Sorbonne Abu Dhabi Champions AI Integration with Critical Thinking in Line with UAE Strategy

Progressive educational paradigms are undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the integration of advanced technological tools alongside the cultivation of fundamental human competencies. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has formally designated 2026 as its 'Year of AI,' operating under the guiding principle, "Choose AI, Choose Critical Thinking." This institutional declaration positions Artificial Intelligence as a potent enhancement instrument while simultaneously prioritizing the reinforcement of core human aptitudes such as rigorous reasoning and nuanced ethical judgment.

This strategic focus was cemented following the successful conclusion of the international MARIS-AI Symposium, which convened on January 21st and 22nd, 2026, to deliberate on AI's transformative influence within marine science and sustainability efforts. The symposium, co-sponsored by the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, explored topics ranging from Machine Learning to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, who assumed the role of Chancellor at SUAD in late 2024, articulates a clear techno-humanist vision for the institution, merging the historical depth of French academic rigor with the United Arab Emirates' national aspiration for accelerated research output.

The overarching academic objective is to produce graduates who are not only fluent in deploying AI systems but who also possess demonstrably rigorous capabilities in critical reasoning. This commitment is structurally supported by the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), directed by Professor Gérard Biau, which serves as the anchor for the 2026 program. SCAI operates across both Abu Dhabi and Paris, contributing to advancing AI excellence in the UAE and Europe through interdisciplinary efforts. Key components of the 2026 initiative include the AI SUAD Summit scheduled for April, which will concentrate specifically on 'Health and Precision Medicine for Underrepresented Populations.'

Practical application of this philosophy is already visible through internal projects, such as the NORA chatbot, developed by the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) Department to facilitate language practice among students. Furthermore, SUAD maintains a strategic partnership with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to enhance collaboration in AI research, education, and ethics. This institutional trajectory aligns directly with the broader national mandate outlined in the UAE's National AI Strategy 2031.

This national strategy, overseen by the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, aims to establish the UAE as a global AI leader by 2031, with an ambitious goal of generating up to AED 335 billion in extra economic growth across eight headline objectives. SUAD's focus on uniting AI proficiency with critical thinking directly supports the national objective of preparing future generations through responsible innovation, ensuring graduates are conscious and ethical augmented citizens. Professor Martial-Braz emphasizes that the university framework must adapt its 'code' for new challenges while preserving its core values, ensuring students use AI as a sophisticated tool rather than becoming reliant upon it, thereby safeguarding their intellectual development.