Abu dhabi: The two-day ‘AI Futures Summit: Empowering Higher Education’, organized by Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Knowledge E, commenced today. The summit focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in transforming education and highlights the UAE’s commitment to building future-ready institutions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Mohammad Al Mualla, Undersecretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University. It brings together 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 of the Republic of Kazakhstan, attended the opening ceremony, which also attracted global AI leaders, researchers, scientists, international experts, and scholars to Khalifa University’s Main Campus. This positions Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for dialogue on AI in higher education.
A significant feature of the summit is the University Leadership Panel, which includes Khalifa University President Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Chancellor of UAE University, Prof. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah, Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Prof. Timothy Baldwin, Provost of MBZUAI. They discussed how higher education can empower the UAE’s AI vision through innovation and trust.
The summit features five keynotes, over 50 speakers, more than 30 case study presenters, and six high-level panel discussions and fireside chats. Additionally, there are 14 parallel sessions and workshops addressing themes from AI in teaching and learning to healthcare, research management, and creative education. Faculty members from Khalifa University will also share their expertise, alongside a workshop designed to provide practical insights into AI integration in higher education.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri emphasized the importance of academics and research at higher education institutions in driving AI innovations. He highlighted initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027 and the UAE’s introduction of AI as a mandatory subject in government education. These initiatives position the UAE as a global leader in AI education.
A keynote by Dr. Nader Ghazal, Chairman of the African-Asian Council for AI and Cybersecurity, addressed building bridges through AI-driven learning. Nik Claesen, Managing Director of the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), shared a European perspective on professionalizing research management in the AI era.
Other key sessions included a presentation by Prof. Dr. Christian Kapteyn, Professor of Digital Business and Head of Generative AI in Higher Education at SRH University, exploring the future of learning with generative AI. Cameron Mirza, Chief of Party at IREX, discussed the importance of organizational readiness and digital foundations in unlocking AI’s value in universities. Discussions also covered how higher education can leverage AI to enhance research ecosystems, build talent pipelines, advance ethical governance, and reinforce public trust in emerging technologies.