University of Dubai and AIJRF launch the first Arab initiative in academic research and AI technologies
The University of Dubai, in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), has officially launched a groundbreaking Arab initiative titled 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR)'. This is the first initiative of its kind in the region and comes as part of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), which was first announced last year at the University of Dubai.
A Regional Step Forward in Academic Innovation
His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the key recommendations announced at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), particularly those drawn from the inaugural report of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU). The findings underscored the urgent need to integrate AI tools and technologies into both Academic Research and teaching practices across Arab universities.
Dr. Al Bastaki stated: 'The current initiative, 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR),' aims to enhance the skills of Arab researchers and academics in embedding AI technologies and tools into teaching methods, curricula, and academic research. It promotes the optimal use of artificial intelligence in higher education across all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.'
Fostering a Widespread Educational Transformation
His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai and the president of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), highlighted the importance of this initiative in reaching a wide audience of researchers. He noted that it offers a specialized training program to help integrate AI applications into both educational practices and academic research processes across all levels of study.
A Specialized AI Training Program for Academia
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of AIJRF, stressed the initiative's role in launching such a highly specialized training program. This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals and applications of AI tools in both theoretical and applied research, while also enabling them to analyze research data using AI, yielding faster and more efficient outcomes.
Dr. Abdulzaher added: 'The program will also introduce participants to innovative AI-based teaching approaches -from smart classroom practices and automated assignments to AI-generated project ideas- along with the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in education.'
Initiative Objectives
Enhance researchers' skills in using AI tools and applications in all areas of Academic Research, in an objective and academically sound manner.
Integrate AI tools and technologies into the educational process within universities and educational institutions at all levels: undergraduate and postgraduate.
Promote a new understanding of how to present ideas for studies, master's and doctoral thesis, and international publications when addressing AI tools and technologies.
Empower Arab researchers and academics to use AI tools and technologies in scientific research, in accordance with international best practices.
Empower Arab researchers and academics to integrate AI tools and technologies into scientific research using global best practices.
Enhance the integration of AI in higher education by developing innovative teaching methods based on intelligent data analysis and interactive learning.
Build a specialized Arab knowledge community focused on AI applications in education and research through knowledge exchange, workshops, and training programs.
Provide Arabic-language resources and guidelines to support the effective incorporation of AI into university curricula, while considering local academic and cultural contexts.
Promote Arab scientific research in the field of AI in education, and encourage the publication of academic work at both regional and international levels.
Foster ethical and critical thinking in the use of AI in educational settings by raising awareness of the risks and challenges of emerging technologies.
Develop strategic partnerships between universities, research centers, and institutions involved in technology and education to support digital academic transformation across the Arab world.
Expected Outcomes
Master the use of AI tools and applications in academic research.
Utilize AI in data analysis to derive faster and more accurate conclusions.
Embed AI into smart curricula and classroom strategies, including automated assignment creation, grading, and project development.
Understand and apply the ethical principles of artificial intelligence.
Acquire technical and cognitive skills necessary for AI application in academia.
Systematically and effectively integrate AI into teaching methods and curricula.
Design and develop AI-based academic research in line with global academic standards.
Optimize AI usage in university education to improve quality and digital transformation.
Prepare a new generation of Arab researchers capable of leading innovation in educational and technological institutions.
Training Methodology and Tools
10 AI tools for research writing and scientific publishing
5 AI applications for classroom management
5 AI tools for managing student projects, assignments, and assessments
Program Duration and Certification
The training program is conducted three times annually
Each round includes 150 participants
The program spans 4 intensive days, totaling 15 practical training hours
Participants who submit a final research or educational project will receive an accredited certificate from:
Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation (AIJRF)
University of Dubai
Other participating universities
About AIJRF
Founded in 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF) is the world's first global research organization dedicated to the study of media, artificial intelligence, content creation, media of Metaverse, the Fourth & Fifth Industrial Revolution, and humanities. It was established by a group of professors and academic researchers specializing in these fields.
AIJRF leads over 20 international initiatives in artificial intelligence, including the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI), the Arab Artificial Intelligence Index in Universities (AIU), the AI Skills Camp for Students, AI Skills Challenge for University undergraduates and the Arab AI Researchers (AAIR) initiative.
