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Photo Caption: Moderator of Beyond Boundaries on the left: Sophiya Anjam, Guest from KHDA in Centre: Dr. Nitesh Sughnani and Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai on right: Dr. S. Sudhindra
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – January 28, 2026: As the UAE records its highest higher-education enrolment levels in a decade, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus proudly announces the launch of a new podcast series, Beyond Boundaries, examining how universities must evolve to meet global academic standards and prepare graduates for a workforce shaped by rapid technological change.
According to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, more than 57,000 new students enrolled in UAE higher education during the 2024-2025 academic year, marking a 13% year-on-year increase and the highest enrollment figures seen in a decade.
The inaugural episode of Beyond Boundaries features Dr. Nitesh Sughnani, Director - University Ratings at Knowledge and Human Development Authority, in conversation with Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai. Together, they explore how institutions must rethink curriculum design, campus culture, and industry engagement to remain globally competitive. With more students choosing to study in the UAE rather than abroad, institutions face rising expectations to embed genuine international culture on campus, deliver curriculum that meets global standards, and create diverse environments supported by strong industry connections that provide real career pathways for graduates.
A key theme discussed is the rise of AI-powered personalised learning, which is reshaping traditional classroom models. AI-driven tools are enabling tailored instruction at scale, redefining the role of faculty from content delivery to mentorship and facilitation, and placing greater emphasis on adaptability and lifelong learning.
“With graduates likely to spend five decades in the workforce, universities can no longer educate for a single role or industry,” said Dr. S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai. “Our responsibility is to equip students with the ability to continuously reskill and reinvent themselves. Degrees must now move beyond academic knowledge and focus on building learning agility,” he continued.
The conversation also draws attention to how AI is transforming disciplines beyond STEM. The impact of AI is also extending beyond the classroom into the disciplines themselves. Liberal arts and allied fields are experiencing significant change, challenging earlier beliefs that these areas were protected from technological disruption. AI is now writing novels and creating art, while also transforming roles across media, design, and fashion. As a result, liberal arts students increasingly need technical literacy, just as STEM students require creative and critical thinking skills, making interdisciplinary education essential.
Among all these shifts, employer expectations are rising. “Industry today is less patient with new hires. Organisations expect graduates to be productive from day one and universities must ensure students are job-ready before they enter the workforce,” Dr. S. Sudhindra added.
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