The American University in Dubai (AUD) has unveiled two innovative bachelor’s programmes in artificial intelligence and gaming, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to technological advancement. These programmes were announced at the 2025 Education for Employment Conference, themed ‘Innovate & Play: Navigating the Future of AI & Gaming’ – designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in artificial intelligence and game development—two of the fastest-growing fields globally.
Strategic Alignment with National Initiatives
The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development, developed under the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC), aligns with the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. This initiative aims to position Dubai among the top ten global gaming hubs and create 30,000 new jobs in the sector. The programme’s curriculum, crafted in collaboration with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, equips students with versatile skills applicable across various industries, including film, television, and real estate.
Convening experts from academia and industry, this year’s Education for Employment Conference explored the intersection of academic innovation and emerging technologies in the context of the burgeoning digital economy. Setting the scene, university President, Dr. Kyle Long, paid tribute to the UAE’s visionary leadership in becoming the first nation to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, who is also a graduate of AUD, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama.
Integrating AI into Business Education
In response to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, AUD introduces a new concentration in AI within its Bachelor of Business Administration programme. This curriculum bridges technical AI knowledge with strategic business decision-making, preparing graduates to lead in an AI-driven economy.
Turning the discussion to the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Mr. Modhar Khan, Regional Manager of AI MENA at SLB, commented:
“With the increasing availability of talent, a culture of innovation, resilience and vision, Dubai has set itself apart to become a testing ground for new frontiers in artificial intelligence leadership.”
Building on this, Dr. Assaad Farah, Dean of the School of Business at AUD, described how the AI in Business concentration, part of the university’s Bachelor of Business Administration, was developed collaboratively in response to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
He explained:
“AI is like the wind — you can’t stop it, but you can harness it. Our programme bridges technical AI with strategic decision-making to shape tomorrow’s business leaders.”
This course, a core component of the American University in Dubai AI and gaming degrees, ensures students develop both technological insight and executive thinking to lead in AI-powered enterprises.
In addition to its undergraduate offerings, the American University in Dubai also launched a postgraduate degree in 2024 – the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSc AI). This advanced programme further strengthens AUD’s AI academic track, preparing graduates to lead innovation across a range of sectors including finance, healthcare, and smart city development
Engaging Industry and Academic Experts
The 2025 Education for Employment Conference brought together leading voices from academia and industry to spotlight the impact of the American University in Dubai AI and gaming degrees. A panel moderated by MBRSC’s Ms Sophie Boutros featured notable experts such as Mr Modhar Khan (SLB), Mr Faisal Kazim (Dubai Future Foundation), and Dr Farah.
Interactive workshops led by Publicis Groupe’s Ms Sandy Hanna and Dr Iyad AlSabouni of AUD allowed students to experiment hands-on with AI applications and game design, showcasing how the curriculum extends far beyond theory.
Panel discussion moderated by Ms. Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBRSC)
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Post-panel, attendees participated in interactive workshops exploring AI and gaming technologies. Led by Ms. Sandy Hanna of Publicis Groupe and Dr. Iyad AlSabouni, Programme Coordinator for Game Design and Development, these sessions provided practical insights into the applications of AI and gaming in various industries.
Accreditation and Future Prospects
Set to launch in the Fall 2025 semester, the American University in Dubai AI and gaming degrees will open new pathways for students eager to enter high-demand sectors. Both programmes are designed with global relevance in mind. The gaming programme is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with accreditation pending from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
With a curriculum developed in partnership with the #1 game design school in North America (USC School of Cinematic Arts), and real-world industry collaborations, AUD is ensuring its graduates are ready for the dynamic careers of tomorrow.
About the American University in Dubai
The American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private, academically and culturally inclusive institution of higher learning, providing a globally recognized American education. When it was established in 1995, AUD became the first American university in the entire Gulf region. It is accredited in the United States by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and in the United Arab Emirates by the Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation. AUD’s 2,000+ students come from 100+ countries and are enrolled in one of its six schools: Architecture, Art, & Design; Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communication. The School of Medicine will be the university’s seventh.
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