A professor focusing on empathy while using AI

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

Khalifa University has implemented an AI platform that reduces faculty administrative workload by 60 percent, allowing educators to focus more on research and student engagement. This integration of AI tools prepares students for future job market demands while emphasizing the continued importance of human skills like ethics and empathy.

At the recent AI Everything conference held in Abu Dhabi, Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, discussed the evolving role of education in a rapidly advancing artificial intelligence landscape. The university has integrated an in-house AI platform that has reduced the time faculty members spend on administrative tasks, class preparation, exam setting, and grading by approximately 60 percent. This shift allows educators to dedicate more time to research, student engagement, and broader contributions to society.

Professor Al Hajri highlighted that every student at Khalifa University is provided with an AI assistant that carries their course materials throughout their academic journey. The AI acts as a supportive tool, helping students navigate challenging coursework while enabling staff to enhance the overall educational experience. This direct incorporation of AI tools into the learning process reflects the institution’s interest in preparing students for the evolving demands of the job market.

The university’s approach to curriculum development is anchored in the needs of the workforce. By defining the desired outcomes for graduates, courses are designed and continually adjusted to align with shifting industry requirements. This backward-design method ensures that education remains relevant as technological and professional landscapes change rapidly.

In addressing the question of essential skills in an AI-dominated world, Professor Al Hajri identified ethics, empathy, humility, and effective communication as paramount. While AI can handle tasks such as grading and research assistance efficiently, human qualities remain indispensable, especially in recognizing and supporting individual student challenges and personal development.

The broader implication of the discussion suggests that AI will augment the educational process by freeing educators from routine tasks, thereby enabling them to focus more on mentorship and personalized student support. This integration of technology and human-centered education appears to be a key focus as institutions strive to adapt to the accelerating AI revolution.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.