Doha, August 02 (QNA) - Qatar University (QU) is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence across its academic and administrative operations as part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing efficiency, advancing research and innovation, and improving the quality of services provided to students, faculty members, researchers, and staff.

The university’s digital infrastructure is based on an integrated strategic vision aimed at building an advanced technological system that supports education, scientific research, and institutional management, and keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the fields of AI and digital transformation.

In recent years, QU shifted from implementing standalone digital initiatives to building a more integrated institutional system based on key pillars including smart services, research and innovation, and responsible governance of emerging technologies.

In this context, QU continues to build an integrated system for AI and digital transformation, combining education, research, institutional services, and national and international partnerships, through the provision of various scientific projects that are being implemented or supported, such as the AI-powered academic advisor platform, the AI ​​research and innovation center, and training and capacity-building programs.

In this context, Associate Vice President for Technology and Information Security at QU Dr. Nayef Alyafei affirmed that the university possesses a digital infrastructure that is among the most modern in the State of Qatar. He noted that QU has strategically invested in building an integrated digital infrastructure and an advanced hybrid data center that relies on flexible cloud computing systems, as well as providing ultra-fast networks to support the massive flow of data.

Alyafei told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that high-performance computing (HPC) systems have been developed to serve researchers and students in the fields of digital simulation and AI, in addition to the great attention given to cybersecurity and data, within a comprehensive system that forms the backbone for establishing a knowledge-based economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Regarding the steps taken by the university during the past period to keep pace with digital developments, Alyafei noted the preparation of a comprehensive digital transformation plan for the university, which takes into account all the factors affecting the educational process.

He added that based on this strategy, the most important initiatives that work to implement the concepts of digital transformation over the next three years have been identified, and that these initiatives varied between projects that focus on building the digital capabilities of university staff, and other initiatives that focus on upgrading the digital components of infrastructure, information security and technical systems, in addition to building AI and data analysis capabilities in a way that serves all axes and beneficiaries.

He pointed out that the implementation of these initiatives has now begun, and work is underway to monitor progress and update the plan, which focuses on aligning business requirements with QU's business strategy, as well as ensuring compliance with national laws and standards issued by competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA).

On the other hand, the Associate Vice President for Technology and Information Security at QU announced the funding and implementation of a series of research projects based on machine learning across academic systems. He also showcased a range of analytical and generative AI tools that have been implemented to support the execution of business tasks and services at the university, including the student academic advising system, as well as to increase the productivity of administrative staff by focusing on accelerating the execution of routine tasks using pre-developed intelligent robots.

He revealed that QU, in cooperation with its partners, is preparing a specialized AI laboratory that aims to create an integrated technical environment for brainstorming and generating ideas, and then applying them practically and measuring their results. He stressed that this center is considered the basic nucleus for applying AI sciences practically and a point of attraction for entrepreneurs interested in this field.

Regarding efforts to equip the university community with artificial intelligence capabilities, Dr. Nayef Al Yafei, Associate Vice President for Technology and Information Security at Qatar University, said the university has implemented a comprehensive awareness and training program for employees across all administrative and academic levels, as well as students. He stressed that developing human capital is fundamental to the successful adoption of AI technologies.

On the future of academic curricula, Dr. Al Yafei said AI is set to transform all academic disciplines and levels of study, noting that it has become an integral part of scientific and academic advancement. He added that no academic field is expected to remain unaffected by AI technologies in the years ahead.

Dr. Al Yafei said the university has completed a comprehensive study to guide the integration of AI across its academic programs. Accordingly, advanced courses in deep learning, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have been embedded as core and elective components of science, engineering, and technology curricula. AI technologies have also been integrated into health sciences programs, with applications in biomedical diagnostics, health data analytics, and medical informatics.

Dr. Al Yafei added that the university has introduced new areas of study focusing on digital ethics and the societal impact of artificial intelligence within the social sciences and humanities. It has also expanded its curricula in financial technology (FinTech) and big data analytics to equip students with the skills to analyze and forecast economic trends.

Asked about the university's timeline for fully digitizing its services, Dr. Al Yafei said progress depends on a range of operational factors, including evolving business requirements, rapid technological advances, and regional geopolitical developments. These factors, he said, require continuous assessment and phased implementation. He added that recent challenges had prompted the university to reprioritize its initiatives, placing greater emphasis on business continuity to ensure the stability of its services.

