MBZUAI is hosting the AI for the Global South (AI4GS) workshop in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi. The workshop aims to address the underrepresentation of the Global South in AI development and ensure AI benefits everyone. It brings together researchers from diverse disciplines and geographies, including representatives from NGOs, technology companies like Microsoft, Google, Cohere, and G42, and startups. Why it matters: The initiative promotes inclusive AI development, ensuring that AI tools and research consider the needs and contexts of underrepresented regions.
MBZUAI and the UNDP have partnered to advance the use of AI for sustainable development, with MBZUAI becoming the founding knowledge partner for the UNDP’s AI for Sustainable Development Platform (AI4SDP). The partnership, formalized at the World Governments Summit 2024, will focus on environmental resilience, water resources management, climate adaptation, social cohesion, and reducing inequalities. MBZUAI will contribute climate research, use cases, and scenarios to the AI4SDP for implementation in the real world. Why it matters: This collaboration signifies a commitment to leveraging AI for addressing critical global challenges and sustainable development goals in the Arab region.
MBZUAI, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi School of Government, held an ‘AI for Leadership’ training course for government sector leaders. The four-day course was designed by AI experts at MBZUAI to equip leaders with the knowledge to leverage AI applications. The course supports the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and aims to diversify the economy and improve government services. Why it matters: The initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to building a thriving AI ecosystem by empowering government leaders to apply AI in their organizations.
A report discusses using AI to optimize healthcare delivery across the entire medical process cycle, including pre-hospital screening, in-hospital treatment, and post-hospital rehabilitation. It considers optimal management of workflow, medical resources, and comprehensive healthcare coverage. Dr. Jingshan Li from Tsinghua University is the author, with extensive publications and experience in production and healthcare systems. Why it matters: AI-driven improvements to healthcare processes could lead to better resource allocation and enhanced patient outcomes across the GCC region.
Patrick van der Smagt, Director of AI Research at Volkswagen Group, discussed the use of generative machine learning models for predicting and controlling complex stochastic systems in robotics. The talk highlighted examples in robotics and beyond and addressed the challenges of achieving quality and trust in AI systems. He also mentioned his involvement in a European industry initiative on trust in AI and his membership in the AI Council of the State of Bavaria. Why it matters: Understanding control in robotics, along with trust in AI, are key issues for further development of autonomous systems, especially in industrial applications within the GCC region.
The AI4Bio Workshop at MBZUAI explored the intersection of AI and biology, focusing on AI-driven virtual organisms and foundation models. Eric Xing presented his vision of using AI to simulate biological activities, offering a safer alternative to physical experiments. Researchers like Le Song and Jen Philippe Vert are developing foundation models for biological systems, enhancing drug discovery and bioengineering. Why it matters: This signals the growing importance of AI in advancing biological research and healthcare innovation within the UAE and globally.
KAUST researchers have developed an AI system for the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) to improve the scientific understanding of seismic activity in Saudi Arabia. The AI system helps the SGS analyze swarm earthquakes, which are common in volcanic regions and difficult to decipher using conventional methods. The system allows for a more reliable survey of seismic regions, better infrastructure planning, and improved building codes. Why it matters: The AI system enhances Saudi Arabia's ability to monitor and respond to seismic events, contributing to public safety and infrastructure resilience.
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.