Sultan bin Ahmed attends opening of 2nd Sharjah Education Conf.

Held under the theme " AI and Beyond: Smart Education Unlocking Potential in the Digital Age," the event took place at Al Razi Hall in the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah.

The opening ceremony of the conference—jointly organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah—began with the UAE national anthem followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi delivered a keynote speech in which he expressed deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, praising his visionary leadership in transforming Sharjah into a hub of knowledge and innovation. He also extended gratitude to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, for her continued efforts in elevating education locally and internationally.

His Highness welcomed attendees, including experts and scholars from around the world, and emphasised the vital role of collaboration between academic institutions in organising conferences and sharing scientific knowledge.

He stated: "I welcome you to this significant global event, born from the collaboration between the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. This is more than an academic gahering—it is a celebration of partnership and shared aspirations rooted in institutional cooperation and a mutual dedication to excellence, innovation, and social impact.

Through the exchange of expertise, research, and resources, we create an environment where ideas can thrive and innovations in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart education can be applied to build a better future. Scientific cooperation broadens the horizons of academic efforts and their role in driving meaningful innovation."

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the significance of the conference discussions, noting that artificial intelligence has become a central force in reshaping the educational landscape. He emphasised that AI is revolutionising teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and institutional management.

AI, he explained, enhances learning by fostering creativity and critical thinking among students, while also enabling the development of smart campuses that meet the highest standards. By streamlining decision-making through data and automating administrative processes, AI allows educators to focus more on direct engagement with students, ultimately maximising the effectiveness of the learning experience.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi acknowledged the challenges that accompany rapid technological advancement, emphasising the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly.

“As we embrace these developments, we must also confront the challenges they bring,” he stated. “We have a duty to ensure that AI is implemented ethically and equitably, in ways that reflect our values and serve the greater good.” He added that the future will favour those who begin preparing today, noting that the conference offers a valuable platform to explore how AI can be harnessed to create an education system that is not only smart, but also inclusive and sustainable.

His Highness, the President of the University of Sharjah, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to staying in the vanguard of scientific advancement and preparing students for the future.

He said, “The job market is changing faster than ever, with employers seeking graduates who not only have academic qualifications but also possess critical thinking, data analysis skills, and the confidence to work with artificial intelligence. At the University of Sharjah, we are committed to equipping our students for this evolving landscape through industry-aligned curricula, hands-on AI training, and strategic partnerships with leading tech institutions.”

He added that the university aims to close the gap between education and employment by producing graduates who are ready to meet today’s demands and lead tomorrow’s innovations.

Concluding his speech, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasised the vital role of scientific conferences in generating innovative ideas and bold solutions for educational advancement.

He noted that such gatherings serve as platforms for idea exchange, collaboration, and open dialogue—key drivers in addressing educational challenges, reshaping the future of learning, and empowering the next generation. His Highness also reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to reinforcing its global standing as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and innovation.

Dr Tod Larsen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah and co-chair of the conference, delivered a welcoming address, expressing his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi for attending and inaugurating the event.

He emphasised the significance of the conference’s focus on artificial intelligence, calling it one of the most pressing and transformative topics in global education today. Dr. Larsen highlighted the need to explore AI’s broader societal and educational impacts, noting that its integration offers remarkable opportunities—from personalised learning and enhanced administrative efficiency to greater global collaboration in education.

The Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah acknowledged the significant benefits of advanced AI technologies but also raised important ethical concerns. He stressed the need to ensure fairness in AI-powered systems and emphasised the importance of establishing boundaries to maintain control over these transformative tools. Dr Larsen concluded his speech by outlining the conference's goal: to offer balanced insights from global experts on the challenges of AI and to explore practical solutions for a sustainable, AI-driven future in smart education and digital transformation.

In his keynote address, Dr Kamal Toumi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and emphasised the enduring importance of human creativity. He noted that while AI is effective at handling routine cognitive tasks, it still lacks the depth of human critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to deliver nuanced, human-level problem-solving. Dr Toumi also shared a series of experiments comparing the capabilities of human and artificial intelligence, underscoring the unique value of human insight in an AI-driven world.

Dr Kamal Toumi highlighted the importance of steering university education toward a balance between theoretical understanding and applied, experience-based knowledge. He emphasised the value of hands-on learning in preparing students for the real-world demands of the AI era. Toumi also discussed MIT’s efforts to create a holistic educational environment that integrates technical skills with civic responsibility and ethical awareness. He pointed to the institute’s collaborations with leading tech companies, which offer students practical opportunities and help advance research in artificial intelligence.

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah attended a panel discussion on the ethical challenges and governance of artificial intelligence in education, moderated by Dr Abbes Amira, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of Sharjah.

Dr David Toman opened the session by underscoring the transformative power of artificial intelligence while highlighting the complexity of regulating the technology. He stressed the importance of keeping AI open and accessible as a tool for expanding human knowledge and advocated for its thoughtful academic integration, along with ongoing training for users.

Dr Nikolay Mehandjiev from the University of Birmingham Dubai addressed the need for transparency and ethical responsibility in AI use. He proposed establishing clear regulations to safeguard student privacy in educational settings, ensuring that AI tools deliver benefits effectively and with high professional standards.

Dr Shermon Cruz of Northwestern University in the Philippines stressed that while artificial intelligence offers immense potential, full transparency in its use is unlikely. He called for a balanced and culturally sensitive approach, emphasising the need for collective responsibility to ensure AI is implemented in ways that align with societal values while maximising its benefits.

Dr Habib Zaidi from the University of Geneva in Switzerland closed the session by highlighting AI’s valuable role in supporting scientific research and education. However, he cautioned against excessive reliance on AI in the medical field. Drawing on experiences from the University Hospital of Geneva, Dr Zaidi underscored the importance of maintaining scientific integrity, ongoing training, and the necessity of expert referral when using AI in healthcare.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the conference’s keynote speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the event.

The two-day conference, co-organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, serves as a key academic platform for exploring the latest innovations in education and fostering research collaboration among local and international academic institutions. It also underscores Sharjah’s position as a hub of knowledge and education, advancing its role as a global academic centre committed to building a smart and sustainable educational future.

The conference seeks to examine how higher education and research institutions can prepare graduates equipped to navigate digital and technological transformations. It focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning environments and support the development of a sustainable knowledge society. Key themes include curriculum improvement, modern teaching strategies, faculty development, and fostering a culture of innovation and scientific research amid rapid technological change.

The conference features extensive international participation, bringing together researchers, education experts, and policymakers from around the world. More than 130 scientific research papers will be presented by representatives from over 25 countries and 50 academic institutions, with strong representation from higher education institutions in the UAE. The conference programme includes parallel sessions, interactive workshops, and scientific tours, along with field visits to several specialised academic institutions.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Dr Todd Larsen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah; Dr Issam Al Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; and Dr Awad Al Khalaf, Chancellor of Al Qasimia University. Also in attendance were members of the Boards of Trustees of both the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, as well as distinguished scholars from universities and educational institutions worldwide.