Dubai University and AIJRF Foundation announced the launch of the Arab AIU Index for artificial intelligence in universities, the first of its kind globally studying the integration of artificial intelligence and metaphysics technologies in humanities and theoretical sciences in academic institutions. The index includes 6 main indicators: educational curricula, university professors, smart laboratories, student skills, and scientific research index, totaling 18 sub-indicators.
This was announced during a press conference held at the headquarters of Dubai University. Dr. Issa Al Bustaki, the university’s president and the main partner in launching the index, emphasized the importance of the Arab AIU index for artificial intelligence in universities and its role in enhancing the integration of artificial intelligence technologies in higher education.
He said: “Higher education in the Arab region is witnessing significant developments, both in terms of the number of universities and the number of graduates annually. Therefore, our universities must embrace advanced technology and artificial intelligence. In the UAE, we have excellent examples in this field, and we have contributed to launching the Arab AIU index to support Arab experiences in this field. The index mainly aims to research, monitor, and develop higher education in the Arab world, and enhance the skills of the academic team, students, and graduates to keep up with rapid technological changes.”
On his part, Dr. Saeed Al Zaheri, head of the Arab AIU Index for artificial intelligence in universities, explained the importance of the index in supporting and enhancing the application of artificial intelligence in Arab universities and integrating it into all aspects of the educational process.
He stated that there are many great opportunities for growth in the field of artificial intelligence in the Arab world. Hence, the idea of establishing the index came to boost the implementation of key strategies for Arab universities and ensure their alignment with their governments’ strategies in developing and updating education systems in line with global trends in this field and compatible with advanced technological uses.
Dr. Al Zaheri said: “Through this index, we are trying to encourage Arab universities to keep pace with global developments in applying artificial intelligence technologies and measure the level of adoption by Arab universities of these technologies on a global level, to set an action plan to achieve excellence in the field of artificial intelligence within our educational institutions.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdul Zaher, President of the AIJRF Foundation, which stands behind the idea of the index, stated that the Arab AIU Index for artificial intelligence in universities primarily aims to enhance the adoption of intelligent technologies and solutions in the higher education sector in the Arab world, to develop the skills of faculty members and students, and ensure they are equipped with the necessary technical skills for the job market. The index also aims to measure the use of intelligent technologies in humanities and theoretical disciplines, enhance the use of Arabic artificial intelligence in the educational process, and raise awareness of artificial intelligence culture among Arab universities.
Professor Saham Nassar, Deputy Director of the “Arab AIU Index for artificial intelligence in universities” at AUI, said: “Through this first-of-its-kind global index, we are trying to provide recommendations to Arab universities to integrate artificial intelligence tools and solutions in all educational areas. We also aim through this index to provide technical and professional support to leading universities in applying artificial intelligence technologies in their curricula and training their academic teams.” She added: “The index currently has a large team working in 10 Arab countries, representing many leading universities and educational and government institutions.”
