AI policy, governance, and national AI strategy from GCC governments — including UAE AI Strategy, Saudi Vision 2030 AI initiatives, and SDAIA regulatory frameworks.
Timothy Baldwin, president of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), expressed optimism about the Middle East's potential to become a significant player in AI. He noted the region's strategic investments and focus on AI development. Baldwin acknowledged that while the Middle East currently lags behind other regions, it has the resources and vision to close the gap. Why it matters: The president's statement highlights the growing ambition and commitment within the Middle East to establish itself as a global AI hub.
Qatar is strategically investing in AI research and advanced technology to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons. The country is focusing on sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and smart cities, leveraging AI to drive innovation and efficiency. Qatar aims to become a regional hub for AI development, attracting international partnerships and fostering local talent in the field. Why it matters: This signals a commitment to long-term economic growth and technological advancement in Qatar and the broader GCC region.
KAUST researchers are working to improve gene editing tools, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, for crop bioengineering to address food security challenges. Magdy Mahfouz's lab is developing a germline engineering platform to produce gene-edited plants without foreign DNA and bypass time-consuming tissue culture. A recent European court decision classifies CRISPR/Cas9 crops as GMOs, facing stringent regulations, contrasting with the U.S. where CRISPR-edited mushrooms are already available. Why it matters: Advances in gene editing at KAUST could significantly enhance crop yields and stress tolerance in the region, but regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge for deployment.
The KAUST Graduate Student Council (GSC) was founded in 2009 to represent student interests and amplify employment opportunities. The GSC works with KAUST administration, faculty, staff, and community partners to advocate for quality research and a nurturing academic environment. The current GSC consists of seven student positions, including president Maram AlMalki and vice president Muhammad Bukar. Why it matters: The GSC provides a crucial link between the student body and the university's leadership, ensuring student voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
KAUST became an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), making it the only entity in Saudi Arabia with the license to provide scientific diver training and certification. KAUST and the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation (SWSDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement policies for scientific diving in the Kingdom. KAUST-trained divers can now dive at other member institutes, facilitating research collaborations. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's role as a hub for marine research and promotes safe scientific diving practices in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST is working to extend its research excellence to innovation and impact, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to grow SME contributions. A KAUST Innovation Committee, led by Andrew Liveris, is collaborating with entities like TAQNIA and Monshaat to convert policy into tangible actions. The goal is to accelerate startups and deep technology development within the Kingdom, with KAUST startups playing a leading role. Why it matters: The initiative signifies a concerted effort to diversify the Saudi economy and foster a thriving startup ecosystem, leveraging KAUST's research capabilities.
KAUST President Tony Chan discussed the university's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat. He highlighted KAUST's contributions to Saudi Arabia's economic and technological development and its collaborations with projects like Neom City and Aramco. Chan emphasized KAUST's focus on high-quality research in areas like energy, food, water, and the environment. Why it matters: KAUST's strategic alignment with Vision 2030 positions it as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia's diversification and innovation goals.
KAUST and Elm, a digital solutions company owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. The partnership aims to develop joint educational programs and events, building on previous collaborations such as hackathons focused on energy and smart city solutions in 2018. The agreement will support entrepreneurial training and the development of specialist skills. Why it matters: The partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering a knowledge-based economy and providing educational and employment opportunities for Saudi youth.
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host a workshop on using artificial intelligence to solve development problems. The workshop aims to bring together experts and practitioners to explore AI applications. It will focus on identifying opportunities for AI to address challenges in various sectors. Why it matters: This event signals growing interest in leveraging AI for social good and development across the Arab region.
KAUST alumni and students participated in the first MIT Hacking Medicine event in the Middle East, held in Riyadh at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The event, organized by the MIT-Ibn Khaldun Fellowship Alumni Society and sponsored by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, involved 100 participants working on healthcare, science, engineering, and business development problems. KAUST alumna Haleema Al Amri organized the University's participation, while KAUST alumna Ameerah Bokhari served as a mentor to participating teams. Why it matters: The event fosters collaboration and innovation in healthcare and technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia's focus on advancing these sectors through international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley as the new Vice President for Research, effective April 7, 2019, replacing Dr. Jean Frechet. Dr. Bradley was previously the Dean for Science and Engineering at Oxford University and has held positions at Imperial College London, with extensive experience in research administration. He is a distinguished scientist with over 630 publications and more than twenty-five patent families. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to lead its research initiatives and maintain its position as a leading science and technology university in the region.
