Huawei announced its North Africa AI strategy at the AI Data Center Innovation Summit, outlining its plans for artificial intelligence development in the region. The strategy focuses on leveraging AI in data centers and potentially expanding infrastructure capabilities. This initiative aims to bolster the regional AI ecosystem and support digital transformation efforts. Why it matters: This signifies a major global technology company's strategic commitment to advancing AI infrastructure and capabilities across North Africa, potentially driving significant investment and collaboration in the region.
The UAE's National Programme for Coders will train 20,000 students in coding across eight universities, including MBZUAI and Khalifa University. The program includes 500 training opportunities at local and international companies. Amazon, Huawei, and IBM will launch digital libraries providing resources on AI, data science, and other technologies. Why it matters: This initiative aims to bolster the UAE's AI talent pool and enhance graduates' competitiveness in the job market through practical coding skills.
The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) has integrated the Huawei Watch GT 4 into its ongoing health research initiatives. This collaboration aims to leverage the wearable device's advanced sensors for collecting physiological data. The integration seeks to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data collection in various health-related studies conducted by QCRI. Why it matters: This move signifies a practical application of consumer wearable technology within academic health research in the Middle East, potentially advancing methodologies for continuous health monitoring and data analysis in the region.
KAUST alumna Hessa Al-Quwaiee (M.S. '13, Ph.D. '16) works at Huawei as the company's first and only female engineer in Saudi Arabia, designing and implementing projects in Mobily network. She also serves as the vice president of programs for the KAUST Saudi Arabia Alumni Chapter. Al-Quwaiee hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning to academia to empower women in engineering. Why it matters: This highlights the growing role of women in Saudi Arabia's tech sector and KAUST's contribution to developing local talent.
MBZUAI hosted a virtual Student Opportunities Fair, connecting its AI students with UAE employers. 26 companies including ADNOC, Etihad, Huawei, and Majid Al Futtaim attended the fair. Students explored internships ranging from NLP to big data applications. Why it matters: The event highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in developing a skilled workforce for the nation's AI ambitions.
Khalifa University highlights two alumni who are leading major projects at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, contributing to the UAE's vision for space exploration. The university is also actively translating its research into innovation through collaborations with entities such as the Department of Energy, ADNOC, and Huawei. A new episode of the 'KU Pulse' podcast features professors discussing the essential role of partnerships with government, industry, and academia in addressing national priorities. Why it matters: This demonstrates Khalifa University's commitment to developing local talent for strategic sectors like space and its efforts to foster research collaborations that contribute to the UAE's technological advancement.