Professor Omar Knio, Dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST, has been named a 2026 SIAM Fellow. This prestigious recognition from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics honors his leadership in uncertainty quantification and multiscale mathematics. His research areas include applications in combustion, energetic materials, geophysical fluid dynamics, high-performance computing, and data-enabled predictive science. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's global standing in applied mathematics and computational science, reinforcing its role as a hub for scientific talent and interdisciplinary research crucial for advanced technological development in Saudi Arabia.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have signed a collaboration agreement to deepen strategic collaboration in research, education, and talent development. The partnership includes a Research and Development Sponsorship Agreement and a Framework Fellowship Program Agreement. TII and NYUAD will collaborate on joint research projects across areas like AI, robotics, and quantum science, and TII will sponsor NYUAD students for research in priority technology domains. Why it matters: The partnership aims to bridge fundamental research with real-world applications, accelerate scientific discovery, and develop a pipeline of skilled researchers in Abu Dhabi.
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.
MBZUAI has launched The Academy, a global platform for AI knowledge exchange, along with the world’s first AI x Arts Fellowship. The inaugural cohort of eight fellows includes artists and innovators like Refik Anadol and Amrita Sethi, who will participate in residency programs in Abu Dhabi in 2026. The Academy also encompasses the MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP), which empowers UAE leaders to leverage AI. Why it matters: This initiative signals MBZUAI's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between AI and the arts, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for innovative AI applications in culture and heritage.
MBZUAI Ph.D. candidate Muhammad Maaz has been awarded the 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellowship in Machine Perception. Maaz is the first student from MBZUAI and the first from the Gulf region to receive this recognition, which includes funding, mentorship, and $50,000. He has published extensively in top-tier CV/NLP venues and has over 4,500 citations. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing prominence of MBZUAI and the increasing quality of AI research in the Gulf region on the global stage.
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.
Omar Knio, Dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST, has been named a 2026 SIAM Fellow. He received this honor from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for his leadership in uncertainty quantification and multiscale mathematics. His research applies to fields such as combustion, energetic materials, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's growing contributions to global scientific talent and interdisciplinary research in applied mathematics and computational science.
Two professors from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Ahmed Eltawil and Michael Berumen, have been elected 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Professor Eltawil was recognized for his contributions to wireless communications and low-power system design, specifically for advancing AI-native wireless architectures. Professor Berumen was honored for his distinguished work in marine science and ecology, focusing on coral reef ecosystems. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's global impact in scientific research and its contributions to critical areas like intelligent wireless infrastructure and environmental sustainability.