KAUST's Solar & Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC) was officially inaugurated with a two-day seminar featuring international solar energy experts. The event included discussions on developing the solar energy manufacturing industry in Saudi Arabia and a memorandum of understanding between KAUST and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) to develop thin-film photovoltaic technology. ZSW holds the world record in thin-film photovoltaics cells efficiency, achieving a rate of 20.8%. Why it matters: This initiative signifies KAUST's commitment to becoming a regional hub for renewable energy and photovoltaics, fostering collaboration between research and industry to advance solar energy development in Saudi Arabia.
The Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding. The collaboration focuses on thin-film photovoltaic technology. Why it matters: The partnership between a leading German research institution and KAUST could accelerate advancements in solar energy research and deployment within Saudi Arabia.
KAUST has inaugurated its Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC), five years after its initial planning. The center is composed of seven faculty members and a team of eighty people, focusing on combustion research to address future energy and environmental challenges. CCRC has already attracted industrial funding from companies like Saudi Aramco. Why it matters: The center will provide a boost to research and development in sustainable energy and reduced emissions technologies within Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
Khalid Al-Falih, then Saudi Aramco President and CEO, gave a keynote at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program. He highlighted KAUST and Saudi Aramco's roles in science, technology, and innovation for the Kingdom's benefit. Al-Falih noted Saudi Aramco employs over 100 KAUST alumni and partners with the university on R&D, citing a team of KAUST graduates developing a pipeline inspection robot. Why it matters: The speech underscores the strategic importance of KAUST in Saudi Arabia's vision for a knowledge-based economy and its close ties with the Kingdom's leading industry player.
Prof. Karl Leo has been appointed as the Director of KAUST's Solar and Photovoltaics Engineering Research Center (SPERC). He joins KAUST from Technische Universität in Dresden, bringing expertise in organic semiconductors and photovoltaics. His research aims to improve the efficiency and lifetime of organic solar cells, with a goal of reaching 20% efficiency. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's solar energy research program and aligns with Saudi Arabia's focus on renewable energy technologies.
In 2013, KAUST faculty members Jean Frechet and Yves Gnanou received international awards recognizing their scientific contributions. Nina Fedoroff was also awarded the 2013 Nevada Medal for achievements in science and engineering. KAUST research was featured in high-impact journals across diverse fields, and a KAUST Seed Fund winner launched an iPad housing device for underwater use that was featured by Apple. Why it matters: These achievements highlight KAUST's growing reputation as a hub for scientific research and innovation in the region and globally.
KAUST Seed Fund announced the four winning teams from its 2013 Fall Round, including Falcon Viz (3D aerial scanning), Nano Assembly (quantum dot production), ROFix (desalination plant performance), and u. The Seed Fund has funded 21 projects in its first six rounds, creating three companies and 15 jobs. Barig Siraj noted KAUST's leadership in commercializing ideas in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: The KAUST Seed Fund plays a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation within Saudi Arabia, addressing critical needs in areas like desalination and infrastructure.
Fred Farina, Chief Innovation Officer at Caltech, spoke at KAUST about commercializing academic research. He emphasized licensing research to corporations and creating startups, highlighting the importance of academic-industry partnerships for transitioning to a knowledge economy in the region. Farina noted that successful technology transfer requires a long-term commitment and a robust ecosystem of venture capital and companies. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing focus on diversifying GCC economies beyond oil through strategic investments in research and technology transfer, with universities playing a central role.
Professor Mohammad Younis, a new Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST, focuses his research on micro and nanotechnology, specifically the interface between nonlinear dynamics and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). He is developing a generic platform for sensing and actuation with potential uses in detecting poisonous gases, biohazards, and earthquake signals. He is also working on actuator systems that can assist elderly people after a fall by automatically calling for help. Why it matters: This research has significant implications for safety, environmental monitoring, and elderly care in the Middle East and beyond.
KAUST and SABIC are collaborating on research in flexible electronics. The collaboration involves researchers from KAUST and SABIC's New Materials Solutions Group working together in KAUST labs. The research aims to develop innovations in new materials. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the increasing focus on materials science and advanced manufacturing within Saudi Arabia's research and development landscape.
KAUST faculty profile highlights Dr. Omar Abdelsaboor, Assistant Professor of Chemical Science, who specializes in ultrafast laser spectroscopy and 4D electron imaging. His research focuses on visualizing chemical reactions and developing highly-efficient solar cells using advanced techniques. Dr. Abdelsaboor aims to contribute to solar energy research in Saudi Arabia and is collaborating with other KAUST faculty. Why it matters: This underscores KAUST's investment in cutting-edge research and its commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies in the region.
