Ajman University has announced the launch of its inaugural Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Artificial Intelligence (AI), establishing a complete academic pathway—from bachelor’s to doctoral level—within a single institution. The new, research-focused program is offered through the College of Engineering and Information Technology.
National Ambition Meets Academic Capacity
The UAE has signaled strong ambitions to become a global hub for AI research and development. However, fulfilling this vision requires a robust pipeline of highly qualified PhD-level researchers. Ajman University’s program directly addresses this need, building on existing Master of Science (MS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in related fields. The university was an early adopter of AI education in the region, introducing its MS in AI and BS in Data Analytics years before the PhD initiative.
Faculty and Rankings
Doctoral candidates will be mentored by faculty recognized among the top 2% globally by Stanford University’s research rankings and within the top 0.5% according to ScholarGPS—a metric of academic citation impact. These high-caliber instructors support Ajman University’s position as the first-ranked institution in the UAE for Data Science and AI, placing it among the top 51–100 globally according to the 2025 QS Subject Rankings. The program has already secured accreditation from the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation.
Research Focus and Infrastructure
Students will conduct original research within Ajman University’s state-of-the-art AI laboratories and the Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC). Established in 2020, the AIRC covers key areas including machine learning, deep learning, robotics, natural language processing, and evolutionary computation. The program aligns with the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, prioritizing research in healthcare, smart cities, sustainability, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital transformation.
Institutional Context
Founded in 1988, Ajman University has grown into a network of over 45,000 alumni worldwide. It holds the third-highest global percentage of international students among ranked universities. The launch of the PhD program is part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen AI expertise within the university, which began in 2020 with the creation of the AIRC. The AIRC also facilitates industry partnerships, technology transfer, and student outreach.
The new program represents a critical step towards establishing the UAE as a leading center for AI innovation. It delivers on the nation’s stated goals and will contribute to a growing talent pool equipped to drive the next generation of intelligent systems.
The launch of Ajman University’s PhD in AI is a key development for both the institution and the UAE’s broader AI ambitions. The program’s focus on research, combined with strong faculty credentials and strategic alignment with national priorities, positions it as a significant contributor to the future of AI innovation in the region.
