As industries, governments, and societies embrace artificial intelligence (AI), universities face a pivotal question: how can they remain globally competitive leaders in an AI-powered world? By 2027, the market for AI in higher education is expected to reach $2.3 billion, with institutions leveraging AI to personalize learning, enhance research productivity, and improve decision-making. This keynote will examine the evolving role of higher education as both a driver of innovation and a steward of responsible AI adoption. The talk will highlight strategies for building AI-enabled curricula across disciplines, fostering AI-powered research ecosystems, and leveraging AI to improve institutional agility and efficiency. It will also address ethical, workforce, and societal considerations, ensuring that universities not only adapt but lead in shaping an inclusive and competitive global future.