AIJRF offers more than 120 training programs, including a professional diploma in: content creation and artificial intelligence, AI technologies and smart government services, AI and media industries, media of Metaverse, and AI in education, among more than 20 specialized training tracks. These programs aim to integrate AI tools and solutions into key professional and educational sectors.
In 2021, AIJRF has published the world's first ethical and professional guide for AI-powered content creation, titled: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism and Professional Code of Ethics. In 2024, it released the second edition under the title: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism Professional Ethics and Codes of Conduct (AIJEC).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Apple executives held internal talks about buying Perplexity: Reports
Apple executives have held internal talks about potentially bidding for artificial intelligence startup Perplexity, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The discussions are at an early stage and may not lead to an offer, the report said, adding that the tech behemoth's executives have not discussed a bid with Perplexity's management. "We have no knowledge of any current or future MA discussions involving Perplexity," Perplexity said in response to a Reuters' request for comment. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. Big tech companies are doubling down on investments to enhance AI capabilities and support growing demand for AI-powered services to maintain competitive leadership in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Bloomberg News also reported on Friday that Meta Platforms tried to buy Perplexity earlier this year. Meta announced a $14.8 billion investment in Scale AI last week and hired Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang to lead its new superintelligence unit. Adrian Perica, Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, has weighed the idea with services chief Eddy Cue and top AI decision-makers, as per the report. The iPhone maker reportedly plans to integrate AI-driven search capabilities, such as Perplexity AI, into its Safari browser, potentially moving away from its longstanding partnership with Alphabet's Google. Banning Google from paying companies to make it their default search engine is one of the remedies proposed by the US Department of Justice to break up its dominance in online search. While traditional search engines such as Google still dominate global market share, AI-powered search options including Perplexity and ChatGPT are gaining prominence and seeing rising user adoption, especially among younger generations. Perplexity recently completed a funding round that valued it at $14 billion, Bloomberg News reported. A deal close to that would be Apple's largest acquisition so far. The Nvidia-backed startup provides AI search tools that deliver information summaries to users, similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini.
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Historic Sharjah site in running for Unesco World Heritage status
A historic site in Sharjah where evidence of human presence dating back more than 210,000 years has been found is in the running for Unesco World Heritage status. Faya, an ancient archaeological site of huge significance in the Arabian Peninsula, is among 30 new sites being considered by the UN's cultural body. Unesco's World Heritage committee will now make a decision at its 47th session to be held from July 7 to 16 in Paris. The Sharjah site is what is known as a palaeolandscape, providing crucial insights into how early humans lived, migrated, and adapted to different environments. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is the official ambassador of the emirate's Unesco Heritage nomination file. 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years - a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learnt to survive,' said Sheika Bodour, in remarks carried by state news agency Wam last month. 'The Faya palaeolandscape's nomination for Unesco world heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world." Research pays off The Faya Range, a chain of limestone outcrops known in Arabic as jebels, can be considered a natural barrier between the Rub Al Khali desert to its west and the Dhaid-Madam plain to its east. The area is rich in resources such as flint and freshwater springs, which made human habitation possible. Different caves and dwellings provide physical evidence of human tools, life and burials. Scientists say the environment and people's way of living changed over thousands of years in the area. 'Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah,' said Eisa Yousif, director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, in remarks also carried by Wam. 'As we advance Faya's Unesco world heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world - not just Sharjah and the UAE," he added. Faya was added to Unesco's tentative list in 2023. The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030, Wam said. This plan aligns with Unesco's world heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education. The UAE has currently one site on the heritage list. The cultural sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) were collectively added in 2011. Unesco's meeting, meanwhile, will also see it examine the extension of two sites already on the list and will review of the state of conservation of 248 sites already inscribed. To date, it has inscribed 1,223 cultural and natural sites in 168 countries on the world heritage list.
