MIT Professor Ahmed F. Ghoniem delivered a keynote at KAUST's Spring Enrichment Program discussing clean energy solutions for future cities. He emphasized a portfolio approach including electrochemical, solar thermochemical, and plasma technologies for renewable energy storage. Ghoniem highlighted the economic opportunities arising from clean energy technology deployment, R&D, and job creation. Why it matters: The focus on renewable energy and storage aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban development and diversification of the energy sector.
KAUST held a research conference on Synergistic Approaches in Solar Energy Conversion from February 25-27, bringing together KAUST researchers and international colleagues. The conference, organized by the KAUST Solar Center (KSC), focused on performance-limiting factors, emerging synergistic approaches, and methods to overcome current performance limits in solar energy. Yves Gnanou and Professor Iain McCulloch highlighted KAUST's commitment to solar energy research and the KSC's role in collaborative, applied solutions. Why it matters: The conference underscores KAUST's dedication to advancing solar energy technologies and fostering international collaboration to address regional and global energy challenges.
KAUST's Supply Chain Services implemented a Chemical Re-Use Program in February 2016 to encourage researchers to share surplus chemicals. Over 100 researchers have donated more than 3,000 bottles, with over 1,300 bottles reused across multiple divisions and centers. The Enterprise Reagent Manager (ERM) software helps researchers locate available chemicals. Why it matters: This initiative reduces chemical waste, saves costs and time associated with procurement, and promotes environmental sustainability within the university's research ecosystem.
KAUST student Adair Gallo Junior won best poster at the Water Arabia Conference. The poster presented a patent-pending technique developed in Prof. Mishra’s Group. The technique reduces water evaporation from soils. Why it matters: This award recognizes innovative research at KAUST focused on addressing critical water resource challenges in arid regions.
A team from KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) won first place at the 4th Middle Eastern Process Engineering Conference & Exhibition (MEPEC) technical debates in Bahrain. The team consisted of KAUST students Nawaf Al-Ghamdi, Mayadah Al-Hashem, and Abdullah Al-Ramadan. The debates featured teams from universities across the Middle East and addressed technical issues related to sustainability, energy, safety and regional policies. Why it matters: This win highlights KAUST's strong presence and capabilities in engineering and its contributions to regional discussions on critical topics like sustainability and energy.
KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) held a research conference on wastewater treatment from March 27-29. The conference covered innovations in technologies and microbes to recover resources from wastewater. Keynote speakers included Bruce Rittmann, Bruce Logan, and Jurg Keller, with topics ranging from microbial fuel cells to microalgal biotechnology. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's focus on sustainable technologies for water management, addressing critical resource challenges in arid regions.
KAUST hosted the Emerging Concepts and Materials in Solar Energy Conversion research conference from October 31 to November 2. The conference gathered scientists to discuss solar energy research, including perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and photocatalysis. Rawabi Holding's chairman expressed pride in KAUST's solar research and its potential to address global challenges. Why it matters: By bringing together global experts and fostering discussions on innovative solar technologies, KAUST is contributing to advancements in renewable energy and sustainable solutions for the region.
Ma’aden has joined the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) as a strategic partner. This agreement provides Ma'aden access to KAUST's research, technologies, and talent pool. The partnership aims to address industrial challenges such as water scarcity, sustainability, and energy efficiency in remote areas across the Kingdom. Why it matters: This collaboration can drive innovation in the Saudi mining industry by leveraging KAUST's research capabilities to develop solutions tailored to the region's specific challenges.
Siemens CTO Rainer Speh spoke at KAUST about smart cities, noting that urban populations are growing, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Cities consume two-thirds of the world's energy and generate 70% of CO2 emissions. Siemens is working on a driverless subway system in Riyadh as part of its smart city initiatives. Why it matters: Smart city initiatives are crucial for managing resources and reducing emissions in rapidly growing urban centers in Saudi Arabia.
A KAUST project on "Hybrid Multi-Effect Adsorption Desalination" won the Global Technology Challenge at the Saudi Water & Power Forum. The competition, launched by Aramco Entrepreneurship and GE ecomagination, focused on seawater desalination using renewable energy. KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC) is partnering with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to bring this technology to Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This award highlights innovation in desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia given its high salinity seawater and need for sustainable water solutions.
The Dow SISCA awards at KAUST recognized two Ph.D. students for their sustainability-focused research. Anas Abu-Taha won first place and $10,000 for his work on nanoscale thermoelectrics for waste heat energy harvesting. David Conchouso Gonzales was the runner-up, receiving $2,500 for his poster on sustainable production of controllable emulsions using microfluidic droplet generators. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's dedication to sustainability research and its ongoing partnership with Dow Chemical in fostering innovative solutions.
KAUST and TU Munich researchers have published a paper on a novel carbon capture technique. The technique focuses on converting CO2 directly from flue gas using catalytic systems, addressing the challenge of CO2 conversion requiring purification, compression, and high temperatures. Catalysts are often seen as viable green technology options to increase the renewable rates of CO2. Why it matters: This research has the potential to advance sustainable energy solutions by improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental costs associated with carbon capture and utilization.
A KAUST article highlights the threats to Saudi Arabia's coral reefs from pollution, rising ocean temperatures, and overfishing. Prof. Michael Berumen notes an imbalance with too many fish in markets and not enough on reefs, advocating for sustainable fishing. Saudi Arabia's reefs benefit from a relatively low population along the Red Sea coast and the absence of large river systems. Why it matters: Protecting these reefs is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of Saudi Arabia's coastal ecosystems.
KAUST researchers at the Composite and Heterogeneous Materials Analysis and Simulation Laboratory (COHMAS) are developing new composite materials and computational models. The research focuses on ensuring the stability and service lifetime of composite structures used in aircraft, windmill blades, and industrial pipes. Professor Gilles Lubineau leads the group's work on computational modeling and experimental developments. Why it matters: This research aims to advance the use of composite materials in key sectors by addressing the challenge of long-term reliability, contributing to sustainability goals in energy, transportation and other industries.
KAUST's Salt Lab, led by Professor Mark Tester, is researching how salt-tolerant plants survive in harsh environments. The lab aims to improve plant yields in suboptimal conditions, focusing on naturally occurring variability in plants to enhance salinity tolerance. With 70% of global water used for agriculture and increasing water scarcity, the research seeks to unlock the potential of seawater for irrigation. Why it matters: Enhancing the salinity tolerance of crops is crucial for addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change and the growing global population, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture is holding an international conference on November 3-5, 2014, focusing on desert rhizosphere microbes for sustainable agriculture. Researchers aim to understand how plants survive in extreme conditions by studying microbes that help them tolerate heat, drought, and salt. They will explore genetic engineering and natural microbe usage to improve crop performance under heightened stress conditions. Why it matters: This research is critical for adapting agricultural systems to global warming and meeting future food production challenges in arid regions like the Middle East.
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 Professor Fakhri Karray and colleagues from the University of Waterloo are using AI to forecast crop yields, focusing on the impact of extreme temperatures on California strawberry yields. The research uses historical climate and agricultural data to predict yields, addressing issues from 2023 when unusual weather caused a $100 million loss to the strawberry industry. Better predictions could benefit consumers, farmers, and the agricultural industry by improving pricing and supply chain management. Why it matters: This research can improve understanding of agricultural system vulnerabilities amid climate change and extreme weather.
Raisa Mahomed, CTO of OpusDigitech in Dubai and an MBZUAI Executive Program alumna, focuses on using AI to improve sustainability and ESG goals for energy companies. She joined MBZUAI in 2023 to deepen her understanding of AI's technical and business impact. The MBZUAI program provided her with a clearer understanding of AI implementation and its societal effects. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in developing AI leadership in the UAE and fostering the use of AI for sustainable development in key sectors.
MBZUAI held its first summer school for UAE high school students in collaboration with ADEK, focusing on AI and sustainability. The program received over 230 applications for 38 slots, indicating strong interest in AI among students. Participants engaged in workshops led by MBZUAI faculty and worked on AI projects addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals. Why it matters: This initiative nurtures local talent and promotes AI education, aligning with the UAE's focus on becoming a leader in AI.
MBZUAI will showcase AI research for sustainability at COP28 in Dubai, highlighting AI's role in addressing climate change. The university will present research projects including generative AI, efficient AI operating systems, remote patient monitoring, and AI solutions for urban heat islands. MBZUAI will also emphasize its role in developing the UAE’s AI ecosystem. Why it matters: This underscores the increasing recognition of AI as a crucial tool for achieving sustainability goals in the Middle East and globally.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduated its fourth cohort of 42 UAE-based leaders, bringing the total to 166 graduates since 2021. The 12-week program focused on AI's potential to transform society with an emphasis on sustainability. Capstone projects included AI-powered solutions for food security, child exploitation prevention, disease screening, supply chain resilience, and AI training. Why it matters: This program cultivates a new generation of leaders equipped to leverage AI for sustainable development, aligning with the UAE's strategic priorities and positioning the nation as a hub for ethical AI innovation.
