Zain KSA has announced the launch of its new Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence. This strategic initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's 'Year of AI,' reflecting the kingdom's national vision for technological advancement. The center is expected to drive innovation and develop AI capabilities within the telecommunications sector and beyond. Why it matters: This establishment signifies a major regional telecom provider's commitment to advancing AI infrastructure and talent, contributing to Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation goals.
KAUST researchers are partnering with Saudi farmers and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to develop tailored desalination solutions for agriculture. A new KAUST Center of Excellence project aims to integrate controlled environment agriculture (CEA) with desalination of non-conventional water resources for hydroponic farming. The approach focuses on selective ion removal to provide 'clean-enough' water, reducing energy use and costs compared to traditional desalination. Why it matters: This initiative could enable more sustainable and affordable local crop production in Saudi Arabia, potentially shifting the Kingdom from importing to exporting agricultural technologies.
KAUST has launched a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies, chaired by Professor Husam Alshareef, to develop and deploy innovative renewable energy and storage technologies. The center will focus on homegrown technologies invented at KAUST and aims to attract investments, partnerships, and market interest for commercial adoption. Research will focus on prototyping and scaling technologies across six key themes including advanced photovoltaics and new battery chemistries. Why it matters: This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom's climate goals and transition to sustainable energy while creating jobs and enhancing energy security.
KAUST has launched four Centers of Excellence (CoEs) focusing on Health, Sustainable Environment, Energy, and Economies of the Future, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. One CoE, chaired by Professor Bernard Ghanem and co-chaired by Professor Juergen Schmidhuber, will focus on generative AI. These centers aim to deliver impactful solutions that directly contribute to national economic objectives. Why it matters: This initiative signifies a major push towards applied AI research and development within Saudi Arabia, particularly in generative AI, renewable energy, food security, and smart health.
KAUST has established a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Generative AI, chaired by Professor Bernard Ghanem and co-chaired by Professor Jürgen Schmidhuber. The center will focus on scientific research, commercial innovation, and talent development in GenAI, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. The CoE aims to impact Saudi Arabia's four RDI priorities: Health and Wellness, Sustainable Environment, Energy and Industrial Leadership, and Economies of the Future. Why it matters: The KAUST center aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in generative AI, addressing the need for specialized expertise and infrastructure while contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification.
KAUST has launched a Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security, led by Professor Mark Tester. The center aims to develop innovative solutions for food security challenges in arid regions, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. It will focus on enhancing resource use efficiency, developing resilient crops, and promoting sustainable biosystems through interdisciplinary research and partnerships. Why it matters: This initiative will advance agricultural innovation in Saudi Arabia, supporting economic diversification and reducing reliance on food imports.
KAUST and NEOM have signed an agreement to establish the KAUST-NEOM Center of Excellence for NEOM Research at KAUST. The center will focus on solutions for challenges in sustainable energy, urban planning, agriculture, seismology, water desalination, AI, big data, and sensors. NEOM will be backed by over $500 billion in funding. Why it matters: The partnership signifies a major investment in R&D and technological innovation within Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's vision for economic diversification and development of cutting-edge technologies.
MBZUAI and Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based agri-food company, signed an MoU at COP28 to bring AI innovation to agriculture and food production. The agreement establishes a joint AI Center of Excellence to develop the UAE's food production sector, improve food security, and enhance sustainability. Both parties will conduct joint research, exchange expertise, and support startups focused on improving efficiency and innovation in the UAE’s food sector. Why it matters: The partnership aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and aims to leverage AI for sustainable food production, addressing critical challenges like climate change and resource management.