The University of Dubai, in partnership with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), has launched the Arab AI Researchers (AAIR) initiative, the first of its kind in the region aimed at embedding artificial intelligence into academic research and teaching across Arab universities.
The initiative builds on the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), first introduced in 2023, and is designed to train researchers and educators in the practical integration of AI tools in higher education.
The program addresses a growing demand for digital transformation within the academic sector, with a focus on ethical, effective, and innovative use of AI technologies.
The AAIR initiative offers a structured training program held three times a year, each with 150 participants. It includes 15 hours of intensive workshops over four days, covering AI tools for research writing, classroom management, and student assessments.
Participants who complete a final project will receive certification from the University of Dubai, AIJRF, and partner universities.
Program objectives include building AI proficiency among researchers, integrating AI into curricula, fostering ethical awareness, and promoting regional academic publications on AI.
The initiative also aims to develop Arabic-language resources to support culturally relevant integration of AI tools in universities.
Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, said the program aligns with the key recommendations from the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum, particularly the need to embed AI across all levels of academic instruction and research.
The initiative is expected to accelerate the digital transformation of Arab higher education institutions and foster the growth of a specialized knowledge community focused on AI applications in education.
It also seeks to position Arab universities as global contributors to AI-driven innovation in academia, analysts said.