MBZUAI's Class of 2023 valedictorian, Klea Ziu, credits her meditation practice for balancing her studies in machine learning. Ziu, the first Albanian graduate from MBZUAI, was among 59 graduates receiving master's degrees in computer vision, machine learning, and NLP. She will represent MBZUAI at COP28 as part of the Climate Ambassador Program, focusing her AI research on reducing carbon dioxide production in the oil and gas industry. Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's focus on attracting international talent and applying AI research to sustainability challenges relevant to the UAE and the broader region.
MBZUAI celebrates Emirati master’s students Fatima AlKhoori (transportation engineering) and Rzan Alhaddad (mechanical engineering) for International Women in Engineering Day. AlKhoori is a transportation engineer involved with the UAE’s Youth Sustainable Development Goal’s Council. Alhaddad, who MC'd MBZUAI’s Class of 2023 Commencement, is passionate about applying AI to environmental sustainability. Why it matters: The article highlights the increasing role of Emirati women in STEM and AI, particularly in applying machine learning to address sustainability challenges.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduation ceremony showcased AI sustainability solutions developed by 83 UAE leaders. Two winning projects, X-4 Cast and Pulse, focused on improving weather forecasting accuracy and increasing inclusivity in climate change discussions, respectively. The 12-week program included instruction from UC Berkeley, Harvard, and other top universities, with participants developing 14 collaborative projects. Why it matters: The program highlights the UAE's commitment to AI-driven solutions for national challenges, particularly in sustainability, and fosters AI awareness across diverse sectors.
MBZUAI is developing the AI Operating System (AIOS) to reduce the energy, time, and talent costs of AI computing. AIOS aims to make AI models smaller, faster, and more efficient, reducing reliance on expensive hardware and speeding up compute operations. It also enables cost-aware model tuning and standardizes AI modules for reliable operation. Why it matters: By addressing the environmental impact and resource demands of AI, AIOS could promote more sustainable and accessible AI development in the region and globally.
Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada visited MBZUAI and met with Provost Fakhreddine Karray to discuss AI's role in sustainability. Discussions covered MBZUAI's master's and doctoral programs and ongoing projects aimed at improving human activity and societal advancement. MBZUAI assured Alvarado of its commitment to admitting talented Costa Rican students to bolster the country's AI capabilities and designated points of contact for sharing best practices. Why it matters: This collaboration signals growing international interest in MBZUAI and the UAE's AI ecosystem, particularly in leveraging AI for sustainability solutions.
An MBZUAI team won the Cisco Sustainability Challenge with 'Energy for the People,' an AI-powered solution to improve the national energy grid. The system uses an AI-based rewarding system to motivate energy efficiency among residential energy consumers. The winning team received a six-month mentorship from Cisco experts to develop the project further. Why it matters: The solution addresses the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 goals to reduce carbon footprint by 70% and increase clean energy consumption by 50% by leveraging AI for sustainable solutions.
The article content is missing, preventing a factual summary of its specifics. Based on the title, 'How the UAE and its Gulf neighbours can help keep a thirsty world hydrated,' it likely discusses the region's role in global water solutions and resource management. It is unclear from the title alone if the piece details specific AI technologies or research related to water management. Why it matters: Addressing global water scarcity is a critical challenge, and the Gulf region's potential contributions, often involving advanced technologies, are highly significant.
KAUST held its third annual Plant Science Family Night on February 19, 2025, hosting over 1,000 attendees from the KAUST community. The event featured 25 interactive stations covering topics like composting, genetics, recycling, and irrigation. Participants included representatives from the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security, the KAUST School, and other organizations. Why it matters: This event promotes STEM education and engagement with sustainability issues among families in the KAUST community.
The 2022 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) at KAUST, held from January 9-20, focused on 'Resilience' across sectors like food, water, energy, and health. The hybrid program featured keynote lectures and workshops, both virtual and physical, exploring stress events and adaptation strategies. Economist Jeffrey D. Sachs from Columbia University was the keynote speaker. Why it matters: Such programs foster knowledge exchange and collaboration, addressing critical challenges for Saudi Arabia's sustainable development goals.
KAUST held its Research Open Week (KROW) showcasing science and engineering research with a focus on sustainability. The event included presentations, demonstrations, and discussions. VP of Research Donal Bradley highlighted the importance of KROW for the KAUST community and partners in the Kingdom, emphasizing collaborations across various focus areas. Why it matters: Such events foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to the advancement of research and development in Saudi Arabia's key sectors.
