General AI research publications from MBZUAI, KAUST, TII, QCRI, and other GCC institutions, including conference papers, journal articles, and preprints.
KAUST, CORDAP, and the E1 electric motorboat racing series are partnering to promote sustainable aquatic mobility. KAUST is collaborating with E1 to develop electric motorboat technologies, including next-generation batteries and foiling designs. CORDAP signed an MOU with Westbrook Racing to promote coral reef conservation, and KAUST scientists held panels at E1 events on marine sustainability. Why it matters: This collaboration highlights the potential of motorsports to drive technological advancements in marine sustainability and coral conservation, addressing critical environmental challenges in the region.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are actively engaged in developing and implementing ethical frameworks for Artificial Intelligence. These efforts aim to ensure responsible AI development and deployment across various sectors within the region. Discussions often involve balancing innovation with societal values and international best practices. Why it matters: The GCC's proactive stance in AI ethics is crucial for shaping regional AI governance and contributing to global standards for responsible AI development.
This paper surveys the landscape of code-switched Arabic natural language processing, covering the mixture of Modern Standard Arabic, dialects, and foreign languages. It examines current efforts, challenges, and research gaps in the field. The survey also provides recommendations for future research directions in code-switched Arabic NLP. Why it matters: Understanding code-switching is crucial for developing effective language technologies that can handle the diverse linguistic landscape of the Arab world.
Kyle Lauersen, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at KAUST, credits his early martial arts training for instilling focus and confidence. He initially pursued education degrees but shifted to molecular biology and genetic engineering after lab experiences. Lauersen's PhD work in Germany involved recoding algal genes for biotechnology. Why it matters: His journey highlights the diverse paths to STEM careers and KAUST's role in attracting international researchers focused on sustainable biotechnology.
The GenAI Content Detection Task 1 is a shared task on detecting machine-generated text, featuring monolingual (English) and multilingual subtasks. The task, part of the GenAI workshop at COLING 2025, attracted 36 teams for the English subtask and 26 for the multilingual one. The organizers provide a detailed overview of the data, results, system rankings, and analysis of the submitted systems.
KAUST has launched the Future Cement Initiative (FCI) in partnership with the Ministry of Industries and Mineral Resources and the National Committee of Cement Companies. The FCI aims to improve the economic and environmental competitiveness of cement manufacturing in Saudi Arabia through technology development. The initiative will focus on research into manufacturing technologies, emission reduction, and effective strategies for cement manufacturing. Why it matters: The FCI can position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Middle East's cement industry while diversifying its economy and addressing environmental challenges.
The UAE and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on artificial intelligence. The MoU aims to advance AI research, development, and deployment in both countries. It will also facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in AI across various sectors. Why it matters: This partnership signals growing international cooperation in AI between the GCC region and Southeast Asia.
KAUST researchers collaborated on a study published in Nature analyzing microbiomes in 170 glacier-fed streams worldwide. The study, led by EPFL, identified a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, with almost half the bacteria endemic to specific mountain ranges. KAUST's sequencing efforts helped create a global atlas of these threatened microbiomes. Why it matters: Understanding these microbiomes is crucial for monitoring the impact of climate change on vital freshwater sources originating from glaciers.
This paper introduces Arabic language integration into Vision-and-Language Navigation (VLN) in robotics, evaluating multilingual SLMs like GPT-4o mini, Llama 3 8B, Phi-3 14B, and Jais using the NavGPT framework. The study uses the R2R dataset to assess the impact of language on navigation reasoning through zero-shot sequential action prediction. Results show the framework enables high-level planning in both English and Arabic, though some models face challenges with Arabic due to reasoning limitations and parsing issues. Why it matters: This work highlights the need to improve language model planning and reasoning for effective navigation, especially to unlock the potential of Arabic-language models in real-world applications.
The article outlines the current landscape of Artificial Intelligence regulations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It discusses the differing approaches and frameworks being developed by nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to govern AI technologies. The analysis covers aspects such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the legal implications of AI deployment across the region. Why it matters: Understanding these evolving regulations is crucial for businesses and researchers operating in the GCC to ensure compliance and foster responsible AI innovation and adoption.
