The UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has entered into a strategic partnership with Saal.ai, a cognitive technology company under the Abu Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG), to nurture students’ skills in AI and big data technologies.
The partnership agreement was signed at the HCT campus. The agreement highlights both institutions’ commitment to developing local talent while contributing to the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The initiative also falls in line with the UAE Year of Community and the nation’s vision to drive innovation, empower youth and foster fruitful partnerships between academia and technology leaders.
The collaboration includes the integration of DigiXT, Saal.ai’s UAE-developed enterprise-grade AI and big data platform, into HCT’s academic programs. This enables students to gain hands-on learning experiences with real-world applications of AI and data analytics, enhancing their employability.
Dr. Faisal Alayyan President and CEO – HCT
“This initiative marks a transformative milestone in our educational journey. By embedding AI into our curricula, we are equipping Emirati youth with the future-focused skills needed to lead in a digital economy. Our partnership with Saal.ai ensures students gain both technical competencies and the innovative mindset to become agile problem-solvers and drivers of national progress.”
Vikraman Poduval, CEO of Saal.ai, stated that, “At Saal.ai, we believe in the transformative power of technology to drive societal progress. By equipping Emirati students with practical AI skills and collaborating with public sector entities, we are fostering innovation as well as contributing to the UAE’s vision of a sustainable and knowledge-based economy.”
The partnership also aligns with HCT’s 2023–2028 strategic vision, which focuses on applied learning, industry engagement, and the development of graduates with future-ready skills. This strengthen HCT’s role in delivering high-impact academic experiences that empower Emirati students to thrive in the evolving global workforce.
Furthermore, the collaboration supports the UAE’s national educational agenda and the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which seeks to cement the country’s status as a global AI leader. The strategy aims to fuel AI integration across various sectors such as education, space, technology, energy and transportation.
Next academic year, the UAE is set to implement AI across government school curricula, from kindergarten to Grade 12. The UAE’s AI adoption is expected to boost GDP by 35 percent ($96 billion) and reduce government spending by nearly $3 billion through greater efficiency.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in aligning education with national priorities and cultivating the next generation of Emirati innovators and leaders.