SABIC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research at KAUST during a meeting between SABIC's Vice Chairman and CEO, Mohamed Al-Mady, and KAUST's President, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau. Discussions covered SABIC’s technology and innovation strategy, KAUST's research initiatives, and talent development programs sponsored by SABIC at KAUST. Since 2011, SABIC has recruited around 40 KAUST-trained scientists and researchers. Why it matters: This continued collaboration strengthens the ties between industry and academia in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation and developing local talent in areas relevant to the Kingdom's industrial goals.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau spoke at the 5th Annual Saudi International Technology Incubation Conference in Riyadh. He emphasized that universities are catalysts for innovation through a commitment to excellence in education and research. KAUST was created to be a model for advanced education, scientific research, and economic development. Why it matters: The discussion highlights the crucial role of universities like KAUST in fostering innovation and economic growth in transitional economies like those in the GCC.
KAUST professors Samir Hamdan and Nina Fedoroff collaborated on research published in Nucleic Acids Research focusing on microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis in plants. The study examined miRNA production in Arabidopsis thaliana and found that the protein SERRATE (SE) is integral to the processing of pri-miRNA by DCL1. They characterized the interactions of SE with RNA and DCL1, elucidating the mechanism by which SE promotes DCL1 activity. Why it matters: Understanding miRNA biogenesis could help modify crop plants to better tolerate stressful conditions, potentially increasing crop yields and productivity in the region.
Researchers created a cross-cultural corpus of annotated verbal and nonverbal behaviors in receptionist interactions. The corpus includes native speakers of American English and Arabic role-playing scenarios at university reception desks in Doha, Qatar, and Pittsburgh, USA. The manually annotated nonverbal behaviors include gaze direction, hand gestures, torso positions, and facial expressions. Why it matters: This resource can be valuable for the human-robot interaction community, especially for building culturally aware AI systems.
G42, in collaboration with UAE Team Emirates-XRG and MET Helmets, unveiled a special-edition AI-designed helmet, created with AI artist Gizem Akdağ, which debuted at Stage 5 of the Tour de France. This event marks the upcoming launch of the second edition of Helmetverse on July 13, a global design platform inviting cycling fans to create their own AI-generated helmet designs. The winning design from the Helmetverse competition, which generated nearly 20,000 designs in its first edition, will be manufactured by MET Helmets and worn by UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the UAE Tour in February 2027. Why it matters: This initiative showcases G42's commitment to making AI accessible for creative and public engagement applications, highlighting the intersection of sports, technology, and fan interaction from a prominent UAE-based AI company.
Khalifa University's KU Pulse podcast features Dr. Jamal Alsawalhi and Dr. Glenda El Gamal discussing obstacles to decarbonizing the transport sector. The discussion covers battery costs, charging infrastructure, supply chain challenges, and public perception. It also highlights emerging KU technologies like rare earth free motors and wireless charging. Why it matters: The podcast addresses critical issues in sustainable transportation, showcasing KU's research contributions to regional and global environmental challenges.
Khalifa University's podcast, KU Pulse, featured Dr. Jamal Alsawalhi discussing the challenges of decarbonizing the transport sector. The episode explores battery costs, infrastructure, supply chains, and public perception, highlighting emerging KU technologies like rare earth free motors and wireless charging. Another episode featured Dr. Mohamed Ramy Elmarry and Omar Aldhanhani discussing the UAE's first mainland Antarctic expedition. Why it matters: The podcast highlights KU's research contributions to sustainable technologies and polar science, crucial for addressing climate change and promoting innovation in the UAE.
MBZUAI alumnus Numan Saeed is applying machine learning to medical imaging and cancer research as a research scientist at the University. He collaborates with UAE hospitals like Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Cleveland Clinic to build datasets and gather clinical feedback. Saeed's team is developing a model focused on head and neck cancer using the HECKTOR dataset and local data. Why it matters: This research contributes to the UAE's healthcare ambitions by enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized care through AI-driven analysis of medical images.
MBZUAI hosted its annual Alumni Suhoor, attended by graduates, faculty, staff, and leadership, to foster connection and engagement. The event featured remarks from Joni Cholwich and Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, and included the launch of an alumni advisory board. Alumni shared their diverse experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and public/private sector roles, exploring collaborations. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks helps solidify MBZUAI's role in the UAE's AI ecosystem and expands its influence beyond academia.
