Embassy of India and Symbiosis Dubai Pioneer Global AI Dialogue

The Road to AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together leaders from academia, industry, and policy at the Symbiosis International University Dubai campus on February 10-11, 2026. Hosted by the Embassy of India in the UAE and Symbiosis Dubai, this two-day precursor event set the stage for the larger India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Attendees explored how artificial intelligence (AI)—defined here as systems that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks like learning, reasoning, and problem-solving—can drive ethical innovation in higher education. Discussions emphasized upskilling students and faculty to meet the demands of a technology-driven future, particularly relevant for UAE's universities aiming to lead in AI adoption.

Symbiosis Dubai, a vibrant extension of India's Symbiosis International (Deemed University), provided the perfect venue in Dubai Knowledge Park. This campus, inaugurated in November 2024 under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) education pillar, symbolizes deepening bilateral ties. The event drew over 150 participants, including school students for a special hackathon, highlighting youth involvement in AI.

Symbiosis Dubai: A Hub for AI-Integrated Higher Education

Symbiosis International University Dubai stands out as one of five Indian institutions approved under the E33 Bilateral Education Agreement between India and the UAE. Offering programs like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), the campus embeds AI across curricula through initiatives inspired by the Symbiosis Artificial Intelligence Institute (SAII) and Symbiosis Centre for Applied AI (SCAAI). These centers focus on practical applications, from machine learning to ethical AI deployment.

For instance, Symbiosis Dubai's MBA Class of 2025 achieved a remarkable 98% internship placement rate in its inaugural year, partnering with Dubai's innovation ecosystem. This success underscores how AI tools enhance decision-making in business and technology sectors. Students engage in hands-on projects, preparing them for roles in data analytics and AI strategy—skills increasingly sought in higher education jobs across the UAE.

Inaugural Insights from Ambassador Dr. Deepak Mittal

Dr. Deepak Mittal, India's Ambassador to the UAE, inaugurated the summit, marking his first university visit in the country. He described AI as a "co-author in classrooms," expanding human capabilities rather than replacing them. "The purpose of this summit is clear: to educate, democratise, and responsibly harness AI as a force to upskill, reskill, and uplift the workforce of tomorrow," Mittal stated, emphasizing the India-UAE partnership rooted in innovation and education.

His address set a tone of collaboration, aligning with UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which prioritizes AI in education to build a knowledge economy. This vision resonates with UAE universities integrating AI for personalized learning and research acceleration.

Key Panels: Ethical AI and Global Collaboration

Day 1 featured panels with experts like Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, who highlighted SAII and SCAAI's role in embedding AI into research. Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director of Symbiosis Dubai, noted, "Our programs reflect Dubai's fast-changing landscape, where AI reshapes sectors."

Other speakers included Dr. Ashwin Fernandes from QS (AMESA), Prof. Hossam Elshenraki from Dubai Police Academy, and Dr. Hussam Al Hamadi from University of Dubai's Cyber Security Center. Topics covered ethical AI frameworks, capacity building, and India-UAE joint ventures like the NANDA AI model with G42. Panels stressed step-by-step AI adoption: assess needs, train faculty, pilot tools, scale ethically.

• Ethical guidelines to prevent bias in AI education tools.
• Upskilling programs for faculty via workshops.
• Cross-border research collaborations.

Day 2 AI Hackathon: Empowering the Next Generation

Over 150 school students participated in the "AI for Good" hackathon, tackling real-world challenges like sustainability and healthcare. Teams prototyped solutions using accessible AI platforms, mentored by industry leaders. This initiative nurtures early talent, aligning with UAE's push for AI literacy from K-12, recently expanded nationwide.

Workshops, such as "How to Work Smarter in the AI Era" by Tausif Mulla, taught practical tools like prompt engineering. Outcomes included innovative prototypes, fostering a pipeline for future research jobs in UAE higher education.

Photo by Paul Wuthrich on Unsplash

UAE Academia's Perspectives on AI Transformation

UAE representatives enriched discussions. Dr. Shadia Al Zaatari from Sharjah Education Academy shared regional AI strategies, while Eugene Pribytkov of Voice AI discussed education forums. These inputs highlighted UAE's progress: Ministry of Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) hosted AI integration workshops in January 2026, guiding universities like Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, which declared 2026 the "Year of AI."

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) rebranded its center as AI and Digital Innovation Center, focusing on big data. MoHESR's Microsoft partnership develops AI agents for higher ed quality enhancement.

India-UAE Synergies in AI Higher Education

The summit amplified bilateral efforts. Symbiosis Dubai exemplifies this, offering global exposure under CEPA. Collaborations extend to joint AI research, student exchanges, and skilling. India's AI Mission complements UAE's strategy, with projects like IIT Delhi's ATAL Incubation Centre in Abu Dhabi promoting entrepreneurship.

Stakeholders noted cultural alignment: both nations prioritize inclusive AI, addressing Global South needs. This partnership positions UAE colleges as AI hubs, attracting international talent.

Challenges and Solutions in AI Adoption for UAE Universities

While UAE leads, challenges persist: faculty training gaps, ethical concerns, infrastructure costs. Solutions include:

• Phased integration: Start with AI literacy courses.
• Partnerships: Like MoHESR-Microsoft for cloud AI.
• Funding: UAE's $1B AI infrastructure push.
• Evaluation: Metrics for AI-enhanced learning outcomes.

Case study: MBZUAI's humanoid robotics with World Economic Forum, advancing industrial AI safety.

Impacts on Students, Faculty, and Careers

Students gain competitive edges; Symbiosis Dubai's 98% placement shows ROI. Faculty access reskilling via forums. Career paths expand to AI ethicist, data scientist—check higher ed career advice for tips.

Real-world: UAEU's AI center boosts research output 30% via analytics.

Toward the India AI Impact Summit 2026

This Dubai event builds momentum for New Delhi's summit (Feb 16-20), featuring Bill Gates, Jensen Huang, Sam Altman. Themes: People, Planet, Progress. UAE attendees can contribute to global standards.

Photo by Dmitrii Maksimiuk on Unsplash

Seizing AI Opportunities in UAE Higher Ed

Explore university jobs in AI at UAE institutions. Rate professors via Rate My Professor for insights. For career growth, visit higher ed career advice.

The Road to AI Impact Summit 2026 exemplifies how UAE higher education is evolving, blending innovation with ethics for sustainable impact.