Al Ain University Recognized as AACSB Global Impact Awards Winner
- Posted on:Apr 06, 2026
Al Ain University (AAU)is proud to announce that the College of Business (COB) has been recognized as a winner of AACSB International’s (AACSB) inaugural Global Impact Awards, celebrating the innovation, impact, and dedication of business schools and their leaders today. AAU extends its appreciation for Professor Mohanad Halaweh's outstanding contributions and leadership in achieving this distinguished recognition.
The Global Impact Awards honor individuals and institutions whose initiatives exemplify innovation, leadership, and measurable impact in business education and society. Grounded in AACSB’s Global Standards for Business Education™, the awards highlight contributions from across the global business education community.
AAU was recognized in the Teaching and Learning Excellence category for AI integration in the MBA course (AI for healthcare applications). This innovative AI-driven educational initiative integrates experiential learning into business education, enabling MBA students to apply machine learning to real healthcare challenges.
“Inspired by the UAE’s vision for AI leadership, this initiative prepares future professionals to leverage AI in business. We are proud to receive this recognition, which reflects our commitment to impactful education and equipping students with the skills needed to lead in an AI-driven future,” said Prof. Ghaleb ElRefae, AAU President.
“This initiative reflects our vision to meaningfully integrate AI into business education. It allows our students to turn data into actionable insights that improve business outcomes, preparing them to succeed in a data-driven world and make informed decisions,” said Prof. Zafar Husain, Dean, College of Business.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to making AI accessible and practical for MBA students, even from non-technical backgrounds. Through hands-on learning and applied tools, students are empowered to use data-driven approaches to support better decision-making. It also equips them with the skills to apply machine learning and prepares them to lead and innovate in an increasingly AI-driven future. Beyond the classroom, the initiative extends its impact through scholarly publication, supporting the integration of AI in business education,” said Prof. Mohanad Halaweh, who led the award-winning initiative.
The 2026 honorees include 27 individuals and institutions from 16 countries, selected from a highly competitive pool of submissions. Award recipients are recognized for shaping future-ready business schools through strategic leadership, translating faculty research into meaningful impact, fostering inclusive social and economic growth, integrating emerging technologies into learning experiences, and supporting the AACSB community through dedicated service.
“The Global Impact Awards underscore AAU’s commitment to creating meaningful impact through business education,” said Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB. “Their work sets a powerful example for the future of business education, and we look forward to its continued growth and influence.”
