Academia and Industry Unite to Advance AI Education, Research, and Practice
The American University in Dubai (AUD) has announced the launch of a pioneering Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (M.S.A.I.) programme, positioning the institution as a leader in AI education and innovation in the region. Designed to enhance the expertise of professionals across the Middle East while fostering economic growth in various industries, the M.S.A.I. programme aims to equip students with the skills needed to address real-world challenges in healthcare, finance, energy, and more.
Courses are set to commence on 13 January 2025, and applications are now open
The launch event brought together esteemed academics and industry leaders to discuss how AI education and research are reshaping business practices and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. Dr Kyle Long, President of AUD, opened the event by highlighting the university’s commitment to advancing AI education through the M.S.A.I. programme.
Dr Long remarked: “The history of AUD is a narrative of continuous innovation for the benefit of society. This positions us uniquely to contribute to the UAE’s ambitions in AI. We aim to achieve this by cultivating the talent, research, and partnerships essential for this nation to lead globally in the new era—the age of AI.” He continued: “The M.S.A.I. programme is an invitation to students, scholars, and industry leaders worldwide to join us in exploring AI’s limitless potential, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge, and envisioning what the future could hold.”
Dr Nejib Ben Hadj Alouane, M.S.A.I. Programme Director and Professor of Computer Engineering, provided an overview of the AI landscape, curriculum structure, and career opportunities. The programme integrates core AI subjects with a diverse array of electives and culminates in a comprehensive research project. M.S.A.I. students will engage with modules such as decision theory, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, with opportunities to delve into specialised topics like computer vision, natural language processing, deep learning, sensor networks, the Internet of Things, and robotics.
The event also featured a keynote address by Mr Ali Alkhajeh, Chief AI Officer at Digital Dubai Government Establishment and an AUD alumnus (Class of 2008). His address reflected on the transformative role of AI across industries. He remarked: “When I began exploring AI, I could not have foreseen how rapidly it would revolutionise industries. As Chief AI Officer at Digital Dubai Government Establishment, I have witnessed its profound impact firsthand. The true strength of AI lies not merely in the technology but in the individuals who innovate and apply it for the greater good. This programme is crucial as it empowers students, educators, and society to harness AI for meaningful progress and positive change.”
Commenting on the programme’s introduction, Dr Wael Bazzi, Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor of Computer Engineering, said: “The M.S.A.I. programme has been meticulously crafted to address the ever-evolving demands of the global AI landscape and to equip students with the expertise and knowledge needed to become innovators and leaders in this transformative field. At the School of Engineering, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and leadership among our students. This programme epitomises our dedication to preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of a technology-driven future. We eagerly anticipate the significant contributions our graduates will make to the future of artificial intelligence.”
The event, which attracted a full-house audience, concluded with a showcase of faculty-led AI research highlighting research opportunities and real-world applications, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
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