MBZUAI concluded the second edition of its Global AI Leadership Program (GAILP), which brought together 36 senior decision-makers from UAE government, industry, and innovation. The five-day program featured MBZUAI faculty and guest speakers such as H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama and ADNOC VP Majed Al Fulaiti. Sessions covered AI fundamentals, data-driven prediction, governance, and human-machine collaboration, with emphasis on practical decision-making. Why it matters: The program aims to equip UAE leaders with the knowledge to lead in an AI-driven world, promoting responsible AI integration across sectors.
MBZUAI graduates Dhanalaxmi Gaddam and Abbas Bamidele Abdulsalam won DP World’s Big Tech Project with a metaverse-based solution for logistics. Their winning solution uses VR/AR to enhance training and productivity at DP World's ports. They will receive master’s degrees from MBZUAI and commence a paid internship with DP World. Why it matters: The project highlights the growing role of AI and metaverse applications in optimizing logistics and trade across the GCC, which Strategy& projects could contribute $15 billion annually to GCC economies by 2030.
MBZUAI researchers presented "TransRadar," a study at WACV proposing new uses for radar in object identification. The study, led by Yahia Dalbah, explores fusing radar with other technologies to identify objects, particularly for autonomous vehicles. The "TransRadar" approach uses an adaptive-directional transformer for real-time multi-view radar semantic segmentation. Why it matters: This research addresses the limitations of radar by enhancing its object recognition capabilities, potentially improving the reliability of autonomous systems in adverse conditions.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing announced plans to expand the university's programs and strengthen its position as a global leader in technology and AI. Xing stated his ambition for MBZUAI to become the "Stanford of the Middle East", driving innovation and economic growth in the region. In 2024, MBZUAI launched new departments, released numerous research papers, and formed industry partnerships, growing to 84 faculty and 365 students. Why it matters: This vision signals a strong commitment to developing a regional hub for AI research and development, potentially attracting talent and investment to the UAE.
MBZUAI hosted AI Innovation Day, uniting over 200 UAE leaders from healthcare, government, science, and research to foster collaborations in AI-driven healthcare. The event featured sessions on multimodal foundation models, human genomics, longevity science, and robotics-enabled therapeutics. UAE's Minister of Health and Prevention, H.E. Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, emphasized AI's fundamental role in the future of healthcare in the UAE. Why it matters: The event highlights the UAE's commitment to becoming a global hub for digital healthcare research and innovation, positioning MBZUAI as a key driver in the region's healthcare ecosystem.
MBZUAI student-led startup okkslides, incubated within the University’s Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), is developing an AI-native presentation tool. Founded by Lan Wei, a computer science Ph.D. candidate, and Steve Liu, a professor at MBZUAI, okkslides aims to transform messy inputs into executive-grade narratives. The platform focuses on augmenting human reasoning with AI to capture brand nuance and support iterative, human-led collaboration in presentation creation. Why it matters: This highlights the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at MBZUAI and the potential for AI to improve professional workflows in the region.
MBZUAI held its inaugural Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Symposium in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the human and societal impacts of AI. The event, led by Professor Elizabeth Churchill, featured workshops and keynotes from figures like Google's Matias Duarte. Participants collaborated to address critical design aspects of human-AI interaction and co-author a book. Why it matters: The symposium highlights the increasing importance of human-centered design in AI development, ensuring AI tools are useful, desirable, and beneficial for society in the GCC region and beyond.
MBZUAI's Assistant Professor of Computational Biology, Eduardo Beltrame, is researching single-cell RNA sequencing to advance personalized medicine. He is also designing MBZUAI’s new master’s and Ph.D. programs in computational biology, set to launch in 2026, under the guidance of Professor Eran Segal. MBZUAI's research agenda includes foundational initiatives like AIDO and the Human Phenotype Project, leveraging vast datasets such as the Emirati Genome Project. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's commitment to cutting-edge research and education in computational biology, positioning it as a potential rival to top global institutions in the field.
Dr. Pooja Khosla, formerly an academic, co-founded Entelligent, a climate fintech startup that uses big data and machine learning to help companies manage climate change risk. Khosla recently spoke at MBZUAI, advising academics to translate research into real-world applications, leveraging their unique access to data and analytical thinking. She emphasized the importance of simplifying complex work to make it accessible, noting AI's role in accelerating complex tasks. Why it matters: This highlights the growing trend of translating academic research into practical, impactful business solutions within the AI and climate tech sectors, potentially inspiring more researchers in the region to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
MBZUAI is hosting the AI for the Global South (AI4GS) workshop in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi. The workshop aims to address the underrepresentation of the Global South in AI development and ensure AI benefits everyone. It brings together researchers from diverse disciplines and geographies, including representatives from NGOs, technology companies like Microsoft, Google, Cohere, and G42, and startups. Why it matters: The initiative promotes inclusive AI development, ensuring that AI tools and research consider the needs and contexts of underrepresented regions.
