Latest news with #RITDubai
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Science
- Zawya
RIT Dubai study shows improvement in academic performance with integration of AI and robotics
Dubai, UAE: A study conducted by researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) of Dubai has revealed the positive impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into education at elementary school level. The groundbreaking project used a personalized AI-powered robot to interact with students directly, resulting in an average 8% improvement in academic performance, versus outcomes from human teaching. Led by Dr. Jinane Mounsef, Chair of the university's Electrical Engineering and Computing Sciences Department, the research highlighted the potential of personalization in robotic tutoring in a real-world educational setting. Combining cognitive and emotional assessment to deliver tailored educational experiences, the tutoring system was tested with a group of grade four school students studying mathematics. In addition to measuring the speed and accuracy of a student's performance, the robot conducted real-time facial expression analysis to determine the learner's state of mind. The metrics were combined to classify students into three categories: Proficient Students (Prof.S), Meeting-Expectations Students (MES), and Developing Students (DVS). These classifications were then used to deliver customized learning content, motivational messages, and constructive feedback to the students. The robot, known as Duet, employed powerful machine learning algorithms and the ROS framework to predict a student's proficiency level with 100% accuracy through indicators such as test scores, task completion time, and emotional engagement. It was then able to adjust the challenges and learning materials dynamically to suit each student's needs. The process also incorporated feedback mechanisms for participants to share their thoughts on the experience of learning through robotics and AI. Explaining the rationale and findings of the research, Dr. Mounsef said, 'We wanted to explore whether personalization enhances the effectiveness of a robotic tutor in improving learning outcomes. To do this, we considered how engagement and academic performance were impacted by the personalization of robotic tutoring and how the results compared to a human teacher, which serves as a benchmark for evaluating the system's impact. Through post-diagnostic exams we found that the experimental group of students using the AI-robot system showed a significant improvement rate over the control group. This demonstrates that such systems can provide a powerful tool to improve efficiency and augment education outcomes.' The research was the subject of an academic paper entitled, 'CARE: towards customized assistive robot-based education', authored by Dr. Mounsef, alongside RIT Dubai graduate student, Nafisa Maaz, and Assistant Professor at Lebanese American University Beirut, Dr. Noel Maalouf. The paper was published by Frontiers in Robotics and AI, a world-leading, multidisciplinary scientific journal. Building on the project, Dr. Mounsef is now preparing to collaborate with colleagues at RIT New York to develop an AI-powered social robot. She concluded, 'We aim to take forward our work in cognitive development to explore the use of robotics in emotional intelligence. This will involve deploying a human-looking robot that can interact with students on a daily basis to ask questions, gather data and ultimately make recommendations that can help to address their concerns.' About RIT Dubai Established in 2008, RIT Dubai is a not-for-profit global campus of the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the world's leading technological-focused universities with more than 185 years of history. RIT Dubai is now operating from phase one of its new $136 million state-of-the-art campus which provides interactive learning space set over 129,000 square meters. RIT Dubai offers highly valued Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business, psychology, media design, leadership, engineering, and computing. The curriculum provides students with relevant work experience through an innovative cooperative education program that helps students stand out in today's highly competitive job market. RIT Dubai offers American degrees issued directly from the main campus in New York, and all of RIT's programs are UAE Ministry accredited. Students of RIT Dubai also have the unique opportunity to choose to study abroad at the main campus in New York or at one of its other global campuses.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
RIT Dubai hosted graduation of NOMU Al Ghurair Women in AI program
