UAE Engineer Among 40 Global Experts Selected to Shape International AI Governance
Khalifa University alumna Dr. Tuka Alhanai has been appointed to the United Nations鈥� Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, joining 40 experts selected from more than 2,600 nominations representing over 140 countries.
Dr. Alhanai, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Khalifa University, works in the field of human-computer interaction. Her research focuses on developing systems that measure subjective dimensions of human experience, including team dynamics, the conditions that influence whether ideas succeed in the market, and how individuals are assessed based on visual cues. Her work combines engineering foundations with behavioural insight and applied artificial intelligence.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2025 as the first permanent global scientific body dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence.
As part of the 40-member Panel, Dr. Alhanai will contribute to the preparation of the Panel鈥檚 annual report, which provides evidence-based scientific assessments of the opportunities, risks and impacts of artificial intelligence. The report will be presented at the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, with the inaugural edition scheduled for July 2026 in Geneva.
The Panel鈥檚 mandate includes preparing thematic briefs on emerging issues, providing updates to the UN General Assembly, establishing working groups, and consulting external experts.
The 40 selected members provide independent, policy-relevant insights on matters such as the development of safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems; open-source software, open data and open AI models; transparency and accountability mechanisms; and the broader social, economic, ethical and human rights implications of AI technologies.
The appointment of Dr. Alhanai places a Khalifa University graduate among a diverse group of global experts contributing to international scientific assessments that will inform multilateral discussions on the future of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Tuka Alhanai said: 鈥淚t is a great honour to be selected as one of the members of the United Nations鈥� Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. As part of the Panel, I look forward to contributing to evidence-based scientific assessments that can support informed and inclusive global discussions on artificial intelligence. I am especially proud that this achievement reflects positively on Khalifa University and the education I received there. My studies provided strong foundations in engineering and science that have shaped my professional journey every day since graduation. It was also an environment that encouraged confidence, curiosity, and ambition. Every individual鈥檚 path is unique and often non-linear, and I would encourage students and alumni to make the most of each day in ways that align with their strengths and experiences.鈥�
