This is an announcement from KAUST wishing readers well for Eid. It includes a picture of King Abdullah. It states that all rights are reserved. Why it matters: This is a routine announcement from a major regional university.
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 Social Responsibility organized the annual "Sharing is Caring" program in 2019, with over 120 volunteers assembling and distributing 200 food boxes to neighboring communities during Ramadan. The food hampers contained 29 healthy and seasonal food items, customized based on feedback from Thuwal community families in 2018. Families also ordered specific quantities of meat via a special app. Why it matters: This program strengthens KAUST's ties with local communities and demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility during a significant religious period.
MBZUAI Executive Program participants gathered for community-building activities on Jubail Island, including a mangrove walk and dinner. MBZUAI President Eric Xing emphasized the opportunity to build partnerships and an AI community. The event aimed to foster collaboration and understanding among participants to drive positive AI progress. Why it matters: Such initiatives can help bridge divides between organizations and facilitate the responsible development of AI in the UAE.
MBZUAI hosted its annual Alumni Suhoor, attended by graduates, faculty, staff, and leadership, to foster connection and engagement. The event featured remarks from Joni Cholwich and Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, and included the launch of an alumni advisory board. Alumni shared their diverse experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and public/private sector roles, exploring collaborations. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks helps solidify MBZUAI's role in the UAE's AI ecosystem and expands its influence beyond academia.