Dubai, UAE: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) of Dubai has hosted the graduation of the NOMU Al Ghurair Women in AI program, in collaboration with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and the pioneering educational institution, ZAKA. The event recognised the achievements of 70 Emirati & Arab women who successfully completed the 20-week AI Certification program with ZAKA, which was established to increase the skills capacity in artificial intelligence and machine learning in the UAE. Organized by ZAKA Co-founder and Head of Partnerships, Larissa Abi Nakhle, the ceremony welcomed RIT Dubai President Dr. Yousef Al Assaf and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation CEO Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar. In her opening remarks, Dr. Ben Jaafar highlighted the Foundation's dedication to upskilling Emirati women and supporting their entry into the AI job market, empowering them to become leaders in the region's digital future. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Ben Jaafar said, 'You have stepped into a male-dominated field, and you did this boldly and fearlessly. You are the spark of a movement; a signal that the UAE's innovation economy will not be built by machines alone, it will be built by women like you. You are not just changing your future, you're shifting a global statistic.' Welcoming guests on behalf of RIT Dubai, Dr. Al Assaf provided an overview of the six centers that will be launching as the campus development continues, and invited the graduates to explore opportunities for collaboration with the university. Speaking about the importance of retaining human values in the advancement of technology, Dr. Al Assaf remarked, 'Smart machines are not replacing jobs, they are creating jobs, but we must remember that AI speaks to our emotions but does not have emotions; we need to make sure that the human element is integrated into the codes we develop in order to help people to lead a better life.' The event proceeded with the award of certificates to the cohort of students representing the UAE and other Arab nations. The graduation marked the culmination of a highly selective and challenging program that combined technology with job-readiness skills to prepare candidates for the future of work. The program was set in the context of anticipated expansion in the Middle East AI sector, with an expected annual growth rate ranging from 20 to 34 per cent, projecting a potential impact of $320 billion by 2030. As part of the program, students undertook an intensive 12-week curriculum, involving topics including data science, statistical modelling, neural networking and machine learning. The curriculum concluded with an eight-week capstone project, during which participants worked on a real-life assignment proposed by a partnering company, applying the skills they had learned during the course. This phase includes weekly mentorship sessions to guide participants through the project. Among the program's graduates was Reem Al Neyad, an alumna of Zayed University with a major in information technology, networking, and security. Reflecting on her experience, she said, 'I have always been interested in artificial intelligence; my senior project was a medical dispenser powered by AI. I wanted to build on my experience with Python and machine learning through this program, and it has enhanced my skills in this area. I can now apply this experience in the real world, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided by AGF and ZAKA.' During the ceremony, a keynote address was delivered by Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi, Strategic Advisor at Alef Education. The event concluded with presentations of some of the AI projects developed during the program, including BookBuddy AI, a bilingual support tool enabling children to develop a deeper understanding of language. About RIT Dubai Established in 2008, RIT Dubai is a not-for-profit global campus of the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the world's leading technological-focused universities with more than 185 years of history. RIT Dubai is now operating from phase one of its new $136 million state-of-the-art campus, which provides an interactive learning space set over 129,000 square meters. RIT Dubai offers highly valued Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business, psychology, media design, leadership, engineering, and computing. The curriculum offers students relevant work experience through an innovative cooperative education program, helping them stand out in today's highly competitive job market. RIT Dubai offers American degrees issued directly from the main campus in New York, and all of RIT's programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry. Students of RIT Dubai also have the unique opportunity to choose to study abroad at the main campus in New York or at one of its other global campuses.
