Ceer and KAUST are partnering to research and develop innovations in smart mobility, including connectivity and autonomous driving technologies. The collaboration aims to transform research into economically productive innovations, supporting Saudi-based SMEs and the automotive manufacturing industry. Ceer and KAUST will share facilities and conduct collaborative activities to foster knowledge exchange and create jobs. Why it matters: This partnership signifies a crucial step towards diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy and advancing technological capabilities in the electric vehicle sector within the Kingdom.
Munther Dahleh from MIT gave a talk on information design under uncertainty, focusing on the challenges of creating an information marketplace. The talk addressed the externality faced by firms when information is allocated to competitors, and considered two models for this externality. The presentation included mechanisms for both models and highlighted the impact of competition on the revenue collected by the seller. Why it matters: The research advances understanding of information markets and mechanism design, relevant to the growing data economy in the GCC region.
TII's DERC, in partnership with Brazilian firm RADAZ, has obtained the first microwave images from their joint project on Airborne Multi-band Interferometric Microwave Imaging (A(MI)2) in Abu Dhabi. The project uses a new multiband Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in P, L, and C frequency bands to generate terrain images. The system, which can be mounted on commercial drones, also integrates Ground Penetrating Radar capability to detect buried objects. Why it matters: This technology enhances remote sensing capabilities in the region, enabling applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched a state-of-the-art research facility within its Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) in Abu Dhabi's Tawazun Industrial Park. The facility includes seven workshops and five specialized laboratories focusing on areas like High-Power ElectroMagnetics (HPEM), acoustics, and laser development. It can accommodate 150 researchers and provides research and testing services to local industries, including Radio Frequency testing and acoustic experiments. Why it matters: This new facility enhances the UAE's research infrastructure and supports the development of advanced technologies for regional industries in the safety and security sector.
Emaar, The Economic City (EEC) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various areas, including community lifestyle, education, transportation, and smart city solutions. The agreement aims to align with KAUST’s research pillars and KAEC’s business strategy. The collaboration also seeks to support the Kingdom's sustainable development goals and drive innovation. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading economic city developer and a top research university in Saudi Arabia has the potential to foster innovation, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in the region, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030.
Researchers from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) will present research papers at the 17th Workshop of the International Lithosphere Program Task Force on Sedimentary Basins in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Meixia Geng's study identifies potential geothermal exploration sites in the UAE based on Curie isotherm depths. Dr. Felix Vega's research demonstrates drone-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for subsurface mapping of underground cavities. Why it matters: These studies showcase the UAE's commitment to sustainable development through geothermal energy exploration and advanced subsurface imaging techniques.