Educators at a recent education fair in Dubai emphasized the importance of critical engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) among students, urging them to question and verify AI-generated information and use the technology ethically.

Vigisha Gopalakrishnan, associate professor at De Montfort University Dubai, highlighted that AI should be treated as a tool rather than a definitive source of information. She encouraged students to develop skills in effective communication with AI, including asking clarifying questions and understanding how to guide its use appropriately.

Osama Dorgham, head of the school of computing at Curtin University Dubai, stressed the need for students to gain proficiency in handling various AI applications within their fields. Dorgham pointed out risks such as AI "hallucinations," a phenomenon where AI produces inaccurate or fabricated information. To counter this, he advised students to request sources for AI-provided facts and verify them independently. He also recommended practicing tasks both with and without AI assistance to better assess the technology’s accuracy and usefulness.

Highlighting the evolving intersection of technology and specialization, Professor Amir Zeid, dean of Thumbay College of Management and AI in Healthcare, noted that AI creates new opportunities for students who can integrate technological expertise with domain knowledge. In response to this trend, his institution recently launched a degree program focused on Applied AI in Healthcare.

Echoing the impact of technological shifts on professional skills, Professor Omar Ghrayeb, dean of the college of engineering and information technology at Ajman University, drew parallels between past automation advances—such as robotics—and the current emergence of AI. He indicated that AI will similarly transform job requirements, generating new roles that previously did not exist.

Tausif Amir Mulla, lecturer at Symbiosis International University Dubai, underscored the importance of aligning educational outcomes with market demands. He called for a clearer understanding of employer expectations and how they correspond to student aspirations, stressing the need to bridge this gap to better prepare graduates for a rapidly changing job market.

Overall, the educators agreed that while AI presents significant educational and professional opportunities, its effective and responsible use requires critical thinking, curiosity, and continual verification to ensure accuracy and relevance.