Emirates 24/7
22-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Saeed Attends Graduation of 300 Students from Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai
The graduating cohort specialized in 8 undergraduate and 7 postgraduate programs across future-focused disciplines The ceremony represents a milestone in the university's ongoing journey, having graduated over 2,100 students since its establishment in 2010 RIT Dubai to launch new Master's and Bachelor's programs in various fields Ahmed bin Saeed: 'RIT Dubai has become a successful model for fostering effective partnerships between academic institutions and specialized economic zones Abdulrahman Al Saleh: 'RIT Dubai stands as an academic pillar supporting Dubai's long-term economic and social aspirations.' Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni: 'Our partnership with RIT Dubai represents a cornerstone of DIEZ's strategy to cultivate a leading economic and knowledge-driven ecosystem in the UAE and the wider region.' Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf: 'We ensure that every RIT Dubai graduate serves as an ambassador of excellence, knowledge, and a sustainable future.' Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai (RIT Dubai), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and member of DIEZ, celebrated its 14th graduation ceremony, awarding degrees to more than 300 students across 15 bachelor's and master's programs. Generations Shaping the Future His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said: 'This day marks a pivotal moment in the journey of a promising generation, confidently paving its path toward the future, equipped with the knowledge, scientific understanding, and advanced skills required to keep pace with rapid global developments. Investing in human capital is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 and strengthening Dubai's position among the world's leading cities for living, working, and innovation'. 'We are proud of the level of excellence demonstrated by the RIT Dubai university, which has become a successful model for fostering effective partnerships between academic institutions and specialized economic zones. Such partnerships play a key role in developing a forward-looking educational environment that supports Dubai and the UAE's future economic vision,' His Highness added. Advancing High-Quality Education and Innovation in Knowledge For his part, His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RIT Dubai, stated: 'We are committed to providing a world-class educational environment that reinforces Dubai's position as a leading regional hub for higher education. This is achieved through academic programs that are closely aligned with the evolving needs of the job market and the broader goals of sustainable economic and social development'. 'Today, RIT Dubai has become a comprehensive ecosystem for talent development, capacity building, and innovation. It stands as an academic pillar supporting Dubai's long-term economic and social aspirations, in line with the vision of our wise leadership to establish a diversified, knowledge-based economy built on data and advanced technologies,' His Excellency added. Fostering an Education-Based Economy His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said: 'Our partnership with RIT Dubai represents a cornerstone of DIEZ's strategy to foster a leading economic and knowledge-driven ecosystem in the UAE and the wider region. This collaboration plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities and empowering a new generation of future-ready leaders and innovators'. 'We consider RIT Dubai a key component of long-term economic infrastructure, serving as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ideas and a driver of research and development culture. Its mission aligns closely with Dubai's strategic priorities at both the local and national levels, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, smart energy, and sustainable urban development,' His Excellency continued. Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said: 'RIT Dubai continues its steady growth as a center of educational excellence that fosters creativity and strengthens applied research partnerships across various sectors. These efforts enable us to remain an integral part of Dubai's academic and economic landscape'. 'We are planning to launch new academic programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, integrative design, health informatics, health management, advertising, and public relations, in response to evolving market demands. This underscores our continued commitment to academic innovation, as we strive to ensure that every RIT Dubai graduate serves as an ambassador of excellence, knowledge, and a sustainable future,' he further stated. Sustained Academic Growth and Excellence This year's graduating class completed 15 academic programs, comprising eight undergraduate and seven postgraduate degrees. The undergraduate programs included electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, marketing, global business administration, finance, cybersecurity, computing and information technology. At the postgraduate level, students graduated in data analysis, smart cities, future foresight and planning, mechanical engineering, engineering management, electrical engineering, and cybersecurity. This ceremony marks the culmination of a successful academic journey. Since its establishment in 2010, RIT Dubai has graduated more than 2,100 students across its bachelor's, master's, and diploma programs. Future Plans During the current academic year, RIT Dubai launched a new bachelor's program in modern media design, one of its latest specialized offerings aimed at equipping students with skills in interactive and platform design. In support