KAUST and KACST have partnered to assess the safety of seafood from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, with KACST funding an environmental contaminants lab at KAUST. Researchers from KAUST's Coastal & Marine Resources Core Lab (CMR) collect samples, which are then analyzed by the Analytical Chemistry Core Lab (ACL). The project aims to determine the exposure status of the Saudi population to environmental contaminants and provide recommendations on safe seafood consumption. Why it matters: Ensuring the safety of consumable fishery products is crucial for public health and food security in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST will issue blockchain-anchored digital diplomas to all graduating students using the Blockcerts open standard. This makes KAUST one of the first universities worldwide to adopt this technology. The digital diplomas, issued through the Learning Machine Issuing System, offer secure and lifetime verification. Why it matters: This move enhances KAUST's position as a technology leader and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's digital transformation goals.
A KAUST team designed an enhanced transfer system for Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health (MOH) to address employee localization challenges. The system aims to improve staff distribution across the Kingdom and increase employee satisfaction by offering transparency and optimized HR allocation. The team, led by Omar Knio, Sultan Al-Barakati, and Ricardo Lima, developed dashboards for real-time application tracking and individual scoring. Why it matters: The collaboration between KAUST and MOH demonstrates the potential of AI and optimization to address critical human resource challenges in the public sector and improve healthcare services in Saudi Arabia.
A KAUST-led international team has published research detailing the potential of marine-based solutions to combat climate change. The study assesses the effectiveness of 13 ocean-based measures, including reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and protecting marine ecosystems. The research will inform decision-makers at COP24. Why it matters: Highlighting the potential of ocean-based solutions can broaden the scope of climate action strategies in the region, where coastal environments and marine resources are vital.
Dr. Tony Chan has assumed the role of President of KAUST on September 1st. He previously led the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for a decade. Prior to that, he had a distinguished career in computational mathematics and held leadership positions at the U.S. National Science Foundation and the University of California, Los Angeles. Why it matters: Chan's appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on advancing its global research agenda and contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
KAUST Library Director Dr. J. K. Vijayakumar has been elected to the board of directors of the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL). KAUST has been a member of IATUL since 2009, which provides a forum for library directors to discuss library service development. IATUL's president noted Vijayakumar was well-suited to foster IATUL's ambition to serve as a bridge between cultures. Why it matters: This appointment recognizes KAUST's growing role in international academic collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Tarek Ali Fadaak, a Shura Council member, discussed the importance of environmental balance and improved resource management in Saudi urban planning during a 2018 KAUST lecture. He highlighted challenges like insufficient and poorly utilized open spaces in Saudi cities, emphasizing the need for aesthetic improvements and more public spaces. Fadaak stressed the importance of investing in the education of Saudi youth to drive future development and address these urban planning challenges. Why it matters: This underscores the ongoing focus on sustainable urban development and the role of Saudi talent in shaping future cities within the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
Khaled Alrashed, president and CEO of Saudi Electricity Company for Projects Development, discussed the challenges of future smart cities at a KAUST event. He emphasized the importance of smart grids, AI, and large-scale optimization for improving urban living. The Saudi Electricity Company is partnering with KAUST, including using the Shaheen supercomputer, to develop these technologies and predict grid load. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leader in smart city technology and renewable energy, leveraging local expertise and resources.
In a 2018 KAUST lecture, MIT professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi discussed the case of Ordos Kangbashi, a Chinese city designed for a million residents that became a near-ghost town. Despite government incentives, the city struggled due to an economic downturn and lack of social and economic balance. Youcef-Toumi emphasized the importance of the public realm and a balance between social and economic development for successful cities. Why it matters: The analysis provides insights relevant to urban planning in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, where new cities and megaprojects are being developed.
KAUST held its fifth annual KAUST Saudi Leadership Program (KSLP) in collaboration with the Haas School of Business of UC Berkeley. The 2018 KSLP edition included workshops and a six-day training course for 25 Saudi female academics in leadership and deanship positions. Participants reviewed strategic planning, team management, and effective executive leadership, and attended lectures by KAUST's senior leadership. Why it matters: Such programs contribute to developing leadership capabilities within Saudi academic institutions, fostering a stronger educational ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Tony Chan, former president of HKUST and KAUST board member, as its new president, effective September 1, 2018. Chan's background is in computational mathematics with interests including image processing, computer vision, physical circuit design and computational brain mapping. He has been a close partner of KAUST since 2007 and a member of the KAUST Board of Trustees since 2011. Why it matters: Chan's leadership is expected to contribute to KAUST's role in achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and addressing global challenges.
Dr. Kevin Cullen has been appointed as the new vice president of KAUST Innovation and Economic Development. He brings over 20 years of experience in academic innovation and business development, previously serving as CEO of Innovations at the University of New South Wales. Cullen aims to lead KAUST's intellectual property portfolio, support new businesses and collaborations with industry, and foster entrepreneurship. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to strengthening its innovation ecosystem and translating research into real-world impact, driving economic development in Saudi Arabia.
