Dr Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence, Abu Dhabi University

Host Dr Ashraf Mahate recently sat down with Abu Dhabi University's Vice Chancellor for AI and Operational Excellence, Dr Hamad Odhabi, for a chat about how he sees the current and future state of Higher Education. They discussed: Strategies for maintaining academic credibility by evaluating the incremental process of learning rather than relying solely on final assignment submissions. The evolution of higher education from traditional lecture models toward interactive, evidence-based learning journeys in the age of generative AI. Abu Dhabi University’s structured AI initiatives, including faculty AI certification, graduate attribute tracking, and personalized support for at-risk students. Why physical campuses, human mentorship, and real-world industry collaboration remain irreplaceable in developing human capability.