of these developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has recently approved the second phase of the RIT Dubai campus expansion project. The AED 313 million initiative spans a construction area of over 85,000 square meters and will bring the total built-up area of the campus to more than 124,000 square meters, which is an increase of 217% over its current footprint. This expansion is expected to increase the university's capacity to approximately 4,500 students, representing a 115% increase. It will include nine new academic and administrative buildings, and advanced learning facilities, further enhancing the Institute's standing as a global hub for innovation and scientific research. The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) will implement the expansion project in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027, while the second phase is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2028. Upon completion, the total investment in RIT Dubai's campus infrastructure since its inception will exceed AED 520 million. Advanced Academic Destination RIT Dubai is a proud branch of the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, carrying with it a distinguished legacy of nearly 200 years of academic excellence. Since its establishment in Dubai, RIT Dubai has solidified its position as a leading educational hub, offering specialized programs in engineering, IT, business administration, psychology, and soon, digital media design. RIT Dubai provides American-accredited degrees recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, with students also having the exceptional opportunity to study at RIT's main campus in New York or any of its international branches, further enriching their academic experience and expanding their global opportunities Driving Employment Opportunities With state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to pioneering research in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and smart energy, RIT Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. The Institute is committed to delivering forward-thinking educational programs that align with Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in knowledge and the digital economy, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow's workforce. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Mid East Info
06-05-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
RIT Dubai research aims to boost security for Android users - Middle East Business News and Information
Study aids the detection of riskware to help reduce cyberattacks A research project led by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) of Dubai has provided critical insights into Android's malware ecosystem, to help boost security and protect users from cyberattacks. The project is expected to help improve the detection and prevention of cyber threats and raise awareness among users on how they can better safeguard their devices. Conducted by RIT Dubai Professor of Computing Security, Dr. Mohammed Al Ani, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University faculty, the research looked specifically at riskware, which is one of the major security challenges for Android systems. The project deployed explainable machine learning technology to cluster riskware families based on their behaviors. Speaking about the rationale for the project, Dr. Al Ani said, 'The Android operating system has become increasingly popular, and due to its open-source nature and significant market share, Android poses an attractive target for malicious actors. Although riskware constitutes a considerable portion of Android's malware vulnerabilities, it has not been studied as extensively as other types of malware such as ransomware and trojans.' He continued, 'Riskware is usually used in one stage of a larger attack; it is a tool that provides a gateway to allow attackers to gain more access than they should, by using applications that look benign but can be misused. Until now, most studies have focussed on the final stages of the attack, but if threats can be detected in the earlier stages there is more opportunity to intervene, which is why we wanted to explore this under-researched area.' Explaining the threats that riskware can present, Dr. Al Ani said, 'Riskware refers to applications that may pose a security threat due to their vulnerability and potential for misuse. For example, you might download a simple application like a daily planner, but if it is granted access to a lot of additional information such as contacts and photos, it can download more malicious malware that could infect your device with ransomware or use it to send spam.' The research project applied a unique blend of techniques, never previously used in combination, to discover how different families of malware act. Clustering the families based on behaviors rather than codes, the study explored differentiating characteristics, such as how much memory they consume and how much information they send and receive over the Internet. The resulting paper, 'Behavioral Analysis of Android Riskware Families Using Clustering and Explainable Machine Learning', delivers new insights in the fight against malware. While the primary goal of the research is to help developers build more robust protection and detection system, Dr. Al Ani also hopes that it will help to raise public awareness of the threats. He concluded, 'Attackers are constantly changing their techniques, and consumers need to be vigilant when downloading applications. Users should be suspicious if an application asks for access to other content on the device that it does not need to fulfil its function. It's very important to check that the application is from a trusted source before downloading and granting additional access.'
