Khatib and Alami backs AI chair at Ajman University

Multidisciplinary consultancy Khatib & Alami has formalised an agreement with Ajman University to establish an endowed academic chair in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, marking a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research, innovation and industry collaboration in the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement, signed in Dubai, will see Khatib & Alami fund a dedicated academic position focused on developing applied research in AI and machine learning, with an emphasis on real-world engineering, infrastructure and sustainability challenges. University officials said the endowed chair is designed to strengthen academic excellence while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Senior representatives from both institutions described the initiative as a long-term investment in knowledge creation and talent development. The chair will be tasked with leading interdisciplinary research, mentoring postgraduate students and fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders. It is also expected to contribute to curriculum development and support technology transfer through innovation hubs and collaborative projects.

Khatib & Alami, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Beirut, operates across the Middle East, Europe and Africa, delivering engineering, architecture and project management services. The firm has increasingly integrated digital tools and data-driven design processes into its operations, reflecting a wider shift in the construction and infrastructure sectors towards automation, predictive analytics and smart systems.

Ajman University, established in 1988, has positioned itself as a private higher education institution with a growing research footprint. It has expanded its focus on science, technology and health disciplines, aligning with national priorities in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and knowledge-based economic growth. University leadership said the endowed chair would reinforce its ambition to become a regional centre of excellence in emerging technologies.

Artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of policy planning in the Emirates. The federal government appointed a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017 and launched a national AI strategy aimed at embedding advanced technologies across public services, healthcare, transport and energy. Academic institutions have since been encouraged to develop specialised programmes and research clusters to support these goals.

Industry analysts note that collaboration between universities and private sector firms is increasingly seen as critical to closing the gap between theoretical research and practical application. Endowed chairs, funded by corporate partners, provide sustained resources for long-term research while allowing businesses to access academic expertise and innovation pipelines.

Officials familiar with the agreement said the new chair will prioritise applied AI research relevant to smart cities, infrastructure optimisation and environmental resilience. With urbanisation accelerating across the region, engineering consultancies are under pressure to deliver data-informed solutions that improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. Machine learning models are being used to predict maintenance needs, optimise energy consumption and enhance traffic management systems.

Khatib & Alami executives indicated that the partnership is intended to create a platform for joint research projects and internships, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in complex engineering environments. They emphasised that AI is no longer confined to software development but is embedded in design modelling, structural analysis and project lifecycle management.

Academic experts welcomed the initiative, noting that sustained funding is essential for attracting high-calibre researchers. Endowed chairs typically offer competitive remuneration and research budgets, making it easier for institutions to recruit internationally recognised scholars. Such appointments can also enhance global rankings and publication output.

The move comes amid intensifying competition among universities in the Gulf to secure research funding and partnerships in strategic technologies. Several institutions have launched AI-focused laboratories and postgraduate programmes, reflecting strong demand for specialised skills. Labour market data shows growing recruitment for data scientists, machine learning engineers and AI researchers across sectors ranging from finance to logistics.

Technology consultants observe that while enthusiasm around artificial intelligence remains high, institutions face challenges in ensuring ethical governance and data protection. Integrating AI into critical infrastructure requires robust regulatory frameworks and transparency in algorithmic decision-making. University representatives said the endowed chair would incorporate ethical considerations and responsible innovation into its research agenda.

Beyond academic impact, the partnership is expected to contribute to the development of local talent. Policymakers have consistently highlighted the importance of equipping students with advanced digital skills to support economic diversification. By embedding AI expertise within engineering and design disciplines, the initiative seeks to align education with evolving industry demands.