; and Ahmed Mohammed Nour, President of the Arab Media Union and Arab Creators Union.
The conference also saw attendance from Major General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General, along with assistant directors and senior representatives from leading academic and research institutions. In his opening speech, Al Marri announced the launch of the Unlimited Smart Travel service at Dubai International Airport's First and Business Class lounges. This AI-powered system enhances identity verification through facial recognition, boosts traveller throughput from one to ten individuals at once, and simplifies service steps, thereby improving airport processing efficiency.
Al Marri emphasized that artificial intelligence is now a practical necessity rather than a luxury, stating, "Artificial intelligence is no longer a theoretical luxury-it is a practical necessity. We are placing it in the service of education, of humanity, and of a nation that deserves the best."
Dr. Caroline A. Jones, Professor Emerita at the University of Warwick and representative of the ICEQ Supreme Committee, remarked that the conference provides a practical model for integrating technology into education and public services. The event will conclude with the introduction of the AI Innovation Lab, a session conducted by Al Marri, and the signing of three strategic cooperation agreements. This conference underscores Dubai's role as a hub for smart governance, innovation, and institutional excellence.