The Ankabut-WeVideo Partnership: A Timely Boost for UAE Higher Education

In a strategic move to support uninterrupted learning amid recent regional challenges, Ankabut, the United Arab Emirates' National Research and Education Network (NREN), has announced free institutional access to WeVideo's interactive video learning platform for UAE universities and other educational institutions. This offer, available until May 31, 2026, comes at a critical time when the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) have directed a shift to remote learning due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, including missile alerts and conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel.

WeVideo, a cloud-based platform specializing in interactive video creation and editing, enables educators to produce engaging lesson videos, multimedia assignments, announcements, and assessments. Students benefit from ad-free access, video submissions, and self-paced asynchronous learning on any device. As a secure solution compliant with global standards like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), it requires no local software downloads, making deployment seamless across university networks.

This initiative builds on an earlier partnership established in January 2026 between Ankabut and WeVideo, aimed at accelerating digital creativity and 21st-century skills development across the UAE and GCC region. With UAE universities facing extended distance learning periods—from initial shifts in early March to further extensions until at least March 23, 2026—institutions now have robust tools to maintain academic progress and student engagement.

Ankabut's Pivotal Role in UAE's Academic Ecosystem

Ankabut serves as the digital backbone for UAE higher education, connecting over 30 member institutions across more than 70 sites nationwide. Managed by Khalifa University and funded through the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) via the ICT Fund, along with member contributions, Ankabut provides high-speed connectivity, cloud infrastructure, AI-powered platforms, and immersive technologies like AR/VR for research and teaching.

Key member universities include Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Heriot-Watt University Dubai, American University of Sharjah (AUS), and Abu Dhabi University, among others. These institutions leverage Ankabut for collaborative research, smart campus solutions, and scalable digital learning environments. By integrating tools like WeVideo, Ankabut empowers faculty to transition fluidly between in-person and remote modalities, fostering innovation aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy.

Tarek Jundi, CEO of Ankabut, emphasized, "To ensure that students’ academic progress continues without disruption, educators need tools that allow them to adapt quickly to remote learning environments. We are pleased to extend our support through Ankabut’s robust national infrastructure." This reflects Ankabut's commitment to agility in education delivery.

Key Features of WeVideo Tailored for University Settings

WeVideo stands out as a comprehensive multimedia creation suite designed for higher education. Its core functionality revolves around interactive videos, where instructors embed questions, branching scenarios, and feedback loops directly into content. This transforms passive viewing into active participation, ideal for large lecture halls or virtual classrooms.

• Interactive Assignments and Assessments: Faculty can design video quizzes, polls, and open-response prompts with auto-grading and analytics to track comprehension.
• Screen Recording and Editing Tools: Built-in capture for tutorials, lectures, or data visualizations, with intuitive editing, stock media libraries, and AI-assisted enhancements.
• Asynchronous Collaboration: Real-time co-editing for group projects, supporting diverse student cohorts including international learners common in UAE universities.
• Analytics Dashboard: Insights into viewer engagement, completion rates, and knowledge gaps to inform personalized instruction.
• Mobile and LMS Integration: Seamless compatibility with platforms like Moodle or Blackboard, ensuring accessibility across devices.

Kevin Knight, CEO of WeVideo, noted, "With WeVideo, teachers can move beyond passive video instruction and create interactive learning experiences that keep students engaged wherever learning takes place." For UAE universities, this means enhanced support for blended learning models prevalent post-pandemic.

Navigating Regional Challenges: Remote Learning in UAE Universities

Since late February 2026, UAE higher education has adapted to multiple extensions of distance learning. Initial directives mandated online classes from March 2-4, extended to March 6, and further to March 23 amid ongoing security concerns. Universities like Heriot-Watt Dubai and NYU Abu Dhabi shifted to fully online or hybrid modes, prioritizing student safety while maintaining assessments and services.

This isn't new for the UAE, where digital infrastructure has proven resilient. Enrollment in higher education surged 20.4% in 2024-25, reaching over 57,000 new students, with females comprising 54%. The online education market is projected to grow at a 24.57% CAGR through 2033, driven by digital adoption. Interactive tools like WeVideo address key pain points: student disengagement in remote settings and the need for creative skill-building.

Proven Benefits of Interactive Video in Higher Education

Research underscores the efficacy of interactive videos. Studies show they boost retention by up to 20% compared to passive lectures, with active engagement leading to B to B+ grade improvements. In higher education, platforms like WeVideo promote deeper learning through project-based assessments, scaffolding complex concepts, and fostering emotional intelligence via multimedia expression.

For UAE's diverse student body—over 40% international—async video supports flexible pacing and cultural inclusivity. Benefits include:

• Higher participation rates in flipped classrooms.
• Improved critical thinking via branching narratives simulating real-world scenarios.
• Data-driven remediation, reducing dropout risks in large cohorts.

A systematic review confirms interactive video contributes to higher learning gains, particularly in STEM and humanities where visualization aids comprehension.

Alignment with UAE's National Higher Education Strategy 2030

The National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 emphasizes innovative teaching, skill sharpening, and global competitiveness. Pillars include digital excellence, research innovation, and employability—areas where WeVideo excels. By embedding AI tools and interactive media, universities prepare graduates for a digital economy contributing 20% to GDP by 2031.

Ankabut's integration supports smart campuses and lifelong learning, aligning with UAE Centennial 2071 visions. With Dubai's HE enrollments projected to rise 40% by 2030, scalable platforms like WeVideo ensure quality amid growth.Official strategy details highlight technology's role in sustainable education.

Practical Implementation: Getting Started with WeVideo in UAE Universities

Institutional admins can sign up via Ankabut's portal for instant access. Step-by-step:

1. Register at the provided link.
2. Integrate with existing LMS.
3. Create templates for courses (e.g., video case studies in business programs).
4. Assign interactive projects and monitor via analytics.
5. Export data for accreditation reporting.

Early adopters report streamlined workflows, with faculty creating polished content in minutes using AI assists.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real-World Impacts

LinkedIn feedback praises the initiative: "Great for continuous engagement," notes Sarah Raslan. At Khalifa University, Ankabut's host, such tools enhance research dissemination via video abstracts. Impacts include boosted digital literacy—vital as 70% of UAE students use AI tools—and employability, with video portfolios showcasing skills to employers.

Challenges like bandwidth are mitigated by Ankabut's high-performance network. Broader effects: Reduced equity gaps through device-agnostic access.

Future Outlook: Sustaining Digital Momentum Beyond 2026

Post-May 2026, expect continued partnerships as UAE HE evolves. With 91% digital service satisfaction and investments in AI campuses, interactive video will integrate into core curricula. Projections: 25% adoption rise in blended models, preparing 127,000+ annual graduates for tech-driven jobs.

This initiative positions UAE universities as regional leaders in edtech resilience.

Photo by Johnny Briggs on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for UAE University Leaders

To maximize value:

• Pilot in high-enrollment courses like engineering at AUS.
• Train faculty via WeVideo's PD resources.
• Measure ROI through engagement metrics.
• Collaborate across Ankabut network for shared content libraries.

Ultimately, free WeVideo access empowers UAE higher education to thrive amid uncertainty, blending tradition with innovation for future-ready graduates.