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Zawya
University of Dubai and AIJRF launch the first Arab initiative in academic research and AI technologies
The University of Dubai, in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), has officially launched a groundbreaking Arab initiative titled 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR)'. This is the first initiative of its kind in the region and comes as part of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), which was first announced last year at the University of Dubai. A Regional Step Forward in Academic Innovation His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the key recommendations announced at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), particularly those drawn from the inaugural report of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU). The findings underscored the urgent need to integrate AI tools and technologies into both Academic Research and teaching practices across Arab universities. Dr. Al Bastaki stated: 'The current initiative, 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR),' aims to enhance the skills of Arab researchers and academics in embedding AI technologies and tools into teaching methods, curricula, and academic research. It promotes the optimal use of artificial intelligence in higher education across all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.' Fostering a Widespread Educational Transformation His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai and the president of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), highlighted the importance of this initiative in reaching a wide audience of researchers. He noted that it offers a specialized training program to help integrate AI applications into both educational practices and academic research processes across all levels of study. A Specialized AI Training Program for Academia His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of AIJRF, stressed the initiative's role in launching such a highly specialized training program. This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals and applications of AI tools in both theoretical and applied research, while also enabling them to analyze research data using AI, yielding faster and more efficient outcomes. Dr. Abdulzaher added: 'The program will also introduce participants to innovative AI-based teaching approaches -from smart classroom practices and automated assignments to AI-generated project ideas- along with the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in education.' Initiative Objectives Enhance researchers' skills in using AI tools and applications in all areas of Academic Research, in an objective and academically sound manner. Integrate AI tools and technologies into the educational process within universities and educational institutions at all levels: undergraduate and postgraduate. Promote a new understanding of how to present ideas for studies, master's and doctoral thesis, and international publications when addressing AI tools and technologies. Empower Arab researchers and academics to use AI tools and technologies in scientific research, in accordance with international best practices. Empower Arab researchers and academics to integrate AI tools and technologies into scientific research using global best practices. Enhance the integration of AI in higher education by developing innovative teaching methods based on intelligent data analysis and interactive learning. Build a specialized Arab knowledge community focused on AI applications in education and research through knowledge exchange, workshops, and training programs. Provide Arabic-language resources and guidelines to support the effective incorporation of AI into university curricula, while considering local academic and cultural contexts. Promote Arab scientific research in the field of AI in education, and encourage the publication of academic work at both regional and international levels. Foster ethical and critical thinking in the use of AI in educational settings by raising awareness of the risks and challenges of emerging technologies. Develop strategic partnerships between universities, research centers, and institutions involved in technology and education to support digital academic transformation across the Arab world. Expected Outcomes Master the use of AI tools and applications in academic research. Utilize AI in data analysis to derive faster and more accurate conclusions. Embed AI into smart curricula and classroom strategies, including automated assignment creation, grading, and project development. Understand and apply the ethical principles of artificial intelligence. Acquire technical and cognitive skills necessary for AI application in academia. Systematically and effectively integrate AI into teaching methods and curricula. Design and develop AI-based academic research in line with global academic standards. Optimize AI usage in university education to improve quality and digital transformation. Prepare a new generation of Arab researchers capable of leading innovation in educational and technological institutions. Training Methodology and Tools 10 AI tools for research writing and scientific publishing 5 AI applications for classroom management 5 AI tools for managing student projects, assignments, and assessments Program Duration and Certification The training program is conducted three times annually Each round includes 150 participants The program spans 4 intensive days, totaling 15 practical training hours Participants who submit a final research or educational project will receive an accredited certificate from: Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation (AIJRF) University of Dubai Other participating universities About AIJRF Founded in 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF) is the world's first global research organization dedicated to the study of media, artificial intelligence, content creation, media of Metaverse, the Fourth & Fifth Industrial Revolution, and humanities. It was established by a group of professors and academic researchers specializing in these fields. AIJRF leads over 20 international initiatives in artificial intelligence, including the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI), the Arab Artificial Intelligence Index in Universities (AIU), the AI Skills Camp for Students, AI Skills Challenge for University undergraduates and the Arab AI Researchers (AAIR) initiative. AIJRF offers more than 120 training programs, including a professional diploma in: content creation and artificial intelligence, AI technologies and smart government services, AI and media industries, media of Metaverse, and AI in education, among more than 20 specialized training tracks. These programs aim to integrate AI tools and solutions into key professional and educational sectors. In 2021, AIJRF has published the world's first ethical and professional guide for AI-powered content creation, titled: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism and Professional Code of Ethics. In 2024, it released the second edition under the title: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism Professional Ethics and Codes of Conduct (AIJEC).
