KAUST, VentureSouq, startAD, and Tamkeen have partnered to launch the first Conscious Investor Fellowship in the GCC. The six-week virtual program aims to enable regional investors to create sustainable change through high-impact investments. The fellowship will host 25 investors from family offices, corporations, and government entities. Why it matters: The program aims to empower mission-driven investors in the region and accelerate investment in technology-driven startups addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges.
This article discusses conscious investing and its potential in the Middle East, particularly in light of unprecedented market conditions. It argues that investments should align with values and aim for positive global impact, moving beyond solely maximizing shareholder value. Conscious investing can be as profitable as traditional investing while addressing social and environmental challenges. Why it matters: The piece advocates for integrating ethical considerations into investment strategies within the region, which could lead to more sustainable and socially responsible economic development.
This paper introduces DaringFed, a novel dynamic Bayesian persuasion pricing mechanism for online federated learning (OFL) that addresses the challenge of two-sided incomplete information (TII) regarding resources. It formulates the interaction between the server and clients as a dynamic signaling and pricing allocation problem within a Bayesian persuasion game, demonstrating the existence of a unique Bayesian persuasion Nash equilibrium. Evaluations on real and synthetic datasets demonstrate that DaringFed optimizes accuracy and convergence speed and improves the server's utility.
MBZUAI has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a postdoctoral fellowship for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to undertake two-year, fully-funded research positions at leading global institutions. The program aims to cultivate local talent in AI and computational research, with the goal of strengthening participants' eligibility for faculty positions at MBZUAI. The fellowship covers a stipend, research funds, insurance, relocation support, and conference travel.
Ray Dalio stated that the Middle East is becoming a 'Silicon Valley of capitalists' due to its large concentration of capital and focus on new technologies. He made these remarks at the Qatar Economic Forum. Dalio highlighted the region's unique position as a hub for innovation and investment. Why it matters: This endorsement from a prominent investor signals growing confidence in the Middle East's potential as a global technology and finance hub.
MBZUAI has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a fully funded two-year postdoctoral fellowship for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to conduct research at leading global institutions. The fellowship covers a competitive stipend, research funds, insurance, relocation support, and conference travel, with no cost to host institutions. Completion aims to strengthen eligibility for tenure-track faculty positions at MBZUAI. Why it matters: This program represents a strategic investment in developing Emirati AI talent and building a globally competitive, homegrown AI faculty to drive the UAE's research ambitions.
Doug Greenig, Group CEO and CIO of Florin Court Capital based in London and Abu Dhabi, discussed macro trends in 2024 and beyond. Florin Court's Programme has delivered strong returns since 2017, capturing macro themes through alternative markets. Prior to founding Florin Court, Doug held leadership roles at Man/AHL, Fortress Investment Group, and Goldman Sachs. Why it matters: The presence of a leading systematic asset manager like Florin Court in Abu Dhabi signals the growing importance of the UAE as a hub for sophisticated financial firms leveraging AI and quantitative strategies.