Study Artificial Intelligence in UAE: Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees

If you are thinking of pursuing an artificial intelligence degree in UAE, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you are a high school student looking for a bachelor’s degree in AI, an undergraduate looking for a PG degree, or a working professional looking for a certificate in AI, universities in the UAE offer it all. We will cover the details of these AI courses in Dubai and the rest of the UAE later in this blog. First, let’s briefly discuss the current state and future scope of artificial intelligence in the UAE. 

The rise of Artificial Intelligence and its application has had a significant impact not just in the UAE, but across the globe. The increasing popularity of AI-operated tools such as ChatGPT has touched various sectors and industries. The power of AI technology is undeniable, and professionals, corporations, as well as governments are consistently trying to find ways to leverage this technology for better results. As part of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, the government aims to integrate AI into various sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, and more.

Not only has the UAE government made significant investments to harness the power of AI, but it is also expected to witness a massive surge in the demand for AI professionals. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the Middle East and North Africa region is expected to see a 36% growth in AI-related jobs by 2025.

Because of its attractive tax policies, several MNCs like Google, IBM, Microsoft, etc have already established a strong presence in UAE cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But that’s not all. In addition to these attractive private jobs, AI professionals are equally required for jobs in the government/public sector.

Several top-ranked universities for computer science in UAE offer AI-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Many, such as Khalifa University, University of Birmingham, Abu Dhabi University, etc., hold national as well as international accreditations for their AI course, such as the CAA (Commission for Academic Accreditation) and ABET Accreditation. 

Artificial Intelligence Degrees in UAE: Overview

The table below gives a brief overview of what might be necessary during your search for an artificial intelligence degree in top universities in the UAE.

Why should you pursue Artificial Intelligence degrees in UAE?

Some of the major reasons why you should choose the UAE as your one-stop destination for pursuing an artificial intelligence degree are mentioned below.

• CAA & International Accreditation: Many courses in various universities throughout the UAE are CAA accredited. CAA is an abbreviation for the ‘Commission for Academic Accreditation,’ which assesses all higher education institutions to see if they fulfill international academic standards. Additionally, foreign universities in UAE provide internationally-accredited AI degrees.
• Employment Options: With the UAE government making significant investments in AI, the demand for AI-related jobs and skills are expected to grow immensely. Another advantage of working in the UAE is that no taxes are charged to salaried professionals, allowing them to save significantly.  
• Top Universities: Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, and many other universities have topped the QS World Ranking 2023 and Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 lists. Furthermore, these are some of the greatest engineering universities in UAE, offering a variety of artificial engineering degrees at various levels, which can be pursued with another major engineering field such as software engineering, computer science, etc.
• Student-friendly Living: Because of its high standard of living, safety, and modern amenities, the UAE is an attractive option for students interested in studying artificial intelligence. The country provides cutting-edge labs, excellent instructors, and a comfortable lifestyle, allowing students to participate in extracurricular activities and learn about the country’s culture.
• Global Influence: With a large migration of foreigners into the city and the city’s worldwide standards, big global firms such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and others are opening offices pan UAE to provide more creative and lucrative opportunities for employment in the industry.
• Government Support: The UAE government recognizes the importance of the technology industry and has invested heavily in initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the Dubai Smart City project. These initiatives seek to transform the country into a global technological hub and knowledge-based economy, creating countless chances for AI enthusiasts to thrive.

Best Universities for Artificial Intelligence Courses in UAE

Some of the leading universities in the UAE that offer Artificial Intelligence courses to overseas students are listed below for your convenience. The bulk of these institutions offers postgraduate AI programs. Some schools and institutions have also been named to top-tier rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 and the QS World Ranking List 2023.

University of Birmingham, Dubai

The University of Birmingham (UoB) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023). Additionally, the Dubai campus of the University of Birmingham is ranked among the top 8 foreign universities in Dubai. When you study at UoB Dubai, you will receive the same UoB degree as students in the UK, recognized globally for its research basis and industrially driven nature. The Department of Civil Engineering at the University is proud of its excellent education, teaching, and research. Their programs prepare you for a job in various areas by providing progressive learning and hands-on experience. 

