Khalifa University first in UAE to make courses globally available on Coursera

Khalifa University, an internationally ranked research-intensive university located in Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Coursera, an online platform that makes relevant content accessible to its learners worldwide.

Khalifa University will launch six specialisations on Coursera in the second half of 2022, including machine learning and deep learning methods: from data to decisions; artificial intelligence for executives; and introduction to digital design FPGA based training.

The university will also offer courses targeted to a broader audience, including Arabic for beginners and online course development processes. These courses have been carefully curated to align with the skills development agendas of the UAE and broader Middle East region.

“We are excited to join forces with Coursera to equip learners in the region, and beyond, with the essential digital skills they need to contribute to the accelerating knowledge economy,” said Dr Ahmed Al Shoaibi, senior vice president for Academic and Student Services at Khalifa University.

With the addition of Khalifa University, alongside Al Faisal University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Jordan, Coursera has doubled its number of university partners in the Middle East.

The online platform currently serves over 5.5 million learners in the Middle East and offers a continuously expanding catalogue of content, including over 2,000 courses in Arabic.

“Learners in the region have embraced online learning at a greater pace since the beginning of the pandemic — over 1.4 million new Middle Eastern learners enrolled across the region in 2021. By expanding our range of partnerships with some of the region’s pioneers in higher education, we look forward to continuing to deliver transformational, relevant learning to everyone,” said Betty Vandenbosch, chief content officer, Coursera.