Deloitte Middle East and KAUST have signed an MoU to collaborate on AI applications in Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between AI research and business applications, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Joint projects will address AI challenges, develop talent through training programs, and focus on knowledge transfer and ethical AI governance. Why it matters: This collaboration accelerates AI innovation in Saudi Arabia by combining global expertise with local knowledge, fostering economic and societal impact.
A Deloitte report in collaboration with MBZUAI surveyed 150+ business leaders in UAE, KSA, and Qatar, finding that 69% of organizations plan to increase AI investments in the next year. However, over 80% of organizations feel pressured to adopt AI, with almost half lacking the necessary talent and technology for successful scaling. The report highlights a disconnect between the desire to deploy AI and the actual readiness of organizations in terms of talent, strategic planning, and infrastructure. Why it matters: This study underscores the urgent need for Middle Eastern organizations to address talent gaps and strategic planning to effectively leverage AI investments and achieve desired outcomes.
Dr. Abdelrahman AlMahmoud from TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) will participate in a WGISTA webinar on adopting a digital mindset in auditing and fighting corruption. The webinar, organized by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), will discuss the impact of emerging technologies on public sector auditing. Dr. AlMahmoud will share insights on how AI and Big Data can enable auditors to process data at a new scale. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's growing role in applying advanced technologies like AI and big data to improve governance and accountability in the public sector.
KAUST hosted the KAUST Research Conference: Advances in Well Construction with Focus on Near-Wellbore Physics and Chemistry from November 7 to 9. The conference was co-chaired by Eric van Oort, a professor at UT Austin, and Tadeusz Patzek, director of the University’s Upstream Petroleum Engineering Research Center. Attendees included professors from the University of Queensland and UT Austin, and directors from GenesisRTS and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Why it matters: The conference facilitates international collaboration on advancements in petroleum engineering and well construction technologies, which are strategically important for Saudi Arabia.
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.
KAUST hosted a Global IT Summit. The summit featured speakers like Khaled Biyari, group CEO at the Saudi Telecom Company. Interviews from the summit are available on KAUST's official YouTube channel. Why it matters: The summit likely served as a forum for discussing IT trends and developments relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The Dow SISCA awards at KAUST recognized two Ph.D. students for their sustainability-focused research. Anas Abu-Taha won first place and $10,000 for his work on nanoscale thermoelectrics for waste heat energy harvesting. David Conchouso Gonzales was the runner-up, receiving $2,500 for his poster on sustainable production of controllable emulsions using microfluidic droplet generators. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's dedication to sustainability research and its ongoing partnership with Dow Chemical in fostering innovative solutions.