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Advancing Marine Research: Advancing AI-Ready Education:

Sustainable Scientific Exploration in the UAE Abu Dhabi University Contributes to Elevate

MENA Dialogue

Prof. Discussions focused on moving educators to exchange ideas,
Mohammed beyond isolated initiatives gain international recognition,
Ghazal, toward system-level curriculum and contribute to advancing
Director design, emphasizing institutional higher education across the
of the coherence, strategic alignment, region.
Research and the responsible integration of
Institute artificial intelligence into teaching Through participation in
for AI and and learning. Participants initiatives such as this, RIAET
Emerging highlighted the importance and Abu Dhabi University
Technology of coordinated efforts across continue to support dialogue,
(RIAET) at Abu Dhabi University, policy, pedagogy, and academic collaboration, and innovation
participated as a speaker in development to ensure that in AI-enabled education and
Researchers from the Research Institute for Sustainable Futures (RISF) at Abu Dhabi University recently Elevate MENA – Spotlight educational programs remain curriculum development.
visited the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s research vessel Jaywun, one of the most advanced marine Event 2: Enhancing Curricula aligned with national visions and
scientific research platforms in the Middle East. The visit provided valuable insight into the technologies to Align with National Visions, future workforce needs.
and infrastructure supporting marine research and environmental monitoring across the region. part of AdvanceHE’s regional
professional development The Elevate MENA initiative
The Abu Dhabi University delegation included Prof. Sharul Sham Dol and research assistant Eng. series. The session was chaired continues to provide a platform
Mubarak Al-Hamadi, who explored the vessel’s research facilities and operational capabilities. Measuring by Vic Stephenson, whose that is globally informed yet
approximately 50 meters in length, the vessel houses several specialized laboratories dedicated to fisheries leadership helped guide a regionally grounded, enabling
research, chemical analysis, bio-physical studies, and wet-lab operations. focused and insightful discussion
throughout the event.
Equipped with advanced technologies such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater drones,
seabed mapping systems, and full SCUBA-supported research operations, the platform enables scientists The session brought together
to address key regional challenges. These include climate change impacts, marine ecosystem resilience, educators and academic leaders
blue carbon research, fish stock recovery, and marine pollution monitoring. from across the Middle East and
North Africa to explore how
The visit also supported ongoing discussions on enhancing the sustainability of marine research activities. higher education institutions can
Current efforts focus on integrating low-impact technologies, improving energy efficiency during research respond effectively to national
expeditions, and incorporating circular economy principles into fieldwork practices. Such approaches aim priorities, evolving student
to reduce the environmental footprint of scientific operations while strengthening environmental data expectations, and the increasing
collection. role of artificial intelligence in

education. The panel included
This engagement highlights the importance of collaboration between research institutions and Dr. Noha Mostafa from The
environmental agencies in advancing marine science and sustainable ocean management. Through British University in Egypt, Dr.
partnerships such as this, Abu Dhabi University continues to contribute to environmental research and Ramalingam Dharmalingam
the development of solutions addressing regional sustainability challenges. from Majan University College
in Oman, and Dr. Sameh
Elsonbaty from Liwa University,
each contributing valuable
institutional and regional
perspectives on curriculum
development and reform.

Abu Dhabi University | Research and Innovation Pulse Newsletter 21