UAE universities must change to equip students in AI age, say leaders and students

UAE universities must urgently adapt their curricula and teaching methods to remain relevant in the age of artificial intelligence, according to acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar. Speaking at the Zayed Education Foundation’s Partnerships for the Future event, Dr Al Awar emphasized the rapid pace of change in economies and job markets, driven by emerging technologies such as AI, which are transforming the skills employers demand.

He stressed the necessity of closer collaboration between universities and industry, as well as the redesign of curricula and skills development for both faculty and students. The UAE's vision for higher education prioritizes a future-ready, globally competitive ecosystem that aligns with student, economic, and societal needs. An updated guidebook for the Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework was released earlier this year, following consultations with over 700 higher education representatives nationwide.

Student perspectives also highlight the importance of practical, hands-on experiences over traditional metrics. Ruwwad Zayed Scholars Noor Odeh and Jassem Alkhoori both advocate for a shift towards skills-based education, arguing that the future of higher learning should focus on empowering students with the tools to innovate and contribute meaningfully to their communities.