Latest news with #EbrahimAlHajri
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa University to host RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 in Abu Dhabi
19 May 2025 15:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced it will host the eighth edition of the RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025) in Abu Dhabi from November 12-17, 2025, a landmark moment for the UAE's rapidly growing robotics RCAP 2025, hosted in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Khalifa University will present a dynamic lineup of technologies through eight leagues, including RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home, RoboCupJunior, RCAP Industry-Sponsored League, and RoboCupIndustrial, with 15 sub-leagues. Additionally, the event will have RCAP Challenges and RCAP Demonstrations. Also featuring will be 34 competitions across all categories with 14 in the major leagues and 20 in the junior division, spanning soccer, rescue, industrial, and home robotics, expected to attract 1,900 a broad spectrum of RoboCup leagues, RCAP 2025 will be in line with UAE national priorities such as smart mobility, AI for sustainability, and technologies for regional challenges. RCAP 2025 will focus on global themes of 'Sustainability', 'Transforming Industries', 'Energy-Efficient Robotics', 'Sustainable Manufacturing', and 'AI-Driven Sustainable Models', encouraging teams to build eco-friendly robots, use recyclable materials, and apply AI to optimise resource Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: 'Hosting RCAP 2025 is a tremendous honor for Khalifa University and the UAE. It reflects Abu Dhabi's rising role as a regional hub for advanced robotics and AI, and accelerates our mission to foster innovation, talent development, and global collaboration. Aligned with the UAE's Year of Community, a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and empowerment across the country, this event also offers a powerful platform to inspire young minds, engage diverse communities, and spotlight the positive impact of robotics and advanced technology on society.'Abu Dhabi's successful bid to host RCAP 2025 builds on Khalifa University's growing international stature, particularly after the Khalifa University Robotics Athletes 'KURA' team achieved second place globally in the Kid-Size Humanoid League at RoboCup 2024 in The Netherlands, making the University's first-ever participation in the competition. Beyond competitions, Khalifa University aims to expand STEM engagement through initiatives like RoboCupJunior and is building partnerships with regional and international collaborators from academia, industry, and government to make RCAP 2025 a truly global event.
Al Etihad
24-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa University ranks 37th in Asia, tops UAE in THE Asia University Rankings 2025
24 Apr 2025 08:45 ABU DHABI (WAM)Khalifa University of Science and Technology on Thursday announced it has climbed three positions to be ranked 37th in Asia in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025, reinforcing its standing as a leading institution for research, enterprise, and innovation in the University has retained its position as the top in the UAE and second among Arab countries listed in the 2025 a strong regional outlook, the university continues to align its research priorities with the most pressing challenges and innovation goals locally and globally. From AI and autonomous robotics to sustainable energy and advanced materials, the university's core research centres are actively contributing to advancing innovation in a range of of Khalifa University, Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, said, 'Our steady rise in various world rankings reflects the strength of our research ecosystem and the local and global relevance of our academic programmes.' "Khalifa University remains a hub for high-impact research that supports industrial growth and scientific collaboration, while contributing meaningfully by nurturing talent, advancing discovery, and building partnerships that transcend borders.'
Al Etihad
20-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa University signs MoU to host US-based EPRI
20 Mar 2025 14:34 ABU DHABI (WAM) Khalifa University of Science and Technology on Thursday announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US-based EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy research and development MoU was signed by the President of Khalifa University, Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of EPRI, Dr. Arshad partnership will pave the way for EPRI to use Khalifa University campus premises to establish dedicated local operations and facilitate participation in EPRI's collaborative research with key energy of Khalifa University, Professor Bayan Sharif, said that Khalifa University's collaboration with the EPRI aims to explore groundbreaking applications that enhance efficiency and decarbonisation, ultimately delivering significant societal benefits.'This partnership reflects our dedication to addressing unique challenges in the Middle East, while leveraging Khalifa University's regional insights and EPRI's global expertise to drive the energy transition forward,' he Mansoor said, 'We are thrilled to collaborate with Khalifa University, a leading institution in innovation and research. Together, we will drive advancements in energy research and foster solutions that address today's most pressing challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.'According to the MoU, Khalifa University and EPRI will align research plans and coordinate activities to drive innovative applications that address critical challenges in the electricity sector, focusing on accelerating efficiency, decarbonisation, and delivering tangible societal benefits. The collaboration will also involve sharing research roadmaps to support the broader energy community and exploring partnerships with start-ups and innovative firms to amplify impact.
