Deanship of Graduate Studies Awards Du'aa Ali Abubaker PhD

The Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at the Main Center of the Islamic University of Minnesota has awarded researcher Du'aa Ahmed Ali Abubakar a PhD in Law, following the successful public defense of her dissertation titled "Civil Liability Arising from Damages Caused by Artificial Intelligence and Robotics". The defense was held via video conferencing (Zoom) on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The dissertation is considered a substantial contribution to an emerging and complex legal field, addressing one of the most pressing issues of the digital age. The study focused on analyzing the legal complexities associated with determining liability and compensating for damages caused by artificial intelligence systems and robots. It represents an attempt to develop legal frameworks responsive to the challenges posed by rapid technological advancement on modern societies.

The defense and evaluation committee was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Shu'aib Abdul-Maqsood, Head of the Law Department at the University and the dissertation's supervisor. The committee included a constellation of academic experts: Associate Professor Dr. Nancy El-Feki (Internal Examiner), Dr. Karam Saeed from the Islamic University of Minnesota, Associate Professor Dr. Hadiya Za'tar from Al-Majma'ah University in Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Dalal Mo'tamad from Future University in Saudi Arabia (External Examiners).

The defense featured a rich scientific discussion, during which committee members praised the dissertation's bold approach, the contemporary relevance of its topic, and the robustness of the research methodology employed by the candidate. They emphasized the value of this scholarly addition in filling a gap in Arabic legal literature concerning the legal regulation of modern technologies.

At the conclusion of the session, following deliberation, the committee unanimously announced the researcher's success and awarded her the PhD degree, with a recommendation for the dissertation to be published and circulated due to its significance. The candidate was congratulated by the professors and attendees, who wished her a future filled with achievements in her academic and professional career.