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AI is expanding rapidly in universities across the Middle East. Basil Abu-Khiran, Manager – Solutions Consulting at Ellucian explains how it is helping meet the needs of young, diverse student populations
Dubai, Dec 1, 2025: With more than half the GCC’s population under 25, a new generation of learners is reshaping higher education across the region. Universities are adapting to offer more flexible learning that reflects students’ digital lifestyles and career ambitions. In this exclusive interview with Education Middle East, Basil Abu-Khiran, Manager – Solutions Consulting at Ellucian sets out how AI can be used to better prepare students to succeed.
How would you describe the current momentum around AI in higher education across the Middle East?
The Middle East is becoming a powerhouse for AI innovation, fuelled by significant investment from governments including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. This momentum is reshaping higher education, pushing institutions to modernise curricula and research capabilities.
It’s a new era of AI-driven higher education in the region. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) established its Center of Excellence for Generative AI in 2024, while King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and Prince Sultan University both offer advanced AI research and academic programmes. Today about 86% of Saudi universities deliver AI undergraduate degrees and many offer specialised master’s programmes.
Looking ahead, how do you see AI shaping the future of higher education in the region?
AI will give universities the ability to personalise higher education at scale, with the use of AI chatbots, predictive analytics and tools that adjust learning according to individual students’ progress, flag when extra support is needed and provide it earlier to improve engagement, retention and outcomes. These are exciting times for the sector.
Where do you think Middle Eastern institutions can see the most tangible benefits from AI?
AI gives students tailored information faster, including automatic early warnings when assessment results risk them falling behind so they can act quickly to catch up. This might otherwise take weeks of face-to-face discussion with tutors and advisors to identify and address. Institutions are now moving beyond small-scale pilots to explore AI’s full potential, including signposting students to new courses in the push for lifelong learning across the region.
Global higher education partnerships are also on the rise, where students can begin a degree in the Middle East and complete it overseas. AI helps identify global partners, manage administration for a smooth transition between institutions and opens up new markets around the world.
What are some common challenges institutions face when implementing AI, and how can they overcome them?
Government investment has encouraged trust in AI technology and infrastructure. Challenges do exist, such as slow staff adoption, resistance to change and concerns around academic integrity. However, training can bridge skill gaps and clear AI governance frameworks can help staff to use AI safely and confidently.
How is Ellucian helping universities move from experimentation to strategic/scalable AI deployment?
The Middle East is moving quickly with AI. Ellucian’s teams bring decades of local knowledge and sector experience to help universities progress from early pilots to wide-scale use across multiple sites. This includes technical and change management support, tailored training and governance frameworks compliant with local regulations.
Working closely with senior leaders and departments, we have delivered purposeful digital transformation and helped institutions move from experimentation to strategic use of AI for better decision-making, student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Learn more about Ellucian’s student-centred AI solutions for higher education here.