There are two major undergraduate programs and two major postgraduate programs for studying artificial intelligence at the University of Birmingham, Dubai. These are mentioned below. 

Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi

Khalifa University is one of the top-ranking internationally acclaimed universities. In addition to being the 28th best university in Asia, it also holds the position of being the top university in UAE according to the QS World University Ranking List 2023. Needless to say, it is among the top Engineering universities in Abu Dhabi.

The multicultural university boasts of being a major contributor towards economic diversification within Abu Dhabi, especially when it comes to AI. The university provides courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for artificial intelligence. The university’s main objective is for students to address important societal problems using emerging technologies and the construction of practical systems. As far as the duration of the courses goes, the undergraduate degree is a full-time program for four years, and the master’s degree is offered as both a part-time and full-time program, respectively. Since the university is known to be included in the list of best universities in UAE for computer sciences, these degrees are the most profitable!

Middlesex University, Dubai 

The Middlesex University in Dubai is one of the leading institutions in engineering, AI, and related fields. With its global connections to IBM, Black Magic Designs, Dell, Microsoft, etc., the university emerges as the powerhouse of employment for international students. In addition, it is very fittingly one of the top universities in Dubai for cyber security!

This MSc in Robotics aims to prepare you to play a key role in the research and development of future generations of robots and artificial intelligence systems. Graduates of this program may find employment in businesses and projects focusing on security and surveillance (e.g., using mobile drones), manufacturing (robotic manipulators), logistics (automated goods delivery), inventory management (automated warehouses), and so on. This program is provided as both a part-time course (2 years) and a full-time course (1 year) for the convenience of the students. 

Abu Dhabi University

The Abu Dhabi University branch campus in Dubai ranks 5th in the country for studying engineering in Dubai. The university has more than seven international accreditation regarding its engineering course, the primary of which is the computer sciences courses.

The core of these degrees in computer engineering programs is the design, development, testing, and production of smart systems, which will prepare you to work in any field supplied by technology. The emphasis is on innovation and hands-on experience to help transform cities into smart cities across practically all industries, from working on tiny computerized systems in thermostats or the latest smartphone apps to much larger ones in industrial robots, autos, or data centers. Not only is the university in the running for offering the best artificial intelligence courses but is also one of the best universities for software engineering in the UAE.

BITS Pilani, Dubai

A renowned name in the Indian sphere, the BITS Pilani Dubai campus has equal, if not more, opportunities to offer in addition to being an applaudable student-friendly university. The civil engineering department offers a top-notch academic program with a modular framework. Students can enroll in electives in their area of interest during their studies, allowing them to delve deeper into a specialization. Students can also choose to work on specific projects during their studies. 

The institute also offers a one-of-a-kind 7.5-month internship program called practice school, in which students spend substantial time working in the business, acquiring skills, and obtaining practical experience. Candidates interested in furthering their studies are encouraged to work on research projects as part of their final-year thesis. The department also works with prestigious professional organizations.

Tuition Fees for Top Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence Degrees in UAE

When it comes to picking a university for a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence from UAE, there are numerous options. Many elite universities, both public and private, are ranked first or second in various international rankings. The tuition prices for some of the leading colleges in Dubai that offer Bachelor / undergraduate courses in artificial intelligence to international students are listed below. 

*Fees change depending on availing scholarships, bursaries, and exemplary charges from university to university.

Admission Requirements

For admission into undergraduate civil engineering programs in Dubai universities, some compulsory requirements must be fulfilled before you get a sure shot at admission! International students need to fulfill the following criterion for the same.

