H.H. Sheikh Mohammed announced the commencement of the UAE's 'Government 4.0' initiative. This strategic vision aims to modernize governmental operations and enhance public services through advanced technologies. While specific details were not provided in the announcement, the initiative is expected to leverage emerging innovations to improve governance. Why it matters: This signals a high-level commitment from the UAE leadership to digital transformation and advanced technology adoption, including AI, across public administration, setting a strategic direction for future national development.
The UAE is preparing to accelerate its National AI Strategy 2031 through the commencement of the National Experts Program's (NEP-AI) latest cohort. This program engages Emirati AI experts to contribute to key initiatives and projects under the national strategy. The NEP-AI aims to develop specialized talent and leadership in artificial intelligence across various sectors in the UAE. Why it matters: This initiative is crucial for the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in AI by fostering local expertise and ensuring the effective implementation of its national AI roadmap.
KAUST celebrated its largest graduating class, the Class of 2025, with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in attendance. Prince Abdulaziz shared a message reflecting Saudi Arabia's focus on meritocracy and talent. The graduating class represents over 45 countries and various fields including energy, AI, and sustainability. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's focus on technology and sustainability.
KAUST held its 16th commencement ceremony, graduating 593 students, its largest class ever. The ceremony was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chair of the KAUST Board of Trustees. Graduates are contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 in areas like AI-powered water monitoring and drought-resilient crops. Why it matters: The growth in KAUST graduates, especially in AI, signals increasing capacity for Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals and contribute to global scientific advancement.
KAUST celebrated its 15th commencement ceremony in 2024 with a record number of Saudi graduates, comprising nearly 44% of the total 465 graduates. The graduating class also set a new benchmark with the highest number of Saudi females graduating, a 29% increase compared to 2023. Several outstanding graduates were highlighted, including Walla Basylman, who will join the chemistry department faculty at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Why it matters: This milestone underscores KAUST's increasing role in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, particularly in STEM fields.
KAUST held its 14th commencement ceremony, graduating 433 students, with a record 43% being Saudi nationals. President Tony Chan emphasized KAUST's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting partnerships with giga-projects like NEOM and the National Transformation Institute. He also spotlighted KAUST's projects like the world’s largest coral nursery and the acquisition of Shaheen III supercomputer. Why it matters: The event underscores KAUST's increasing role in Saudi Arabia's national development agenda and its commitment to fostering local talent in science and technology.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2025 commencement ceremony for 104 graduates across Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. He congratulated the students and emphasized the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI hub. The ceremony was attended by several high-profile UAE officials and MBZUAI leadership. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's continued investment in AI education and its strategic focus on developing local talent in key AI specializations.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended MBZUAI's 2024 commencement ceremony for 101 graduates. The graduates included PhDs in ML and master's degrees in CV, ML, and NLP. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to becoming a global AI research and innovation hub, aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Why it matters: This graduation highlights the UAE's investment in AI education and its ambition to become a leader in AI research and development, training national talent to address global challenges.