The paper introduces MIRAGE, a framework for evaluating LLMs' ability to simulate human behaviors in murder mystery games. MIRAGE uses four methods: TII, CIC, ICI and SCI to assess the LLMs' role-playing proficiency. Experiments show that even GPT-4 struggles with the complexities of the MIRAGE framework.
Researchers fine-tuned the Qwen2-1.5B model for Arabic using QLoRA on a 4GB VRAM system, using datasets like Bactrian and Arabic Wikipedia. They addressed challenges in Arabic NLP including morphology and dialectal variations. After 10,000 training steps, the final loss converged to 0.1083 with improved handling of Arabic-specific linguistic phenomena. Why it matters: This demonstrates a resource-efficient approach for creating specialized Arabic language models, democratizing access to advanced NLP technologies.
The first Workshop on Language Models for Low-Resource Languages (LoResLM 2025) was held in Abu Dhabi as part of COLING 2025. It provided a forum for researchers to share work on language models for low-resource languages. The workshop accepted 35 papers from 52 submissions, covering diverse languages and research areas.
The Library of Congress has published Part Two of its FALQs series, providing an analysis of AI regulations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. This installment details the various regulatory frameworks, data governance policies, and ethical guidelines being developed and implemented in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It offers an overview of how GCC nations are approaching the legal and ethical challenges associated with artificial intelligence. Why it matters: This comprehensive overview is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of AI governance in the Middle East and its implications for technological development and adoption in the region.
A novel wind speed forecasting (WSF) framework is proposed combining Wavelet Packet Decomposition (WPD), Seasonal Adjustment Method (SAM), and Bidirectional Long Short-term Memory (BiLSTM). The SAM method eliminates the seasonal component of the decomposed subseries generated by WPD to reduce forecasting complexity. The model was tested on five years of hourly wind speed observations acquired from the Dumat Al-Jandal wind farm in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia, achieving high forecasting accuracy.
Researchers introduce CESAR, a convolutional echo state autoencoder for high-resolution wind forecasting. The model extracts spatial features using a deep convolutional autoencoder and models their dynamics with an echo state network. Tested on high-resolution simulations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CESAR improved wind speed and power forecasting by up to 17% compared to other methods. Why it matters: Accurate wind forecasting is critical for efficient wind farm planning and management in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
KAUST and the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) have signed an MoU to collaborate on research and environmental initiatives. The collaboration aims to protect ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and enhance community awareness, formalized at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. The MoU includes joint scientific research, genetic diversity projects, databases, community awareness campaigns, volunteer programs, and ecosystem monitoring. Why it matters: The partnership demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Initiative.
Qatar Foundation's Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) recently hosted its inaugural AI Week, attracting over 3,000 local and global tech experts, academics, and entrepreneurs. The event facilitated discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in artificial intelligence, including ethical considerations and the development of local talent. Participants engaged in various sessions, workshops, and networking events aimed at fostering innovation within Qatar's AI ecosystem. Why it matters: This event signifies Qatar's growing commitment to becoming a hub for AI development and research, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region's tech landscape.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with Aeon Collective, have issued a call for global leaders to prioritize land restoration and food systems. Their policy paper, launched at COP16 in Riyadh, outlines a framework for halving degraded land by 2050. The initiative aims to reverse the negative impacts of land degradation, including increased food insecurity and exacerbated climate change. Why it matters: The focus on land restoration at a major UN conference hosted in the Middle East highlights the region's growing role in global sustainability efforts and the importance of addressing desertification.
KAUST has been ranked first in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings for the second consecutive year, outperforming over 350 universities in the MENA region. KAUST excels in research environment and quality, with scores of 98.5 and 95.7, respectively, comparable to global institutions like Cambridge and Harvard. This recognition highlights KAUST's role in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its growing impact on the global stage. Why it matters: This ranking solidifies KAUST's position as a leading research university in the Arab world and a key contributor to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST's Urban Lab is developing green infrastructure solutions to combat the urban heat island (UHI) effect in arid climates. Researchers are focusing on using vegetation for shading and evapotranspiration, as well as increasing albedo with reflective surfaces. The team is using machine learning to analyze heat patterns and urban expansion to inform sustainable architecture and landscape design. Why it matters: This research is crucial for creating more livable and sustainable urban environments in Saudi Arabia and other regions facing desertification and water scarcity.
AI technology presents significant opportunities to enhance home safety and security across Saudi Arabia. Potential applications include intelligent surveillance systems, predictive analytics for detecting anomalies, and automated emergency response mechanisms. These solutions aim to provide comprehensive protection for residents against various threats, including intrusions, fires, and other domestic hazards. Why it matters: This highlights Saudi Arabia's proactive approach to adopting advanced AI solutions to improve the quality of life and enhance public safety within its residential communities.
KAUST Beacon Development is assisting NEOM in understanding and protecting marine megafauna in the Red Sea, utilizing AI to process drone footage of habitats. Researchers are surveying areas around Sindalah to study the distribution of species like dolphins, turtles, and dugongs. This data will help reduce risks to marine life from vessel traffic and human activities. Why it matters: The partnership showcases the use of AI and drone technology for marine conservation in the region, setting a benchmark for similar efforts and highlighting NEOM's commitment to sustainable ecosystem management.
KAUST and the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) have signed an MoU to collaborate on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disabilities affecting Saudi citizens and residents. The partnership will focus on neurodevelopmental conditions, learning disabilities, visual impairments, speech disorders, and mobility impairments. KAUST's Center of Excellence for Smart Health, launched on July 1, will be a key component, leveraging its supercomputing resources and genome sequencing capabilities. Why it matters: This partnership aims to address the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities in Saudi Arabia, aligning with national research priorities and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
KAUST and the University of Connecticut (UConn) have signed an agreement to collaborate on scientific research in AI, sustainability, clean energy, and health technologies. The collaboration aims to bridge research with real-world applications, driving technology commercialization and societal benefits, including joint programs for staff and student exchange. UConn's location provides access to the Boston-NYC tech corridor, complementing KAUST's focus on Vision 2030 goals via its National Transformation Institute. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens KAUST's role as a global connector and supports Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals by fostering innovation and commercialization in key technology sectors.
KAUST and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to launch three specialized academic programs focused on industry and mining. These programs include undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies, with the aim of developing human capital and fostering innovation in these sectors. The MoU also plans to facilitate the admission of Saudi talents to global universities via scholarships. Why it matters: This partnership aims to align KAUST's research and education with the needs of Saudi Arabia's industrial and mining sectors, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and technological advancement.
Two KAUST researchers, Leena Ibrahim and Taiba Alamoudi, were named L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Middle East Young Talents. Leena Ibrahim, an Assistant Professor in Bioscience, leads the Neural Circuits Lab and researches how sensory experiences shape the brain's ability to process information. Taiba Alamoudi is a Ph.D. candidate in Marine Science. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing contributions of women in STEM fields in the Middle East and KAUST's role in supporting female researchers.
KAUST has the most Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers in the Middle East for 2024, with 14 faculty members on the list. This represents 61% of the highly cited researchers in Saudi Arabia and 7% of KAUST's total faculty. Three KAUST researchers—Osman Bakr, Carlos Duarte, and Yoshihide Wada—are highly cited across multiple categories. Why it matters: This recognition reinforces KAUST's position as a leading research university in the region and contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
This paper explores multilingual satire detection methods in English and Arabic using zero-shot and chain-of-thought (CoT) prompting. It compares the performance of Jais-chat(13B) and LLaMA-2-chat(7B) on distinguishing satire from truthful news. Results show that CoT prompting significantly improves Jais-chat's performance, achieving an F1-score of 80% in English. Why it matters: This demonstrates the potential of Arabic LLMs like Jais to handle nuanced language tasks such as satire detection, which is critical for combating misinformation in the region.
KAUST and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) have partnered to support KAUST's Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program. NIDLP will offer scholarships to TIE students and support them in R&D projects aligned with Vision 2030. NIDLP will also help students explore career opportunities in R&D fields after graduation. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia's focus on developing local talent and innovation in line with Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy.
A KAUST scientist led a global call for climate solutions, published simultaneously by 14 academic journals and released at COP29. The publication, prepared by 18 scientists, urges international governments to deploy microbial 'vaccines' against climate change. Six simple 'vaccine' examples are outlined, including carbon sequestration boosters and methane busters. Why it matters: This coordinated effort highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and KAUST's leading role in microbial solutions.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Generative AI will host the fourth annual "Rising Stars in AI" Symposium from April 7-10, 2025. The symposium is designed for emerging researchers (PhD students, PostDocs, and early career faculty) to discuss AI research. Selected speakers will have their flights and hotel expenses covered. Why it matters: This event provides a platform for young AI researchers to present their work and network with peers, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.
KAUST's Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking $205 million in R&D funding from its members since 2009. The program connects KAUST with government entities and businesses to accelerate innovation, with 28 domestic and international organizations currently participating. KICP members have supported approximately 234 KAUST R&D projects since 2009, and hired 346 KAUST graduates. Why it matters: The KICP's success highlights the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in driving technological advancement and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.
Monsha'at and KAUST signed a MoU at the Biban 24 forum to support entrepreneurs and SME owners through joint programs. The collaboration aims to remove barriers to entrepreneurship by designing new services and providing specialized support. It also facilitates expertise exchange, joint projects, and training programs like the "Monsha'at Academy." Why it matters: This partnership between a key SME authority and a leading research university can strengthen Saudi Arabia's entrepreneurship ecosystem and contribute to Vision 2030's economic diversification goals.
KAUST hosted its 5th annual 6G Summit, gathering regional leaders to discuss AI-driven network optimization, terahertz communications, and sustainable infrastructure. The summit addressed cybersecurity, human-machine interfaces, and 6G's role in smart cities and Industry 4.0. KAUST also renewed its research partnership with Ericsson and signed an MOU with Aramco to collaborate on 6G-related digital solutions. Why it matters: The summit and partnerships highlight Saudi Arabia's ambition to be an early adopter of 6G technology, driving digital transformation and economic growth in the region.
KAUST's National Transformation Institute (NTI), led by Dr. Ian Campbell, aims to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by commercializing KAUST research. NTI facilitates collaborations between government, industry, and academia to create jobs and develop solutions for climate change, sustainability, and economic diversification. The institute focuses on projects like coral reef restoration, cryogenic carbon capture, and sustainable animal feed development. Why it matters: NTI's mission to translate research into real-world solutions will help to strengthen Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem and diversify its economy.
Kazakhstan is engaged in discussions with G42, an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence holding company. These talks focus on enhancing Kazakhstan's AI capabilities and developing its smart infrastructure. The initiative signifies potential collaboration between a Central Asian nation and a leading UAE AI firm. Why it matters: This development underscores G42's growing international reach and the increasing demand for advanced AI solutions from Middle Eastern tech powerhouses in diverse global markets.
This paper introduces an AI framework for autonomous assessment of student work, addressing policy gaps in academic practices. A survey of 117 academics from the UK, UAE, and Iraq reveals positive attitudes toward AI in education, particularly for autonomous assessment. The study also highlights a lack of awareness of modern AI tools among experienced academics, emphasizing the need for updated policies and training.
The KAUST Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security was unveiled at the 41st Saudi Agriculture trade show in Riyadh by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Officially launched in September, the Center aims to address food security challenges in arid regions through technology-based solutions. Chaired by KAUST Professor Mark Tester, the center will focus on resource efficiency, crop improvement and sustainable biosystems. Why it matters: The launch highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving its Vision 2030 goals related to food security and sustainability through strategic investments in agricultural research and innovation.
A KAUST-led study across 25 countries found livestock management as critical as climate in explaining woody species coverage in arid zones. The BIODESERT research network analyzed livestock management, fire, climate, and soil, finding that grazing pressure and herbivore type significantly impact arid ecosystems. Researchers are identifying conditions where grazing pressure can be optimized for sustainable production. Why it matters: The findings enable targeted interventions through livestock management and policies, offering localized solutions for sustainable production in arid regions crucial for 2 billion people.
KAUST and The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) have launched an Experimental Station and Ecological Observatory in Wadi Qudaid National Park. The station aims to test environmental improvement interventions and desert afforestation methods, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative through research on the local plant environment via the KSA native genome project. KAUST Professor Rod Wing has led the project since 2022, hoping the station will contribute to the national revegetation project. Why it matters: The station represents a significant collaboration to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in line with Saudi Arabia's green initiatives.
This paper proposes a smart dome model for mosques that uses AI to control dome movements based on weather conditions and overcrowding. The model utilizes Congested Scene Recognition Network (CSRNet) and fuzzy logic techniques in Python to determine when to open and close the domes to maintain fresh air and sunlight. The goal is to automatically manage dome operation based on real-time data, specifying the duration for which the domes should remain open each hour.
KAUST researchers are developing cybersecurity solutions to protect Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure. This effort is highlighted by the recent CrowdStrike software update incident that caused global disruptions. KAUST is collaborating with industry partners to translate research into practical solutions, focusing on securing energy systems, satellite communications, and power grids. Why it matters: Strengthening cybersecurity resilience is crucial for Saudi Arabia given its reliance on digital infrastructure and increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical systems.
KAUST and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) have partnered to develop a new method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to detect adulterants in olive oil. The method aims to identify and quantify vegetable oils mixed with olive oil, addressing concerns about the mislabeling of olive oil in the Saudi market. KAUST's comprehensive suite of NMR machines was critical for the project. Why it matters: This collaboration enhances food safety and quality control in Saudi Arabia, a major olive oil importer, and helps to ensure consumers receive authentic, high-quality products.
KAUST Vice Provost Suzana Nunes has been appointed as an Honorary Member of the European Membrane Society (EMS). This appointment recognizes Nunes' contributions to education, science, and technology in the field of membranes. Nunes has been a KAUST professor since 2009, focusing on polymeric materials for membrane applications. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced materials science and engineering, enhancing its reputation as a research hub.
A global consortium of universities and research institutions has launched a collaborative project to investigate the application of artificial intelligence in education. The project aims to explore how AI can be used to personalize learning, improve student outcomes, and enhance teaching practices. Participating institutions will share data, resources, and expertise to develop AI-powered educational tools and strategies. Why it matters: This initiative could accelerate the development and adoption of effective AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of diverse educational contexts in the Middle East.
A Wilson Center report examines AI regulation strategies in Kenya, Ghana, and the African Union. It analyzes existing policy frameworks and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for AI governance across the continent. The report highlights the need for context-specific AI regulations that promote innovation while addressing ethical concerns and potential risks. Why it matters: Offers valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to develop effective and responsible AI governance frameworks in Africa.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) has launched a global consortium focused on AI in higher education. The consortium will provide a platform for universities to share best practices, develop ethical guidelines, and explore AI's potential to enhance learning and research. Founding members include institutions from North America, Europe, and Asia. Why it matters: This initiative could help shape the responsible integration of AI in higher education across the Middle East by providing frameworks and resources for regional universities.
KAUST has launched the Center of Excellence for Smart Health (KCSH), chaired by Professor Imed Gallouzi and co-chaired by Professor Xin Gao. The center aims to develop smart-health technologies, integrating AI, machine learning, and other disciplines to address health challenges. KCSH will collaborate with partners across Saudi Arabia to focus on personalized diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Why it matters: This initiative addresses the evolving healthcare needs of Saudi Arabia's aging population and high prevalence of genetic diseases, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in smart health solutions.
Researchers introduce a new task for generating question-passage pairs to aid in developing regulatory question-answering (QA) systems. The ObliQA dataset, comprising 27,869 questions from Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) financial regulations, is presented. A baseline Regulatory Information Retrieval and Answer Generation (RIRAG) system is designed and evaluated using the RePASs metric.