Careem co-founder Magnus Olsson visited MBZUAI to share insights on AI, entrepreneurship, and purpose. He emphasized the importance of solving real-world problems and understanding customer needs before focusing on technology. Olsson also discussed Careem's 'three plus three buckets' approach, leveraging AI to enhance marketplace and payment experiences. Why it matters: The visit highlights the growing intersection of AI research and practical business applications in the region, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students.
MBZUAI and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) hosted the fourth edition of Mailis, focusing on AI's impact on the arts. The event, part of ADMAF’s Riwaq Al Fikr initiative, featured discussions on AI's role in music, visual art, and creative expression. A panel including MBZUAI's Gus Xia explored AI's creative potential in filmmaking and music. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the growing interest in exploring the intersection of AI and culture in the UAE, potentially fostering new forms of artistic expression and cultural preservation.
ElevenLabs, a voice AI research and product company, presented at MBZUAI's Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) on the adoption of audio AI in the Middle East. Hussein Makki, general manager for the Middle East at ElevenLabs, highlighted the potential of voice-native AI across sectors like telecommunications, banking, and education. ElevenLabs focuses on making content accessible and engaging across languages and voices through its text-to-speech models. Why it matters: This signals growing interest and investment in voice AI applications within the region, potentially transforming customer service and content accessibility in Arabic.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi AI-Robotics Conference was held at MBZUAI, focusing on AI-powered robotics to transform healthcare. Experts explored applications in microsurgery, biorobotics, and personalized treatment, with keynotes from H.E. Abdulla Abdulalee AlHumaidan, Timothy Baldwin, and Sami Haddadin. Dr. Hassa Al Mazrouei highlighted the potential for personalized care and automation driven by AI. Why it matters: The conference underscores the UAE's commitment to advancing AI and robotics in healthcare, potentially positioning the region as a leader in innovative medical technologies.
MBZUAI will showcase AI applications for energy transformation at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting technologies for safety, efficiency, and competitiveness. Demonstrations will include intelligent cooling, autonomous inspection robotics, and AI-powered decision support. Sami Haddadin emphasizes AI's role as critical infrastructure, while Ramzi Ben Ouaghren notes its role in enabling a sustainable energy future. Why it matters: This participation underscores the UAE's commitment to leveraging AI for global impact in the energy sector, promoting innovation and technology transfer.
Olivier Oullier, Visiting Professor at MBZUAI, is working on brain-computer interfaces, founding Inclusive Brains to develop a Neural Foundation Model using neurophysiological and behavioral signals. This model integrates data from brainwaves, eye-tracking, and other modalities to allow machines to build a representation of the world closer to human cognition. Why it matters: Such advancements can transform human-computer interaction, with particular implications for people of determination in the region.
The K2 Think Hackathon, organized by MBZUAI, selected 16 finalist teams from nearly 900 applications across 57 countries. The teams will compete in Abu Dhabi to build applications powered by K2 Think, an open-source reasoning system. The winning team's idea will be integrated into the K2 Think app. Why it matters: This hackathon highlights the growing interest in AI development and provides a platform for global talent to contribute to open-source AI projects in the UAE.
MBZUAI researchers have developed a "divide-and-conquer" technique to improve learning from demonstration in robotics. The approach breaks down complex dynamical systems into independently solvable subsystems, modeled as linear parameter-varying systems. This method aims to simplify computations while maintaining stability and accurately capturing joint interactions for robots in complex environments. Why it matters: The research addresses a key challenge in robotics, potentially enabling more efficient and safer robot learning from human demonstrations.
MBZUAI Provost Timothy Baldwin predicts that 2025 will be a breakout year for agentic AI, with 33% of enterprise software applications including agentic AI capabilities by 2028. MBZUAI doctoral students Wafa Alghallabi and Omkar Thawaker have launched Lawa.AI, an AI agent being tested on the university's website to provide faster answers and deeper understanding. Lawa.AI evolved from a research project in multimodal efficiency and LLMs and aims to bridge the gap between people and information in higher education and government. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's focus on translating AI research into practical applications and the growing importance of agentic AI in various sectors.
Shorooq Partners, a Middle East investment firm, has $500M in assets under management. Their AI fund is co-led by Dr. Bilal Baloch, who spoke at MBZUAI about venture capital. He advises technical founders to partner with people who complement their skills, especially in policy and commercialization. Why it matters: This highlights the growing sophistication of the venture capital ecosystem in the Middle East for AI startups.
