King Abdulaziz University has earned international recognition after being shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards Arab World. The achievement highlights how universities across the region are using technology to improve teaching and student success while preparing graduates for the future of work.
For educators, school leaders and students across the UAE and the wider Gulf, the recognition offers valuable insight into how higher education institutions are embracing artificial intelligence and data to strengthen learning and decision making.
King Abdulaziz University Recognised for AI Education
King Abdulaziz University has been named a finalist in the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year category for its initiative, “AI Education for Non-Specialists, A National Model for Inclusive AI Literacy.”
The programme introduces accredited artificial intelligence courses to students from a wide range of academic disciplines, including those with no previous programming experience.
Moreover, the initiative aims to make AI education accessible beyond traditional computing and engineering courses. Led by Iyad Katib, Fahad Al-Qurashi and Nouf Al-Ghanmi, the project seeks to equip graduates with practical AI knowledge that reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence across today’s labour market.
As AI skills become increasingly valuable in sectors including healthcare, business, education and engineering, programmes such as this could provide a useful model for universities across the Middle East.
Data Platform Supports Smarter University Planning
King Abdulaziz University has also been shortlisted in the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year category for its University Enrollment Planning Platform.
The platform replaces disconnected spreadsheets and manual planning processes with a single integrated system. It connects enrolment targets with admissions data, graduation forecasts, institutional capacity and teaching and supervisory resources.
Furthermore, the system is designed to help university leaders make faster and more informed decisions. It also identifies future capacity gaps while supporting more effective allocation of academic resources.
The project team includes Ala’a Omar Kadidos, Fatimah Omar Kamel, Mohammed Reda Kabli, Jamaan Salem Alghamdi, the Data Team at the Deanship of Admission and Registration, and Ali Hassan Sharif.
Supporting Student Success Through Innovation
Artificial intelligence and data-informed planning are becoming increasingly important across higher education. Universities are expected not only to provide high-quality teaching but also to respond quickly to changing student demand, workforce needs and national priorities.
Meanwhile, institutions across the GCC are expanding investment in digital learning, artificial intelligence and smarter planning systems. These developments support national strategies that place innovation, graduate employability and research excellence at the centre of higher education.
For parents and prospective students, initiatives such as those recognised at the awards demonstrate how universities are adapting to prepare graduates for careers shaped by emerging technologies.
Winners To Be Announced in November
The Times Higher Education Awards Arab World attracted more than 400 entries across 10 categories. From these, 80 submissions representing 36 higher education institutions from 13 Arab countries and territories reached the final shortlist.
The winners will be announced during the Arab Universities Summit in Morocco this November, where institutions from across the region will be recognised for excellence in teaching, innovation and leadership within higher education.
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