A recent Fortune article discusses the potential vulnerability of Gulf data centers, including those operated by Amazon, to drone attacks. Experts suggest that Iranian-backed groups may employ such tactics in future regional conflicts. The hypothetical scenario raises concerns about data security and infrastructure resilience in the region. Why it matters: Highlights the increasing importance of protecting critical digital infrastructure in the GCC from emerging security threats.
Janet Kelso from the Max Planck Institute and Sudhir Kumar from Temple University discussed evolutionary biology in a KAUST Facebook Live interview. Kelso's research focuses on interactions between modern humans and Neanderthals, finding similarities in DNA and benefits for environmental adaptation. Kumar's work, highly cited, involves big data analyses in evolutionary biology. Why it matters: The interview highlights KAUST's engagement with international experts in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology, promoting interdisciplinary research and knowledge dissemination.
This is an advertisement for KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Computer Science Ivan Viola. The ad promotes KAUST as a university. Why it matters: This reflects KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract international faculty and promote its research programs.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and AI71 are collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to expand global access to TII’s Falcon models and AI71’s enterprise AI products. TII already offers Falcon LLMs through Amazon SageMaker, and new models will be available via Amazon Bedrock. AI71’s products are already available in the AWS Marketplace, providing access for millions of customers globally. Why it matters: This partnership enhances the accessibility of UAE-developed AI technologies and strengthens the UAE's position as a leader in AI innovation by leveraging AWS's global infrastructure and customer base.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has entered a research agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to explore quantum computing applications using Amazon Braket. TII researchers will leverage AWS's quantum and high-performance computing resources for research in machine learning, computational chemistry, and optimization. AWS will provide support, workshops, and facilitate connections between TII and regional enterprise customers to build R&D partnerships. Why it matters: This collaboration advances TII's mission to develop quantum computing capabilities in the UAE and fosters innovation in AI, drug discovery, finance, and other sectors.
MBZUAI and AWS have announced a multi-year collaboration to advance AI research, enhance technical skills, and accelerate startup growth in the UAE and wider region. AWS will provide cloud services, mentorship, and access to public datasets, while MBZUAI will contribute faculty expertise and lab capacity. The collaboration includes a strategic research program and the launch of GenAI Academy to develop hackathons for MBZUAI students. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem by bridging academic research with industry application and fostering AI talent development.
Uwaidh Al-Harethi, executive VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's 2019 Winter Enrichment Program about the importance of innovation, noting that leading tech companies invest heavily to penetrate markets. He highlighted Samsung's patent filings and Amazon's innovation spending. Al-Harethi stated that SABIC makes three dollars for every one dollar spent on innovation, emphasizing its role in the chemical industry's success. Why it matters: The talk underscores the increasing focus on innovation and technology leadership within Saudi Arabia's key industries, particularly in leveraging AI for future technologies.
Professor Arnab Pain's group at KAUST discovered new insights on how a malaria protein enables parasites to spread malaria in human cells. Professor Haavard Rue's group upgraded the Integrated and Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) for faster real-time modeling of large datasets. A KAUST-led study examined the stability of Y-series nonfullerene acceptors for organic solar cells. Why it matters: KAUST continues producing impactful research across diverse fields from medicine to climate change, advancing scientific knowledge and potential applications.