Trade Arabia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
$85m Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai campus expansion approved
The second phase of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai University campus expansion at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a specialised economic zone for knowledge and innovation, has been approved by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Valued at over AED313 million ($85.22 million), this expansion will add 85,000 sq m of advanced educational infrastructure – increasing the total campus built-up area by nearly 217 percent to 124,000 sq m – significantly scaling up the campus capacity and reinforcing RIT Dubai's role as a global leader in academia and research, a Wam news agency report said. Upon completion, the expansion will boost the capacity of the campus by 115 percent, enabling it to accommodate approximately 4,500 students. The development will comprise nine new academic and administrative buildings, alongside cutting-edge educational and support facilities, including an expanded parking structure. The project will be delivered in two phases, with the first scheduled for completion by Q1 2027 and the second marking full completion by Q3 2028. This will bring the total investment in the university's buildings since its establishment and through the completion of this new expansion to over AED520 million. DIEZ's strategic expansion aligns seamlessly with Dubai's broader vision to elevate the quality of higher education, foster an integrated academic ecosystem, and address the growing demands of the knowledge economy. The initiative also aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which envisions transforming Dubai into the world's leading city in terms of quality of life and sustainable development. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted how investments in higher education underscore Dubai's unwavering commitment to nurturing a forward-thinking educational environment that drives the economy of the future and strengthens its position as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. He emphasised that this expansion of RIT-Dubai reflects the vision of Dubai's wise leadership to establish an educational system that evolves alongside technological transformations and enhances the nation's competitiveness in scientific research and innovation, as a key pillar of Dubai's vision for educational development. 'We firmly believe that universities are the cornerstone of the knowledge economy. By advancing RIT Dubai within the innovative ecosystem of Dubai Silicon Oasis, we are nurturing a future-oriented educational environment that will further attract creative minds and empower key sectors by providing them with the next generation of talent. This expansion will not only address Dubai's growing academic needs but also play a pivotal role in building a knowledge-based society. In turn, it will support a diversified and sustainable economy, positioning Dubai as one of the world's top three urban economies by 2033,' he noted. Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, said: 'The expansion of RIT Dubai is a major milestone in reinforcing Dubai Silicon Oasis as a premier hub for innovation and education. It aligns with the strategy of transforming universities into free economic and creative zones. Dubai Silicon Oasis remains committed to supporting leading academic institutions in establishing specialised research programmes that align with the evolving demands of the rapidly expanding global digital economy. 'This expansion will offer students a fully integrated academic environment, equipped with state-of-the-art smart facilities and advanced technologies, fostering scientific research, innovation, and digital transformation across a variety of scientific and technological fields. As a result, it will further accelerate Dubai's growth, driving sustainable and competitive economic development, powered by the talents and innovative minds of the future generation,' he added. Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, emphasised that the expansion is key to meeting the rising demand for advanced academic programmes. 'This expansion supports RIT Dubai's mission to supply vital sectors with the talent needed to meet the growing demands of the digital economy. Since its establishment in 2008, RIT Dubai has become an integral part of the higher education system across the GCC and the Middle East, offering modern academic programmes that keep pace with the latest global developments in scientific research and innovation,' he stated. 'Aligned with Dubai's vision for a knowledge-based economy, RIT Dubai is committed to developing and nurturing new programmes in emerging fields such as data science, AI, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability, and more. This will enhance RIT's role in equipping the region's digital economy with highly skilled professionals prepared to meet the future challenges of a rapidly evolving market,' he added. The expansion project will be executed in two phases, each covering 61,000 sq m. The first phase will involve the construction of two academic buildings, which will house the Department of Science and Arts and the Department of Business Administration. In addition, two administrative buildings, a student centre, a dining hall, and a modern parking facility will be developed. The new parking facility alone will deliver a 150 percent increase in capacity to accommodate the growing number of students and faculty. The second phase will focus on the establishment of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, along with state-of-the-art applied science laboratories, collaborative research and innovation spaces, lecture halls, sports facilities, and a library. Through its new expansion project, RIT Dubai is setting new benchmarks in higher education by establishing five integrated academic centres dedicated to research and development. These centres are designed to empower the next generation of leaders, foster innovation, and contribute to the UAE's goals for economic diversification. The centres include the Energy and Sustainability Center, the Smart Cities Center, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, the Modern Manufacturing and Materials Processing Center, and the Center for Empowering People of Determination. The Modern Manufacturing and Materials Processing Center is aligned with the UAE's strategic goal of enhancing the manufacturing sector's contribution to the national GDP. At the same time, the Center for Empowering People of Determination will offer psychological support, personalised training programmes, and innovative solutions to ensure better integration and inclusion of people of determination across Dubai and beyond. Additionally, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center will play a pivotal role in helping students and the broader community turn their business ideas into reality, fostering an ecosystem of creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial growth. Currently home to 2,100 students, RIT Dubai's upcoming expansion will enable the campus to accommodate approximately 4,500 students by Q3 2028. This significant growth will not only meet the increasing demand for higher education but also reinforce the university's commitment to providing world-class education and fostering a vibrant academic community.
