Ajman University recently hosted its 9th Research Day, providing a vibrant platform for students to present innovative projects that address pressing challenges in healthcare, technology, and society. Held on June 8, 2026, the event underscored the institution's dedication to cultivating research excellence among its student body across multiple disciplines.
Background on Ajman University in the UAE Higher Education Landscape
Ajman University, ranked sixth among universities in the United Arab Emirates, has established itself as a key player in the nation's higher education sector. The university offers programs through colleges including Dentistry, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Information Technology, Humanities and Sciences, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Law, and Architecture, Art and Design. Its strategic location in Ajman positions it to contribute to the UAE's broader vision for knowledge-based economic growth and innovation.
The UAE higher education system emphasizes applied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and alignment with national priorities such as artificial intelligence adoption, sustainable development, and healthcare advancement. Events like Research Day at Ajman University exemplify how institutions are empowering students to translate academic learning into practical solutions.
Overview of the 9th Research Day Event
The 9th edition of Ajman University's Research Day brought together students, faculty, and industry experts to celebrate student-driven inquiry. The gathering highlighted projects spanning healthcare applications, artificial intelligence tools, data science initiatives, public health studies, and more. Participants presented work that demonstrated both technical sophistication and real-world relevance, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation.
Attendees had opportunities to engage with expert panels, receive feedback, and network with professionals, enhancing the educational value beyond traditional classroom settings. The event concluded with awards recognizing outstanding contributions from students and faculty.
Healthcare and Medical Innovations Showcased
Student projects in healthcare fields stood out for their potential clinical impact. Douaa Salah from the College of Dentistry developed an AI model capable of diagnosing and classifying Molar Incisor Hypomineralization using intraoral scanner images. The tool achieved high accuracy, positioning it as a valuable clinical decision-support system for early detection and severity assessment.
In the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Doaa Rafeq and Menaallah Hazem explored the repurposing of metformin as an adjunct therapy for colorectal cancer. Their work integrated AI-based biomarker analysis, resulting in a platform designed to support personalized, biomarker-guided treatment selection.
From the College of Medicine, a team including Abdulrahman Jamal Aakef, Ryan Darayseh, Aysha Al Shamsi, and Hamda Alshehhi conducted a comparative study on direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in cases of cerebral venous thrombosis. Findings indicated comparable efficacy and safety profiles, supporting broader consideration of DOACs as treatment alternatives.
Photo by Jackson Sophat on Unsplash
Artificial Intelligence and Technology Applications
AI featured prominently across several colleges. The MedGuard AI team from the College of Engineering and Information Technology—comprising Maysoon Adil Abbas Khalafalla, Raghad Ibrahim Mohammad Tarkhan, Sabrin Ibrahim Aman, and Salma Roshadi Amin Alhannafi—created a clinical decision-support system. This AI-driven tool detects drug-drug and drug-food interactions, delivering accurate predictions and personalized recommendations to improve patient safety.
Students from the College of Humanities and Sciences examined how AI applications can enhance future employment opportunities. Wadha Hassan Al Awadhi and colleagues analyzed impacts on skill development and employability while addressing associated challenges in training and language proficiency.
Business, Law, Media, and Design Contributions
Interdisciplinary projects extended into business and social domains. In the College of Business Administration, Sara Jendi, Yasmeen Salameh, Asmaa Ammourah, Lamis Hammami, and Liyan Almasri investigated the effects of AI adoption by front desk employees on customer satisfaction in the hotel industry, noting improvements in service quality and guest experience.
Law student Ahmed Salem Sultan Binrashood analyzed the binding force of conflict-of-laws rules in personal status matters under UAE law, exploring resolutions to conflicts between civil transactions law and personal status regulations.
From the College of Mass Communication, Mohammed Fouad Abdulmajeed Al-Taie presented the 343 System, a multi-channel audiovisual installation exploring human-machine relationships and memory in the digital era. In the College of Architecture, Art and Design, Rana Jamal Al Dadah studied pedestrian-centric urban planning strategies for creating livable environments, drawing comparisons across UAE urban sites.
Alignment with UAE National Development Goals
The showcased projects align closely with the UAE's strategic objectives, including the advancement of artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, and sustainable urban development. By encouraging student research in these areas, Ajman University contributes to building a skilled workforce capable of driving the nation's knowledge economy forward.
Events such as this Research Day also support broader higher education priorities in the UAE, where institutions are increasingly focused on producing graduates equipped with research skills and practical problem-solving abilities.
Student and Faculty Recognition and Future Outlook
The event provided meaningful recognition for top student projects and faculty mentors. This acknowledgment reinforces Ajman University's role in nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Looking ahead, the university plans to build on this momentum through expanded research collaborations, enhanced facilities, and continued emphasis on interdisciplinary work. Such initiatives position Ajman University to play an even greater role in the UAE's higher education ecosystem.
Photo by Steve A Johnson on Unsplash
Implications for Higher Education in the UAE
Student research days like this one highlight the evolving nature of higher education in the United Arab Emirates. They demonstrate how universities are moving beyond traditional teaching to create environments where inquiry, creativity, and real-world application thrive. For academics, administrators, and prospective students, these events offer valuable insights into the quality and direction of research training available at UAE institutions.
