Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Witnesses the Signing of an Agreement to Establish an Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Valued at AED 5 Million Between Ajman University and Khatib & Alami

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ajman University, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Ajman University and Khatib & Alami to establish a permanent endowed academic chair in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with a value of AED 5 million.

The agreement aims to establish a sustainable academic endowment dedicated to supporting an academic chair focused on advanced scientific research, specialized teaching, and academic publishing in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It also includes the organization of relevant conferences and training programs, contributing to the attraction of distinguished academic talent, strengthening the integration between scientific research and practical applications, supporting national development priorities, and advancing the knowledge-based economy.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi emphasized that the next phase requires a flexible higher education system capable of keeping pace with global transformations and producing applicable knowledge. He affirmed that universities play a pivotal role as strategic partners in realizing national aspirations and building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

His Highness further stressed that institutional partnerships between universities and the private sector reflect the UAE’s collaborative approach and contribute to transforming academic knowledge into practical impact that serves society and the national economy, while enhancing planning efficiency and decision-making across various sectors.

He added that academic endowments represent an effective tool for ensuring the sustainability of knowledge and supporting research and development, establishing a long-term framework for preparing and empowering talent in line with the UAE’s vision of fostering an innovation-driven economy.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Najib Khatib, Chairman & CEO of Khatib & Alami, and Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University.

Dr. Najib Khatib affirmed that the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting higher education and scientific research, and to contributing to the advancement of knowledge in advanced technological fields, thereby enhancing innovation, improving the efficiency of engineering and planning solutions, and strengthening collaboration between the academic and private sectors.

For his part, Dr. Karim Seghir stated that the agreement aligns with Ajman University’s mission as a non-profit higher education institution, dedicated to directing its resources toward areas of long-term impact, strengthening scientific research, and supporting institutional partnerships that contribute to social and economic development.

The agreement stipulates funding the endowment with AED 5 million, to be managed in accordance with approved governance frameworks, while preserving the endowment’s capital in perpetuity and allocating its returns exclusively to support the activities of the academic chair. It also outlines the appointment of the chair holder in accordance with the university’s academic regulations, subject to periodic performance reviews and the submission of regular reports on the chair’s academic and scientific impact.