Khaleej Times
20-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Some teachers still reluctant to use AI, says top educator
Many teachers in the UAE remain hesitant to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom due to concerns about its impact on learning, ethical considerations, and a lack of proper training. A top UAE educator on Wednesday highlighted that while AI offers significant benefits — such as automating administrative tasks, personalising learning, and enhancing student engagement — many teachers still feel unprepared or are skeptical about its integration. Speaking to Khaleej Times, on the sidelines of The AGF Summit 2025, Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said, 'As I see it, one of the biggest challenges in implementing change at a university, from my perspective as a President, is the resistance of educators to adaptability and innovation. This reluctance to embrace change is perhaps the most significant hurdle any university faces when trying to evolve. He added, 'Some educators say how can we trust students with new technologies? But if we look at history, human beings have consistently adapted to technological advancements over hundreds and even thousands of years. In most cases, technology has been used responsibly, with only a small percentage of misuse.' Citing the example of the time when PayPal first emerged, Hajri highlighted how several people were hesitant to enter their credit card details online. 'But today, almost every household has credit or ATM cards, and incidents of fraud for the average person remain relatively low. Similarly, I don't believe AI presents a fundamentally different scenario. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, we should see it as an opportunity to create more good than harm. Some will misuse it, but as human beings, we have the conscience and responsibility to harness it for positive change,' he added. Why should institutions invest in AI literacy programmes? Experts emphasised that to overcome these barriers, educational institutions and policymakers should invest in AI literacy programmes, offer hands-on training, and highlight AI as a tool that supports — rather than replaces — teachers while assisting students in their learning. Alavikunhu Panthakkan, Associate Professor and Research Scientist in AI, University of Dubai said, 'If faculty members are reluctant to adopt technology, they risk becoming obsolete in the market. The new generation of educators understands that embracing cutting-edge technology is not optional, it is mandatory. In the past, teaching could rely on lecture slides and textbooks alone, but today, the scene is very different.' He pointed out that students now have access to AI tools and advanced technologies that allow them to verify and expand upon what educators teach in classrooms. Panthakkan noted, 'As educators, we must ensure that our content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with these evolving learning methods. In my lectures, I focus on delivering knowledge in a way that encourages students to validate and deepen their understanding using these tools. 'AI is not replacing educators, instead, it is enhancing teaching efficiency and enabling the creation of personalised learning materials. In the past, faculty members were confined to using specific textbooks. However, with the emergence of generative AI, we now have access to a vast array of resources that allow for more tailored and effective learning experiences. Likewise, in this era of advanced technology, assessment methods for students must evolve. While students can make use of technology, they must ensure they grasp its (any topic's) underlying concepts,' he added.
Khaleej Times
29-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Revealed: Top UAE universities for business, engineering, science courses
Two universities in the UAE ranked among the best in the world when it comes to business, engineering, and science courses. Abu Dhabi University (ADU) was named the UAE's top institution for business and economics, while the Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) was the best in engineering, computer science, and physical sciences, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject. Universities are evaluated across various core disciplines within each subject. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. ADU's business and economics programme rose 39 places to achieve an impressive global ranking of 62, positioning it among the top 100 universities and securing first place nationally. The university also ranked first in three indicators within the business and economics category. These include 'research quality,' 'research environment' and 'teaching.' Additionally, ADU's engineering subjects ranked fifth jointly and 301-400 globally, while earning first place nationally in the 'teaching' indicator. 'As we stand among world-class institutions, this recognition confirms ADU's growing prominence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of education in the UAE and beyond. We remain committed to driving innovation and fostering a dynamic learning environment that contributes to the UAE's academic sector," said Ghassan Aouad, chancellor of ADU. Meanwhile, KU's engineering programme climbed to 126-150 in the world rankings while its computer science course secured a spot in the 176-200 band for the first time. Its physical sciences course sprang to 176-200. "The significant achievement in rankings reiterates our deep-rooted commitment to excel in all academic programmes. This achievement is congruent with the UAE's vision to become a global pioneer in various areas, and more specifically in research and education," said Ebrahim Al Hajri, president of KU. Best in the world The 2025 Business and Economics Subject Rankings highlight significant changes among the world's top institutions this year. The University of Oxford maintains its top position for the ninth consecutive year, setting a new record for consecutive first-place rankings. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has achieved its highest placement ever, moving up to second place, while Harvard University has risen to third. Stanford University, previously ranked second, has dropped to sixth place. In Asia, Tsinghua University continues to lead, holding the 12th position globally, with Peking University closely following at 13th. The 2025 rankings encompass 1,907 universities across 108 countries and regions, reflecting the expanding global landscape of higher education.