• Minimum scores on an English proficiency test:  IELTS: at least 6; TOEFL: at least 80; PTE: at least 63; EmSAT: 1550

• Certificate of Equivalency for completion of secondary education certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education
• Minimum scores in compulsory subjects which include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or its equivalent, depending on the university taking admission.
• Valid Passport
• Transcripts of Academic results to date
• Copies of degree certificates

Note: Admission and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program chosen.

Tuition Fees for Top Masters of Artificial Intelligence in UAE Courses

The top institutions in Dubai that offer post-graduate artificial intelligence courses are included in the table below, along with their tuition fees for the forthcoming academic year, 2023-24.

*Fees change depending on availing scholarships, bursaries, and exemplary charges from university to university.

Admission Requirements

Some minimum requirements are necessary for admission to Master’s programs for top universities in Dubai when pursuing artificial intelligence. Individual master’s programs may set additional and/or higher standards for admissions. The basic requirements for admission to master’s programs are listed below.

• Four-year bachelor’s degree from an independently accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education and by AUS (applicants with a bachelor’s degree obtained outside the UAE must submit an equivalency of their degree from the UAE Ministry of Education)
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00/4.00 or its equivalent in a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, i.e., artificial intelligence, computer science, etc. 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts of Academic results to date
• Copies of degree certificates
• Minimum scores on an English proficiency test:  IELTS: at least 6.5; TOEFL: at least 80; PTE: at least 63; EmSAT: 1550
• Letters of reference from previous institutes or places of work
• Valid Passport
• 2-3 references from senior officials who can vouch for your academic ability and qualifications

Note: Admission and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program chosen.

Cost of Living in UAE for International Students

One of the factors that international students evaluate when deciding where to study abroad is the cost of living. This includes lodging, food, living expenses, utilities, transportation, recreation, health, and so on. To be sure, Dubai is not one of the most inexpensive places to live or study. One can always avail of scholarships in UAE for international students to ease the monetary burden off your shoulders.

Monthly living expenses range from 2500 AED to 4000 AED. But don’t panic; there are plenty of ways to cut your living expenses as an international student in Dubai! Using public transit, such as trams, buses, ferries, and metro, is one of these options, as is working part-time.

Do make sure to check out some of the cheapest universities in Dubai & UAE for your reference!

Career Prospects for AI Graduates in UAE

The growing field of artificial intelligence has everyone’s attention, especially with the boom in gaming platforms, robotics, and luxury amenities available now. This has increased the number of jobs available in the labor market. Almost all fields now relate to artificial intelligence, providing many career opportunities for AI graduates. However, we have attempted to highlight some of the most common career choices accessible and the typical earnings supplied by a leading employment website, Indeed. 

*Prices indicated are average salaries provided according to surveys conducted by the top employment website, Indeed.

Numerous global multinational corporations are eager to hire AI graduates, particularly those with specific specializations. Since the AI degree is incorporated with many engineering degrees, companies nowadays prefer graduates to have knowledge of more than just the AI field. Also, check out the top universities in UAE offering courses in mechatronics Engineering. Many forerunners are in the area because the number of enterprises and job prospects is directly proportional. We have compiled a list of the top multinational corporations that hire AI graduates in the UAE.

• Google
• Goldman Sachs
• IBM
• BAE Systems
• Microsoft
• Apple
• Siemens
• Morgan Stanley
• Deloitte
• Intel
• Apple and many more. 

Conclusion

Given the high demand for AI professionals, a postgraduate degree in this field is highly valued worldwide. UAE is among the few nations providing excellent higher education in this field. With top universities and courses accessible to many international students in the financial industry, job opportunities are plentiful. 

Furthermore, higher education institutions in UAE are entirely devoted to assisting international students in adjusting to their new surroundings and acquiring the knowledge required for a successful stay. This makes pursuing a cognitively demanding degree, such as finance, easier. When deciding, one has to consider budget, educational standards, on-campus amenities, and global rankings. Thousands of students have used our admissions counseling services to reach their ideal colleges and universities. Kindly schedule a video consultation with our experts for further information.