Dr. Al Yafei said he expects Qatar University to achieve 99 percent digitalization within the next four years under its updated strategic plan, aligning with the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Asked whether AI could eventually replace traditional teaching and classroom instruction, Dr. Al Yafei stressed that Qatar University views technology and artificial intelligence as enabling and complementary tools rather than substitutes for educators. Education, he said, is not merely about transferring knowledge but also about building character and developing critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and communication skills - qualities that require direct human interaction.

He added that the future of higher education lies in a blended learning model that combines the speed and efficiency of technology with the depth and impact of direct instruction.

Concluding his remarks to QNA, Dr. Al Yafei said Qatar University aims not only to adopt advanced technologies but also to become a leading regional hub for technological innovation and knowledge production. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to preparing national talent capable of leading in the AI era and contributing to Qatar's long-term development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rateb Jabbar, AI Advisor at the Office of the President of Qatar University, said the university has taken strategic steps in recent years to advance its digital transformation by aligning it with its academic, research, and institutional priorities.

In remarks to QNA, he said the university has adopted a phased approach to integrating artificial intelligence into teaching, university services, research, and institutional governance.

He added that Qatar University has developed dedicated learning pathways and specialized courses to strengthen AI literacy among students across all disciplines.

Among the university's key initiatives, Dr. Jabbar highlighted the introduction of the course "Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education" as part of the University's General Education curriculum. The course is designed to strengthen students' digital literacy and equip them to use AI tools to understand and analyze real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.

As for the healthcare sector, Dr. Rateb Jabbar said that QU has introduced an elective course on AI in Medicine for students in health-related colleges, adding that the course enables students to explore practical applications such as health data analysis and clinical decision support.

QU has approved a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence under the College of Engineering, to be launched in Fall 2026, Dr. Jabbar said. The program is a strategic step toward preparing highly qualified national talent in machine learning, data analytics, and intelligent systems.

Regarding institutional services, he noted that the University has adopted a dual approach of developing in-house AI solutions while also leveraging partnerships with global technology companies.

QU has made Gemini Enterprise and Microsoft Copilot available to its community to enhance productivity, data analysis, content development, and the efficiency of academic and administrative work, Dr. Jabbar highlighted.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Scale AI, QU has developed AI-powered solutions for students, including an AI-powered digital academic advisor platform, providing students with faster, more interactive access to academic advising and university information, thus, improving student experience and supporting academic success, he said.

QU has also launched its AI Research and Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Google Cloud, Dr. Jabbar said. The Hub provides advanced computing infrastructure along with Vertex AI, enabling researchers and students to develop advanced AI models, analyze data, and accelerate research across a range of fields, including healthcare, sustainability, Arabic language technologies, cybersecurity, education, and big data.

He stressed that the University places special importance on governance and institutional policies related to emerging technologies, reflecting its belief that AI expansion should be responsible and well-regulated.

QU has introduced AI integration as part of a comprehensive institutional strategy that links education, research, services, and national capacity building, Dr. Jabbar said.

The University's introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence came in light of QU's recognition of the importance of preparing graduates with advanced technical skills alongside a strong ethical and professional understanding of AI technologies, he stressed.

In the area of training and capacity building, he noted that QU has implemented awareness and training initiatives aimed at enabling faculty, staff, and students to effectively use AI tools and digital productivity platforms in their daily work, including report writing, data analysis, and meeting management.

The University has introduced flexible learning paths through platforms such as Coursera, allowing students, faculty, and staff to develop their skills and earn professional certifications in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, he added.

Dr. Jabbar also touched on QU's research initiatives, which enhanced researchers' ability to use AI tools for data analysis, study design, and knowledge management, all while using AI ethically and responsibly, particularly in research involving human participants or health-related data.

All of these developments, reflect QU's shift from raising awareness about AI to building sustainable practical capabilities, he said.

Concluding his remarks to QNA, Dr. Jabbar said that QU's approach integrates training, implementation, governance, and innovation to foster a comprehensive digital culture that enables all QU community members of using AI effectively and responsibly.

This, he added, enhances the quality of QU's education, research, and services while also supporting Qatar's digital transformation agenda and the Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)