Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has unveiled the region’s first AI-driven academic agent, a groundbreaking tool aimed at reducing faculty workload by up to 75% and boosting student performance by 40%. This initiative marks a major advancement in the evolution of higher education, stated Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, HBMSU Chancellor.
Named ‘Artificial Intelligence Agent for Every Faculty’, this pioneering project is unique in the UAE and the broader region. It incorporates advanced AI technologies into higher education, aligning with the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and Education Strategy 2033.
“In smart learning, the faculty’s role is not to teach. They should facilitate, enable, mentor, and coach, which requires creating space for them,” Dr. Al Awar told Khaleej Times during a media briefing at HBMSU on Thursday.
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AI Agent Capabilities
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Content Creation: The agent swiftly converts syllabi into detailed weekly plans, complete with activities, in under 10 minutes. It also produces instructional videos from scripts, significantly cutting down the time faculty spend on course design and material development.
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Assessment: It generates a variety of assessments such as projects, exams, and multiple-choice questions, automatically creating assessment rubrics and managing exam moderation, thus eliminating traditional moderation committees.
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Learning Analytics: The system promptly evaluates student submissions (exams, projects), offering immediate, personalized feedback to highlight knowledge gaps. It also provides comprehensive reports on cohort-level weaknesses, allowing real-time curriculum improvements.
This system has enabled HBMSU to cut content development time by 85%, reduce faculty workload by 95%, and boost student mastery by 40%. It fosters research and development, enhances overall academic performance, and lowers the costs of designing and delivering courses and programs.
Student Benefits
For students, the AI agent serves as a personalized guide, assisting in research, project development, and accessing customized learning materials tailored to their academic progress. This results in a more engaging and adaptive learning experience, enhancing educational outcomes by up to 40%.
Empowering Faculty
Dr. Al Awar highlighted that the AI tool is meant to empower, not replace, professors. By automating routine academic and administrative tasks, the technology frees faculty to concentrate on critical thinking, innovation, and mentorship.
Photo: Mansoor Al Awar
Aligned with the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and President of HBMSU, the initiative, guided by Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Board members, strives to establish Dubai as a leading global hub for AI-powered higher education.
“This initiative is a game changer, revolutionizing learning and education by transforming academic tasks into smart, efficient processes, thus enhancing faculty and student experiences,” Dr. Al Awar remarked.
The platform was developed in Dubai by the HBMSU team, spearheaded by Maitha Al Tunaiji, Vice Chancellor for AI and Technology at HBMSU, adhering to international standards. It integrates ethical AI principles, including privacy protection, bias reduction, transparency, and accessibility compliance.
HBMSU mandates faculty training on innovative learning techniques and offers specific training on the AI agent, with sessions for teaching staff set to commence next week.