MBZUAI has launched the K2 Think Hackathon, an international challenge focused on building applications powered by the K2 Think open-source system for advanced reasoning. The hackathon has two stages: a global open call for proposals and an in-person build challenge in Abu Dhabi for the top 10 teams. The winning team's idea will be integrated into the K2 Think app. Why it matters: This hackathon fosters innovation in AI reasoning and provides a platform for developers to create impactful solutions using a system developed in partnership with G42.
The Abu Dhabi Centre for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management (ADCMC) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have signed an MoU at GITEX Global 2024. The agreement focuses on AI research, smart transformation, and institutional preparedness. It includes specialized AI studies, training programs, and the development of AI systems for monitoring cyber threats. Why it matters: The partnership aims to leverage AI to enhance Abu Dhabi's emergency management and crisis response capabilities, aligning with the emirate's digital transformation vision.
MBZUAI is hosting the K2 Think Hackathon, challenging participants to develop applications using the K2 Think reasoning model developed with G42. The hackathon involves a global idea call followed by a 48-hour build challenge in Abu Dhabi for the top 10 teams. The winning feature will be integrated into the K2 Think application. Why it matters: This hackathon provides a valuable opportunity to test and shape a cutting-edge AI model, potentially leading to innovative applications in various sectors like finance and education within the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI's Incubation & Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) hosted an Open Day for over 200 community members, including the university's first undergraduate students, to promote building AI startups in Abu Dhabi. The IEC highlighted its progress with 14 Abu Dhabi-based AI startups and announced a new demo day called "Build It" to showcase working demos from students, researchers, and founders. The "Build It" demo day aims to accelerate prototype development into real products, prioritizing submissions from within MBZUAI but also open to external teams. Why it matters: This initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's growing ecosystem for AI entrepreneurship by providing resources, capital, and community support to foster innovation and product development.
MBZUAI is developing AI-powered applications to help reduce malaria's impact in Indonesia, supported by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Reaching the Last Mile initiative. The applications use sensory data fusion to create "digital twins" for precise weather forecasting and real-time environmental representation. AI and clustering analysis identify recurring features contributing to malaria outbreaks, enabling preventative measures and early treatment. Why it matters: This project demonstrates AI's potential in combating climate-sensitive diseases and improving public health in vulnerable regions.
Malaria No More (MNM), Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), and MBZUAI have signed an agreement to expand the Forecasting Healthy Futures (FHF) initiative with a $5 million award from RLM. The initiative aims to address the impact of climate change on malaria and other climate-sensitive infectious diseases. MBZUAI will provide expertise to support the eradication of malaria. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to global health and leverages AI to combat climate-sensitive diseases, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing complex global challenges.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing addressed questions about the university's global collaborations, ethical standards, and relationship to Chinese interests. He emphasized the UAE's focus on technological advancement and economic diversification through AI, highlighting MBZUAI's role in advancing this vision. Xing affirmed the university's autonomy, its commitment to Western academic values, and his lack of engagement with the Chinese government on university matters. Why it matters: The interview provides insights into the UAE's approach to AI development, emphasizing responsible global engagement and dispelling concerns about undue influence from specific countries.
MBZUAI graduate Maryam Mohamed Buty Alghfeli's master's research focused on using the metaverse to enhance intelligent transportation systems and vehicular networks. Her work proposed a framework for sensing, communication, and task offloading in the vehicular metaverse, addressing challenges related to computing and communication resource constraints. The research also considered self-sustainability and proactive learning approaches to improve network operation and serve autonomous vehicles. Why it matters: This research contributes to the development of more efficient and resilient autonomous vehicle networks, which are crucial for the future of smart cities and transportation in the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI celebrated its Board Chairman, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, being appointed as UAE COP28 President-Designate. MBZUAI has recently signed agreements with IBM and Malaria No More/Reaching Last Mile to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change. The UAE will host the annual climate summit at Expo City, Dubai, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Why it matters: This appointment highlights the UAE's leadership in climate action and the role AI can play in addressing climate change challenges.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing addressed the Class of 2025 at Space42 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the university's growth and impact. He thanked outgoing chairman H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber and welcomed new chair H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak. Xing emphasized the shift of technological innovation towards the MENA region, citing the UAE-US AI partnership and the unveiling of the world’s largest AI campus outside the U.S. Why it matters: This address underscores the UAE's ambition to become a global AI hub and the pivotal role of MBZUAI in driving this transformation.