G42, an Abu Dhabi-based technology group, and Banco Santander, a global banking group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for strategic cooperation in artificial intelligence. The partnership aims to co-develop AI-enabled advisory and savings solutions for banking customers, as well as a banking intelligence layer spanning Santander’s global operations. G42 companies Inception (agentic AI) and Presight (applied AI) are expected to play central roles in this collaboration. Why it matters: This significant partnership between a leading UAE AI entity and a global bank highlights the growing integration of advanced AI, including sovereign AI principles, into core financial services and could set a precedent for large-scale AI adoption in the global banking sector.
TII and NVIDIA have partnered to launch the first AI & Robotics NVAITC Joint Lab in the Middle East, located in Abu Dhabi. The lab will focus on developing next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies. It aims to integrate NVIDIA's computing platforms with TII's research in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing, including the Falcon family of AI models. Why it matters: This collaboration positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in applied AI and robotics, contributing to the UAE's technological sovereignty and its role in the global AI ecosystem.
KAUST has launched four Centers of Excellence (CoEs) focusing on Health, Sustainable Environment, Energy, and Economies of the Future, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. One CoE, chaired by Professor Bernard Ghanem and co-chaired by Professor Juergen Schmidhuber, will focus on generative AI. These centers aim to deliver impactful solutions that directly contribute to national economic objectives. Why it matters: This initiative signifies a major push towards applied AI research and development within Saudi Arabia, particularly in generative AI, renewable energy, food security, and smart health.
MBZUAI and IBM have announced a strategic collaboration to advance AI research by establishing a new AI Center of Excellence at MBZUAI's Masdar City campus. The center will leverage IBM researchers in collaboration with MBZUAI faculty and students, focusing on advancing both fundamental and applied AI research. The collaboration aims to develop and incubate AI technologies addressing civic, social, and business challenges. Why it matters: This partnership enhances the UAE's AI capabilities, fostering innovation and talent development in critical sectors such as healthcare and finance.
MBZUAI and the Weizmann Institute of Science have launched a joint AI Research Program. The program will foster collaborative projects, training, and exchanges in AI fields like machine learning, computer vision, and NLP. The initiative aims to advance both basic and applied AI research, particularly in healthcare and genomics. Why it matters: This partnership signifies growing international collaboration in AI research within the UAE and could accelerate breakthroughs in key AI applications.
SDAIA Academy has launched an Applied AI Bootcamp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bootcamp aims to equip participants with practical AI skills. The program focuses on hands-on experience and real-world applications. Why it matters: This initiative contributes to developing local AI talent and supports Saudi Arabia's national AI strategy.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Academy has launched an Applied AI Bootcamp in Riyadh. The program aims to equip participants with practical AI skills through intensive training. The bootcamp covers various AI topics and applications relevant to the Saudi context. Why it matters: This initiative contributes to developing local AI talent and advancing the adoption of AI technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has launched the 'Applied AI Bootcamp' in Riyadh, aimed at enhancing national capabilities in artificial intelligence. The intensive program focuses on practical AI applications and is part of SDAIA's broader efforts to cultivate AI talent within the Kingdom. Participants will gain hands-on experience through workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects. Why it matters: This bootcamp signals Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing a skilled workforce ready to implement AI solutions across various sectors, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals.