Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration in technology and transportation. The partnership aims to support Saudi Arabia's technology and transport sector development through knowledge exchange. This follows VHO's prior technology partnership with the MiSK Foundation in 2017. Why it matters: The collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a hub for advanced transportation technology and innovation in the Gulf region.
KAUST and the King Faisal Prize (KFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 10, 2019 to promote the exchange of information and expertise. The collaboration includes hosting joint conferences, lectures, and events. KFP will benefit from KAUST's scientists to assist in its selection procedures. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading Saudi university and a prestigious international prize strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for scientific research and innovation.
KAUST startup Sadeem, which provides solar-powered smart city solutions for flood, traffic and environmental monitoring, won the Best Global Startup award in Dubai in 2017. Since then, Sadeem has focused on building its business model and infrastructure to accommodate expansion. Sadeem recently installed its smart city sensors, including the Aura air quality monitor, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This expansion demonstrates the potential for Saudi-based startups to provide innovative solutions to local challenges and scale their impact internationally.
KAUST was ranked first in Saudi Arabia and in the global top twenty in the Nature Index Annual Tables' new normalized ranking. The ranking considers the number of high-quality articles published as a proportion of an institute's overall output in the natural sciences. This normalized ranking allows institutions of different sizes to be compared on the same basis. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's growing impact on global scientific research and its commitment to producing high-quality publications.
KAUST hosted the annual STEAM Innovation Challenge with 300 undergraduates from 20 Saudi universities participating. The challenge focused on creating innovative concepts for pressing national and global challenges, particularly around sustainable cities. Winning teams included iCare (pilgrim vitals monitoring), Cure (unused medication redistribution), and EHFADHHA (food demand prediction). Why it matters: Such challenges foster local talent and innovation aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and technological advancement.
KAUST Professor J. Carlos Santamarina and postdoctoral fellow Junghee Park received the 2019 Tarek Al-Kasabi Award for Excellence in Civil Engineering in Saudi Arabia. The award, administered by King Saud University, recognizes outstanding contributions to civil engineering within the Kingdom. Santamarina and Park were nominated by Dr. Abdullah Almajed from King Saud University and received a plaque, certificate, and a cash prize of SAR 100,000. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's contribution to civil engineering research and development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers are collaborating with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (MEWA) to develop sensor technology for early detection of red palm weevils. The weevil larvae cause significant damage to palm trees by hollowing them out from the inside. Early detection is crucial because visible signs of distress indicate advanced infection and low chances of rescue. Why it matters: This research aims to protect date farming and crops, which are a vital economic resource for Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
KAUST launched the third cohort of its TAQADAM startup accelerator program on February 8th. The program, a partnership between KAUST and SABB, aims to equip students, faculty, and recent Saudi graduates with the tools to launch tech companies. This year's cohort consists of 133 people from 42 startups, with 35% female participation. Why it matters: Accelerators like TAQADAM are crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and translating research into commercial ventures, contributing to Saudi Arabia's diversification 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.
Nada Aljassim is the first KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) participant to earn a Ph.D. at KAUST, after completing undergraduate studies at University College London. The KGSP, established before KAUST's opening, supports top Saudi students in STEM fields for undergraduate studies abroad followed by graduate studies at KAUST. Aljassim aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia's knowledge economy and give back to her country after its investment in her education. Why it matters: The KGSP program is helping to build a strong pipeline of Saudi talent in STEM fields, contributing to the Kingdom's research and development capabilities.
KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
Kamal Mousa Al-Jahni, a Saudi Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida, is researching natural water springs in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman, leveraging facilities at the KAUST Analytical Chemistry Core Lab (ACL). Al-Jahni is expanding on his master's research, collaborating with King Saud University and utilizing KAUST's specialized testing facilities and expert staff. He aims to improve sample collection and utilize advanced lab equipment. Why it matters: This research contributes to a better understanding of water resources in the Arabian Peninsula and demonstrates KAUST's role in supporting environmental research and training Saudi researchers.
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.
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.
A collaborative research team from KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) conducted a 16-day study of the Red Sea aboard the KAU research vessel RV Al-Azizi. The study measured a pelagic transect of the Red Sea, examining nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. The research was part of a Saudi Arabian contribution to the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2). Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates resource sharing between Saudi universities, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 goals and furthering understanding of the Red Sea's ecosystem.
Sadeem, a startup founded by KAUST Ph.D. graduates, develops flood and traffic sensors powered by solar batteries and transceivers. The company's technology originated as a Ph.D. project and has been supported by the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center, including participation in the KAUST Hikma IP-based Startup Accelerator program. Sadeem's sensors are designed to mitigate damage and save lives from floods, with ten nodes currently operating on the KAUST campus. Why it matters: The development and deployment of such sensor technologies in Saudi Arabia could improve urban resilience and disaster response in flood-prone areas across the GCC region.
KAUST and Gulf Data Hub, along with Data Hub Tech and Ashi Bushnag Co., held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 18 to celebrate the development of a new data center on the KAUST campus. The data center will be built by Gulf Data Hub in partnership with the Saudi company Data Hub Tech and Jeddah-based design and contracting firm Ashi Bushnag Co. KAUST Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr and Gulf Data Hub CEO Tarek Al-Ashram exchanged gifts during the ceremony. Why it matters: This data center project signifies growing investment in Saudi Arabia's technological infrastructure and KAUST's role as a hub for innovation.
KAUST Discovery student Leen Al-Jefri presented a poster on broadband digital holographic memories. Another KAUST student, Aljazzy Alahmadi, worked with Professor Omar Abdulsaboor on charge career dynamics between perovskite nanocrystals and molecular acceptors. The work highlights opportunities for gifted Saudi students at KAUST. Why it matters: Developing local talent in advanced STEM fields is crucial for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
Twelve Saudi startups pitched at the 9/10ths Startup Accelerator showcase in Riyadh, presenting diverse business concepts. Half of the finalist teams were led by Saudi female entrepreneurs. Fixtag, Innoras, Dhad, and Magadeer received grant funding from a panel of judges representing various investment firms. Why it matters: The 9/10ths program demonstrates growing investment and support for entrepreneurship and innovation across Saudi Arabia, with a focus on female leadership and high-potential startups.
Former Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) student Abdullatif, now a junior at Berkeley, published a paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). The paper, "Isomerically Pure Tetramethylrhodamine Voltage Reporters," details the design, synthesis, and application of Rhodamine Voltage Reporters (RhoVRs). Abdullatif, who worked at KAUST during her SRSI program on carbon dioxide capture, plans to return for advanced studies. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in nurturing young Saudi talent in STEM and contributing to high-impact scientific research.
Faculty from KFUPM visited KAUST on November 25-26, 2015 to discuss potential research collaborations. Discussions focused on identifying common ground and actionable steps in areas like electrical engineering, modeling, and computer simulation. Participants highlighted potential opportunities for complementary work between the two institutions. Why it matters: Increased collaboration between leading Saudi universities like KAUST and KFUPM can enhance the Kingdom's research capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
KAUST's Shaheen XC40 supercomputer was ranked as the seventh fastest globally on the TOP500 list in July 2015, achieving over 5.5 petaflops per second using nearly 200,000 processing cores. The system includes 17.6 petabytes of storage and 790 terabytes of memory, succeeding the previous Shaheen Blue Gene/P system. Saudi institutions like KFUPM, KSU, Saudi Aramco and SABIC leverage KAUST's supercomputing for research and development. Why it matters: This ranking highlights KAUST's commitment to providing high-performance computing resources in Saudi Arabia, supporting the nation's transition to a knowledge-based economy and advancing research across various sectors.
KAUST and NESMA Holding Co. have signed an agreement to open an embroidery center in Thuwal. The center will include sewing, electronic embroidery, design, and thermal printing departments. The center aims to create job opportunities for Saudi women and people with disabilities, with a capacity to employ up to 60 women. Why it matters: This initiative highlights KAUST's commitment to social responsibility and to raising the standard of living in its host community, reflecting a broader trend of universities contributing to local development.
KAUST held the Imaging and Active Tectonics of the Red Sea Region workshop, gathering over 20 international and 30 local researchers. The workshop aimed to improve understanding of seismicity, volcanism, and Earth structure in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region. Participants came from countries surrounding the Red Sea, as well as the US, UK, France, Brazil, and South Korea. Why it matters: The event fosters international collaboration and data exchange to better monitor and model seismic and volcanic activity in a geologically active region.
The Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) is preparing for its fifth annual summer program at KAUST, offering Saudi high school students university-level research experience under faculty mentorship. The program aims to introduce students to STEM fields and inspire them to pursue related education and careers. Lamees Alshaikh, a 2014 participant, conducted research on algae hormone biosynthesis, and Prof. Al Babili noted SRSI's role in recruiting top students to KAUST. Why it matters: This program cultivates domestic talent in STEM, directly contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
The KAUST Graduate Student Council's IBR Committee hosted its first Alumni Panel during the fall 2014 Career Fair, in collaboration with KAUST's Career Development Office, Saudi Initiatives, and the Alumni Affairs Office. Six alumni working in Saudi Arabia, along with three via video, shared their experiences and insights with current students. Panelists emphasized the importance of creativity, passion, and utilizing KAUST's career resources to achieve successful employment. Why it matters: This event facilitated knowledge transfer and networking between KAUST alumni and students, promoting career development and in-Kingdom employment opportunities aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
KAUST celebrated its 5th anniversary with an event highlighting contributions from students, scientists, and community members. The article shares reflections from early employees on the university's transformation from a desert vision into a global academic force. Employees highlight the university's impact on their careers, personal growth, and the broader community. Why it matters: KAUST's growth signifies the strategic investment in research and higher education within Saudi Arabia, contributing to its vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
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.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Ministry of Education have launched the "Developing Educational Leaders" program to strengthen academic leadership in Saudi Arabia. The initiative involved 25 educators and administrators in interactive workshops, events, and an intensive educational visit to London. Participants toured prestigious universities and engaged in dialogue sessions focused on higher education management and knowledge exchange. Why it matters: This program aligns with national goals to develop strategic thinking and enhance academic leadership, thereby empowering educational institutions across the Kingdom to address their priorities effectively.
KAUST held its 13th commencement ceremony on December 16, 2022, celebrating approximately 380 graduating students. KAUST President Tony Chan challenged graduates to use their talents to shape a better future. He highlighted three outstanding students for their contributions to sustainability and smart cities. Why it matters: While not directly AI-focused, the event underscores KAUST's role in fostering talent and innovation within Saudi Arabia, which indirectly contributes to the Kingdom's growing AI ecosystem.
KAUST held its 12th commencement ceremony, celebrating 234 Ph.D. and master's graduates. The graduating class included 93 Saudi Arabian students. The ceremony featured addresses from President Tony Chan, student speaker Dr. Antonia Sugar, and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Falih. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's research and development goals.
KAUST held its 11th commencement and first virtual graduation ceremony, celebrating the class of 2020. The ceremony honored 149 master's and 95 Ph.D. graduates, with 87 graduates from Saudi Arabia. President Tony Chan acknowledged the graduates' resilience and contributions to KAUST's first decade of research excellence. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's future, especially in light of the Kingdom's focus on technological advancement and human capital development.
KAUST held its 10th Commencement ceremony, celebrating 196 Ph.D. and master's graduates. President Tony Chan noted the university's rise from the sands of Thuwal to a globally recognized institution in its first decade. Founding President Choon Fong Shih highlighted KAUST's transformation into a state-of-the-art university and the planting of the seed of the House of Wisdom. Why it matters: The anniversary underscores KAUST's growing role as a hub for science and engineering in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
KAUST celebrated its ninth Commencement ceremony on December 14, 2018, graduating 243 master's and Ph.D. candidates. The ceremony included the inauguration of KAUST’s third president, Dr. Tony Chan. KAUST also conferred its first honorary doctoral degree to HE Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, former chairman of the KAUST Board of Trustees. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's continued growth as a leading research university in the region, developing local talent.
Todd Nims, a filmmaker born in Saudi Arabia, premiered his film "Joud" at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program. The film, set in Saudi Arabia, explores the cycle of life in reverse and the meaning of "Joud" (generosity in the face of scarcity). Nims describes Saudi Arabia as a "magical place" due to its rich storytelling tradition. Why it matters: The article highlights KAUST's role in showcasing cultural works and supporting Saudi artists, though the AI relevance is limited.
KAUST's Core Labs has launched a Machinist Apprenticeship Development Program. The program aims to train machinists. No further details about the program are provided in the announcement. Why it matters: This apprenticeship program could help develop skilled technical talent in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's technology and manufacturing sectors.
Students from the KAUST School volunteered to assemble gift boxes for families in Thuwal as part of the "Sharing is Caring" campaign. The activity was organized to celebrate Eid. Why it matters: This highlights community engagement by a leading STEM university in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST hosted a Global IT Summit. The summit featured speakers like Khaled Biyari, group CEO at the Saudi Telecom Company. Interviews from the summit are available on KAUST's official YouTube channel. Why it matters: The summit likely served as a forum for discussing IT trends and developments relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
KAUST held its 7th annual Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) Career Day on March 16-17. Representatives from Saudi and international companies visited the campus. The event was hosted by the KAUST Industry Engagement Office, Graduate Affairs, and Saudi Initiatives. Why it matters: Such events help connect KAUST graduates with industry opportunities and foster collaboration.
A 2016 KAUST Winter Enrichment Program seminar, "Women in Science and Engineering," convened female scientists from KAUST and abroad. Panelists like Jasmeen Merzaban and Charlotte Hauser shared their career experiences and addressed challenges faced by women in STEM. They noted that women constitute 60% of higher education graduates in Saudi Arabia and will be vital to the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The event highlights the increasing role of women in Saudi Arabia's STEM fields and KAUST's commitment to supporting female scientists.
KAUST held its Spring 2014 graduation ceremony on June 7, honoring 11 Ph.D. and 20 master's degree candidates from nine countries. KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau congratulated the graduates, noting their contributions to research and KAUST's global influence. Faculty members advised the graduates to aim high and uphold KAUST's values in their future endeavors. Why it matters: While routine, the graduation highlights KAUST's ongoing role in developing scientific talent within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
KAUST held its fourth commencement ceremony, conferring degrees to master's and doctoral candidates. The ceremony also marked the official inauguration of KAUST's new President, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau. KAUST opened in 2009 with a mission to advance scientific research in water, food, energy, and the environment. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's ongoing development as a leading research university in Saudi Arabia and its commitment to addressing globally significant challenges.
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has introduced a fee exemption for re-export containers at Saudi ports, effective immediately. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi ports and position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. The exemption covers storage and handling fees for a specified period, reducing operational costs for businesses involved in re-export activities. Why it matters: This policy is significant for regional trade and logistics, potentially increasing cargo volumes and fostering economic diversification, but is not directly related to AI advancements.