University of Sharjah recently kicked off its highly anticipated Computing and Informatics Week 2026, a pivotal initiative designed to bolster students’ engagement with cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. This event, organized by the College of Computing and Informatics in collaboration with various faculties including law, sciences, business administration, and humanities, features a series of virtual seminars, discussions, and specialized scientific lectures aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange and networking.
Innovative Discussions and Expert Insights
The event has garnered significant interest, featuring renowned speakers and experts from the industry, as well as distinguished faculty members and graduate students. In his opening remarks, Professor Essam Al-Ajmi, the Director of the University of Sharjah, highlighted that Computing and Informatics Week 2026 underscores the university’s steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and supporting research excellence in vital knowledge sectors. He emphasized that this week-long event reflects the university’s focus on building effective academic and industrial partnerships that will strengthen its position as a platform for knowledge exchange and preparation of a skilled workforce for the knowledge economy.
Regional and International Collaboration
Professor Al-Ajmi noted the importance of participation from prominent regional and international institutions, which enrich the event with valuable insights on emerging technologies and their transformative impact on education and research. This gathering is expected to have a profound effect on shaping the future of learning and research in an increasingly digitized world.
Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force
Dr. Nawar Thabet, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that artificial intelligence has become a core force that enhances collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines. He remarked on the role of AI in accelerating scientific research and the development of advanced materials. In line with this, Dr. Abbas Amira, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics, pointed out that the rapid advancements in AI technologies are reshaping various sectors and educational methodologies. He underscored the necessity for continuous dialogue between academic and industrial spheres, asserting that the event plays a vital role in equipping students for the job market by exposing them to the latest real-world applications.
Noteworthy Speakers and Topics
The week’s agenda includes key speakers such as Professor Khan Fahd, Vice Chair and Computer Vision Professor at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence, who discussed the importance of detailed visual understanding in the era of generative AI. Additionally, Professor Lakass Abdul Rahman, Assistant Dean for Research at UAE University, presented on “How Large Language Models (LLMs) are Transforming Autonomous Navigation.” Moreover, Dr. Gregorios Fragkous, Head of Sharjah Cybersecurity Center, shared insights on “Cybersecurity in the Sharjah Cybersecurity Center,” while industry leader Himant Julka discussed strategies for scaling innovation in artificial intelligence.