This study examines emerging paradigms in faculty performance assessment in UAE higher education, focusing on multidimensional assessment models, AI-driven tools, inclusive practices, and globalized standards. The objective is to explore their impact on academic excellence, moving beyond traditional metrics like student evaluations and research output. The theoretical framework integrates literature advocating for holistic evaluations that capture diverse faculty contributions, including teaching innovation and community involvement. The methodology described is a case study approach combined with quantitative methodology employed, utilizing surveys and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships between variables. The results demonstrate that globalized standards, and the introduction of AI technologies are the variables with the most positive impact on academic performance, yet general models and inclusive practices also have their place. A few of the weaknesses of the study are the cross-section research design, potential biases of AI tools, and the limited focus on the cultural context of the assessments. The main areas that need to be addressed in future research are cross-cultural studies, longitudinal studies, and the studies of the AI evaluation bias.