The 2018 Innovation to Impact Forum was held at MIT to foster collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Organized by a joint committee including KACST, KAUST, SMEA, and MIT, the forum featured roundtables aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated collaborations between U.S. and Saudi organizations at the event. Why it matters: The forum signifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to building international partnerships in research and innovation, particularly with leading U.S. institutions, to achieve Vision 2030 goals.
A KAUST-led multidisciplinary research team is studying the feasibility of storing CO2 in subsurface rock structures in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Harrat near Madinah. The project, conducted under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, involves researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University, and MEP. The team is investigating carbon capture and storage as a means to address climate change and meet Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This research could provide a pathway for Saudi Arabia to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts, aligning with the Kingdom's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
KAUST held its 9th annual KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting, focusing on collaboration with industry partners and the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr emphasized linking science and research to economic development, while VP Kevin Cullen highlighted the essential role of industry partnerships in bringing KAUST research to life. Speakers, including Dr. Khaled H. Biyari, CEO of the Saudi Telecom Company, discussed fostering disruptive innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry to contribute to Vision 2030. Why it matters: The KIAB meeting underscores KAUST's commitment to aligning its research and development efforts with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, fostering a thriving digital economy through strategic partnerships and innovation.
In a 2018 keynote, Saudi Aramco VP Nasser Al-Nafisee recounted the rapid construction of KAUST. Al-Nafisee described building KAUST in under three years as a "mission impossible" requiring immense effort. He advised KAUST attendees to push beyond their comfort zones and adopt a "can-do attitude". Why it matters: The talk highlights the ambitious vision and rapid development that characterize Saudi Arabia's investments in research and technology.
KAUST has approved the Ibn Sina Field Research Station & Nature Conservation Area near the King Abdullah Monument, spanning 152 hectares. The conservation area aims to protect the marine environment surrounding the university, focusing on mangroves, water quality, soil, sediment, and animal life. KAUST's mangrove populations have increased by approximately 20% in the last ten years. Why it matters: This commitment highlights the growing importance of environmental stewardship in the region and supports KAUST's role as a leader in marine research and conservation in the Red Sea.
Dr. Samuel West, curator of the Museum of Failure, delivered a keynote lecture at KAUST on learning from innovation failure. He emphasized accepting failure, encouraging innovation, and framing work as learning problems. West used case studies like TwitterPeek and the Vasa warship to illustrate learning from past mistakes. Why it matters: This promotes a culture of experimentation and resilience, crucial for advancing AI and technology innovation in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini received the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Science and Technology (S&T) Achievement Award at the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology. The award recognizes Alouini's contributions to science and technology within the OIC member states. Why it matters: Recognition at the OIC level highlights KAUST's impact and Professor Alouini's leadership in advancing science and technology across the Islamic world.
KAUST hosted the Innovation to Impact Roundtable, uniting academics and industry leaders from the US and Saudi Arabia. The event, co-organized by KACST and SMEA, aimed to foster collaboration between private, academic, and governmental institutions. Discussions focused on innovative solutions for energy, agriculture, water, healthcare, and education. Why it matters: The roundtable signifies Saudi Arabia's push to diversify its economy and leverage global partnerships to empower its younger generation through technological advancements.
KAUST Professor Nikolaos Hadjichristidis has been appointed as the chair of the National Council for Science and Innovation of Greece. Hadjichristidis is a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Science at KAUST. The National Council for Science and Innovation of Greece is a governmental advisory body. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's role in fostering international scientific leadership and collaboration.
A KAUST article discusses the future of energy, highlighting the role of hydrocarbon fuels and the need for sustainable practices. Professor Tadeusz W. Patzek's paper emphasizes finding sustainable bridges until alternative energy sources become viable. The article contrasts optimistic and pessimistic views on energy sustainability, drawing parallels to the whale oil industry. Why it matters: The piece highlights the tension between continued reliance on fossil fuels and the urgent need for alternative energy sources and reduced consumption in the GCC region and globally.
Dr. John Bedbrook of DiCE Molecules LLC spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding a growing population with increasingly stressed arable land. He noted the increasing demand for meat in emerging economies exacerbates the problem. Bedbrook emphasized the role of genetics and hybridization in improving crop yields and quality to address food security. Why it matters: Investments in agricultural biotechnology are crucial for the GCC region to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid changing climate conditions.
KAUST is expanding its REVelate corporate innovation workshop into a larger "Innovation Academy" program. The program targets Saudi-based companies, nonprofits, and government organizations. It aims to develop novel processes, design thinking, and intrapreneurship to benefit their missions and support the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The expansion signals KAUST's growing role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia's corporate and public sectors.
