Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Designates 2026 as Year of AI to Foster Critical Thinking

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has officially designated 2026 as its Year of AI, signaling a significant institutional shift toward integrating intelligent technologies across its campus. Announced on January 23, 2026, the initiative was unveiled following the international MARIS-AI Symposium held at the university. This strategic theme aims to position the institution as a leader in ethical artificial intelligence by blending advanced technology with rigorous human reasoning.

The university is championing a techno-humanist vision under the slogan "Choose AI, Choose Critical Thinking." Chancellor Nathalie Martial-Braz emphasized that the goal is to develop graduates who are fluent in technology yet remain capable of independent ethical discernment. By treating AI as a tool for empowerment rather than a replacement for human creativity, the university seeks to ensure that human oversight remains central to every digital application.

The declaration served as the finale for the MARIS-AI Symposium, which is an officially endorsed United Nations Ocean Decade Activity. This event explored the intersection of robotics and marine sustainability, demonstrating practical uses for intelligent systems in preserving marine biodiversity. Such real-world applications provide a foundation for the upcoming year by showcasing how AI can solve urgent environmental challenges.

Throughout 2026, the university will deliver an extensive calendar of public and academic activities, including the flagship AI SUAD Summit in April. This major conference will convene experts from diverse fields such as law, health, and humanities to discuss the societal impacts of automation. The Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence will lead interdisciplinary workshops designed to connect various research departments through shared digital goals.

On-campus integration will include the rollout of specialized AI library tools and the NORA chatbot, which was developed by the French as a Foreign Language department. These initiatives are designed to modernize the student experience while reinforcing the importance of understanding the reasoning process behind automated results. Extensive staff training and school outreach programs will further extend the reach of the initiative to the wider public.

This roadmap directly supports the UAE National AI Strategy 2031, which focuses on establishing the nation as a global hub for innovation. The visual identity of the campaign features a human hand and a robotic hand working together to symbolize a collaborative future. This imagery reflects the belief that critical thinking and human intelligence are indispensable when harnessing the power of modern technology.