KAUST's Impact magazine highlights advancements in health, sustainability, and renewable energy. The third edition showcases research, education, and innovation translated to society, government, and industry. It covers health advances on pages 33 and 37, sustainability on page 20, and renewable energy on pages 17 and 18. Why it matters: The magazine demonstrates KAUST's role in fostering Saudi Arabia's innovation and research ecosystem through various engagements.
KAUST alumna Maryam Al-Taher, who received her master's degree in chemical science from KAUST in 2015, now works as a laboratory scientist at Saudi Aramco's Fuel Technology Research Department. Her work focuses on increasing fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. Al-Taher credits KAUST's unique atmosphere, research diversity, and top-notch laboratories for her positive experience. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in developing talent for key sectors like energy and sustainability within Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Leslie Dewan, co-founder and CEO of Transatomic, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program about next-generation sustainable nuclear power plants. Dewan advocates for both nuclear and renewable energy to meet energy demands. She believes her company's new reactor design, which uses better fuel and reduces nuclear waste, is ideal for countries with rising power demands like Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's engagement with innovative energy solutions and their potential relevance to Saudi Arabia's future energy strategy.
KAUST held a KAUST-U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Conference on Environmental Monitoring from November 6 to 8, 2017. The conference focused on sustainability with an emphasis on environmental monitoring and sensing, including data collection, signal processing, and real-time decision-making. Keynote speakers included Ali Sayed (EPFL), Allen Tannenbaum (SUNY Stony Brook), and Dinesh Manocha. Why it matters: Such conferences foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in applying AI and related technologies to pressing environmental challenges in Saudi Arabia and globally.
Noura Shehab, a KAUST environmental engineering Ph.D. graduate (2014), now works as a material science researcher at RPD Innovations. Her research focuses on microbial electrochemical technologies and sustainable solutions for water scarcity. Shehab led a KAUST team in the Hult Prize in 2013 and is the incoming KAUST Saudi Arabian alumni chapter president. Why it matters: The profile highlights KAUST's role in developing scientific talent and fostering innovation in sustainable technologies relevant to Saudi Arabia.
The 2017 KAUST Research Conference focused on new combustion concepts, bringing together experts from academia, national labs, and industry. Participants discussed various aspects of combustion, including energy conversion by Professor Igor Adamovich from Ohio State University. Anne Bourdon from École Polytechnique presented on plasma-assisted applications. Why it matters: The conference facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration on advancing combustion technologies, a field relevant to energy and environmental sustainability in the region.
Cindy Lee Van Dover, a professor at Duke University, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017 about the blue economy. The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's interest in marine science and sustainable development related to ocean resources.
In January 2016, H.E. Abdullatif Al-Othman delivered the opening keynote at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP). Al-Othman, then governor of SAGIA, discussed Saudi Arabia's plans to move towards a knowledge economy and invest in alternative energy. He highlighted over $19 billion in sustainable energy projects and called on Saudis to contribute to the country's progress. Why it matters: This speech underscored the Kingdom's early commitment to sustainability and KAUST's role in achieving these ambitious goals.
KAUST Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi is researching MOFs (metal-organic frameworks). MOFs have applications for clean energy. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's broader clean energy and sustainability initiatives.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2016 will focus on sustainability with events including lectures from the Governor of SAGIA on science's role in developing sustainable industries in Saudi Arabia, and seminars on climate change featuring international and KAUST experts. A workshop will evaluate freshwater and resource use in the global food supply chain and discuss alternative food production technologies. Dr. Stefan Hindersin will also introduce the world’s first 'Algae House'. Why it matters: This program highlights KAUST's commitment to addressing critical sustainability challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the world through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
KAUST is accepting proposals for the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2016 until May 4th, 2015. The program, scheduled for January 10-21, 2016, focuses on climate change and sustainability, aligning with the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference. The KAUST community can submit ideas for lectures, courses, workshops, and cultural activities. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary program fosters community engagement at KAUST while addressing a critical global issue.
Khalifa University highlighted its alumni success and promoted a recent episode of its 'KU Pulse' podcast, focusing on the decarbonization of the transport sector. The episode featured Dr. Jamal Alsawalhi and Dr. Glenda El Gamal, who discussed challenges in electric vehicle adoption, including battery costs, charging infrastructure, and public perception. The conversation also explored emerging technologies developed at Khalifa University, such as rare earth free motors and wireless charging systems, and their implications for mobility in the UAE and the wider region. Why it matters: This demonstrates Khalifa University's active engagement in addressing critical regional sustainability and energy transition challenges through expert discussions and ongoing research in advanced materials and clean energy for the automotive sector.