Future Focus: AI in Higher Education

Purpose and mission:

The 'Future Focus' event series and the University Leadership Steering Committee aims to explore and recommend AI-related policy changes for the UAE, seeking insight from leaders and providing strategic guidance to universities and higher education institutions. The initiatives focus on integrating AI in teaching, research, and student support while developing future-ready skills and ensuring ethical AI practices. The roundtable events and Steering Committee will formulate comprehensive recommendations for integrating AI into teaching, learning, research, and the broader core and support functions of universities.

This will involve leveraging the opportunities AI presents while proactively mitigating risks and strengthening institutional capacities. These initiatives will serve as a dynamic platform to advise on policy formulation, best practices, and guidelines to ensure that AI adoption is beneficial, ethical, and aligned with both national and institutional priorities.

Learn more about the people behind 'Future Focus'

Dr Narimane Hadj-Hamou

CEO, CLICKS

Before founding CLICKS, Dr. Narimane was the Assistant Chancellor for Learning and Academic Development (Provost) at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University in Dubai, where she established and led the academic, research and eLearning vision of the first online University to be recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE. She has assumed other leadership roles including acting as a Dean for Students Affairs, a Dean for Learning andTeaching and a Director of e-Learning.

Drawing on 20 years of experience Dr. Narimane's expertise and professional background span areas such as technology integration and e-learning in higher education; teaching and learning, quality assurance and accreditation and governance. She has been the driving force in the promotion of online education and blended learning in the Region since 2004 by leading many pioneering projects and initiatives.

Dr Ashraf Mahate

Chief Economist

Dr. Ashraf embarked on his career as an academic initially with Bayes Business School part of City University (London University) in 1990. He later moved to Dubai and continued in senior positions in international universities based in the emirate. With extensive regional experience Dr Ashraf has been a consultant with the International Trade Center which is part of the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations Committee on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as well as the Inter-American Development Bank.

Dr Ashraf has published in several high-ranking international academic journals, and written chapters in books in the areas of finance, banking and economics.

He now sits on Studiosity's Academic Advisory Board.

Katya Burfitt

Regional Director, Middle East - Studiosity

Katya Burfitt is a professional with 20 years of experience in the education sector. Her career includes collaborations with high schools and universities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where she spearheaded the launch and successful global expansion of institutional brands.
With extensive experience in partnerships and account management, Katya has in-depth knowledge of the Higher Education sector. As the Regional Director at Studiosity, she is dedicated to supporting partner universities in the Middle East. Additionally, she works closely with institutions interested in leveraging AI for Learning services to improve student support and outcomes.

About Studiosity & CLICKS

The Center for Learning Innovations and Customized Knowledge Solutions (CLICKS) was established to address the rapid expansion of higher education in the region, meeting the evolving needs of educational institutions striving for academic excellence and competitive advantage. By offering innovative, tailored training programs, consulting, mentoring, and coaching, CLICKS empowers institutions to excel in an increasingly dynamic academic landscape. CLICKS leverages the latest advancements and developments in higher education. Additionally, we have expanded our reach beyond the Arab region into new geographic areas, ensuring our expertise and solutions are accessible to a broader global audience.

Studiosity is personal study help, anytime, anywhere - powered by AI for learning and proven to grow student success metrics in institutions.

We work together with our higher education partners around the world to grow student success via AI for learning, including academic feedback and study help, and delivering powerful peer connection at scale. Our mission is to increase the life chances of every student in the world by helping them succeed with their studies. We ensure universities can deliver personal support and connection, just in time.