As the UAE continues to expand its focus on artificial intelligence and digital skills, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus has launched a new AI lab aimed at preparing students for real-world industry applications.
Called NEXORA, the facility has been developed to help students build, test and deploy AI-based solutions across different sectors, including retail, customer experience and enterprise technology.
AI skills
The launch comes as the UAE increases investments in artificial intelligence, with the country’s AI market estimated at more than $3.47 billion and expected to grow strongly through 2030. Artificial intelligence is also being introduced into UAE school curricula from the 2025-2026 academic year.
According to MAHE Dubai, the lab is designed as an integrated environment where students can work on AI projects from concept development to deployment using a single platform.
Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Dubai, said: “The conversation around artificial intelligence has moved from awareness to application. The real differentiator today is not access to tools, but the ability to apply them in meaningful, domain-specific contexts. With NEXORA, we are creating an environment where students are not just exposed to AI concepts, but are expected to build, test, and deploy solutions that reflect real industry challenges. This is essential to developing talent that is relevant from day one.”
Student projects
During the launch, students demonstrated several AI-powered applications developed at the lab. These included virtual avatars for visitor interaction, facial recognition systems designed to run on edge devices for improved data privacy, and retail inventory tools aimed at improving stock management.
Other projects included sentiment analysis kiosks, voice-based biometric systems and interactive learning platforms.
The lab also includes high-performance computing systems, edge AI platforms and cloud-based environments to support large-scale AI development and experimentation.
Future plans
MAHE Dubai said it also plans to introduce a quantum computing terminal as part of future expansion plans linked to AI and advanced computing technologies.
Dr. Balamurugan Balusamy, Dean and Professor at the School of Engineering and IT at MAHE Dubai, said: “AI cannot be taught effectively in isolation from its application. What differentiates NEXORA is the focus on building systems. Students are working with real data, real constraints, and real use cases, which fundamentally changes how they understand and apply AI. This shift from theoretical learning to applied capability is what will define the next generation of technology professionals.”
The university said the initiative will support research, industry partnerships and specialised training programmes across multiple academic fields, including engineering, management, health sciences and media.
