Baghdad University to launch Artificial Intelligence college specialization
The University of Baghdad in Iraq is set to join the ranks of universities across the Middle East that are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a key area of focus for their academic systems. In a strategic move, the university is establishing two new colleges dedicated to AI, with a focus on engineering applications, biomedical applications, and big data.
This initiative is part of Iraq's vision to develop its academic system and align with global digital and knowledge transformations. The ministerial order for the establishment of the AI college at the University of Baghdad was issued on Monday.
The University of Baghdad, with an estimated enrollment of between 60,000 and 70,000 students, is not alone in its endeavor to formally incorporate AI into higher education. In 2019, the UAE announced plans to establish the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first higher learning institution dedicated to AI.
Similarly, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in AI talent production. KAUST ranks among the top 150 universities globally for AI talent and houses one of the world’s leading AI research labs. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also integrating AI education widely by introducing a comprehensive AI curriculum across public schools starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
These developments demonstrate a regional trend toward creating specialized AI education infrastructure beyond MBZUAI, incorporating universities and national educational reforms across the Middle East.
The emphasis on AI in universities is seen as a way to prepare students for a new economy and blunt the impact of labor disruption. Experts warn that AI could disrupt labor in the short term, but the long-term benefits are expected to be significant.
It's worth noting that initial focus on AI development was primarily on English and Western data. However, AI projects and programs throughout the Middle East have helped to place a greater emphasis on the inclusion of Arabic and other cultural aspects in technology development. This cultural emphasis is crucial for the region to fully reap the benefits of AI.
The AI sector is at the center of unprecedented investment and interest. The sector is a key area of focus for global digital and knowledge transformations, and countries throughout the Middle East are seeking to become major players in this booming field.
References:
- Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Iraqi News Agency
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Arab News
- The University of Baghdad in Iraq is aligning with global digital transformations by establishing two new colleges dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI).
- The intended focus of these colleges at the University of Baghdad includes engineering applications, biomedical applications, and big data.
- In 2019, the UAE announced plans to establish the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first higher learning institution dedicated solely to AI.
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has risen as a leader in AI talent production, ranking among the top 150 universities globally for AI talent.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is integrating AI education widely by introducing a comprehensive AI curriculum across public schools starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.
- The emphasis on AI in universities is considered crucial for preparing students for a new economy and minimizing the impact of labor disruption caused by AI.
- Countries across the Middle East, including Iraq, are actively investing in the AI sector, seeking to become major players in this booming field and fully reap the benefits of AI, with an increased focus on Arabic and cultural aspects in technology development.