KAUST hosted the "Human-Machine Networks and Intelligent Infrastructures" conference, co-organized by Prof. Jeff Shamma and Asst. Prof. Meriem Laleg. The conference explored the blend of engineered devices and human elements in large-scale systems like smart grids. Keynote speaker Dr. Pramod Khargonekar discussed cyber-physical-social systems and emerging trends. Why it matters: The conference highlights the growing importance of understanding the interplay between AI, infrastructure, and human behavior in the development of smart cities and intelligent systems in the region.
KAUST has launched Hikma, a new accelerator program to develop intellectual property-based startups, involving 16 teams from KAUST and regional universities. The 6-month program is run by the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center with assistance from the KAUST Technology Transfer Office. Hikma aims to provide a structured development process for startups focused on intellectual property and assist in creating homegrown businesses from university technologies. Why it matters: This initiative signals KAUST's commitment to supporting economic development in Saudi Arabia by fostering knowledge-based startups and maximizing the impact of university research.
Lubna Olayan, CEO of Olayan Financing Company, gave a keynote at KAUST's 2015 Winter Enrichment Program discussing how businesses and academic institutions can promote excellence. She emphasized that centers of excellence are catalysts for innovation and job creation, sharing characteristics like a multidisciplinary approach and meritocracies. Olayan highlighted Saudi Aramco and KAUST as examples, noting the successes of Stanford and MIT. Why it matters: This underscores the strategic importance of fostering centers of excellence like KAUST for driving economic growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST adopted an Open Access policy to make scholarly articles by its researchers publicly available. Planning for the policy began in 2012, with the final version implemented on June 30th after multiple committee meetings. KAUST representatives presented their efforts at the Sharjah International Book Fair, leading to increased interest from other regional universities. Why it matters: This policy promotes wider dissemination of KAUST's research, potentially boosting its visibility and impact in the region.
KAUST has appointed Professor TorOve Leiknes as the new director of the Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC). Leiknes, who joined KAUST in 2013, previously served as the center's interim director since June 2014. He brings expertise in wastewater treatment and reuse, including energy-saving membrane bioreactors, and has held leadership roles in the European Membrane Society. Why it matters: This appointment highlights KAUST's ongoing commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges through research and innovation in desalination and water reuse technologies.
Jasmeen Merzaban, Assistant Professor of Bioscience, and Ph.D. student Nouf Alshareef, both from KAUST, have received L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" fellowships. Merzaban was recognized for her immunology research, and Alshareef for her work on salinity tolerance in plants. The fellowships were awarded at a ceremony in Dubai, highlighting the contributions of Arab women scientists. Why it matters: The awards spotlight the growing role of women in STEM fields within the GCC and KAUST's commitment to fostering high-quality research in the region.
KAUST held its 5th annual KAUST Industry Advisory Board (KIAB) meeting with 27 Saudi and international corporations and five government agencies. The meeting focused on aligning KAUST's research with industry needs and fostering collaboration for economic development in the Kingdom. SWCC emphasized the importance of partnerships with KAUST and developing human capital, rather than relying on "black box" solutions. Why it matters: The event underscores KAUST's role as a facilitator of innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and government, which is crucial for advancing the Kingdom's AI and technology sectors.
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.
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.
The paper introduces a web-based expert system called RCSES for civil service regulations in Saudi Arabia. The system covers 17 regulations and utilizes XML for knowledge representation and ASP.net for rule-based inference. RCSES was validated by domain experts and technical users, and compared favorably to other web-based expert systems.
Khalifa University has announced the accreditation of new PhD programs, including Computer & Information Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, and Mathematics. These advanced programs are designed to provide researchers with an ideal environment to transform ideas into innovative technological solutions with real-world impact. Dr. Sami Muhaidat, Acting Dean of the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, highlighted these new offerings. Why it matters: Expanding doctoral programs in key technological fields like AI and Robotics signals a commitment to developing local research talent and contributing to the UAE's knowledge economy.
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.
The Special Olympics Global Center Summit in Abu Dhabi convened 300 advocates to discuss social inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A panel including MBZUAI's Elizabeth Churchill highlighted AI's role in inclusive technology design, especially in education. Churchill noted AI can personalize learning through tailored regimens, emotion detection, and understanding cognitive patterns. Why it matters: AI-driven personalization has potential to transform education and accessibility for children of determination and other underrepresented groups in the region.
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 launched a report titled "AI for the Global South: 12 Critical Research Questions for the Next Decade" at the India AI Impact Summit. The report identifies 12 urgent research priorities related to AI's accessibility and benefits for developing countries. It grew out of MBZUAI’s AI for the Global South (AI4GS) workshop in December 2023, co-organized with IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi and sponsored by Microsoft. Why it matters: The report addresses the underrepresentation of local data, languages, and institutions from the Global South in modern AI systems, aiming to guide AI development towards inclusive and locally grounded systems.