The 7th annual Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) was held in Riyadh, gathering experts including KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau. The forum focused on building competitive partnerships and developing world-class infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. President Chameau discussed fostering entrepreneurship, leveraging technology, and the role of research universities in innovation ecosystems, highlighting KAUST's contributions. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's ongoing efforts to build an innovation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and its role in translating research into commercial ventures.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has become a Sustaining Member of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC). The GFCC includes organizations from over 30 countries focused on innovation and competitiveness. As a sustaining member, TII will help shape the GFCC’s strategy and promote TII's research. Why it matters: This partnership enhances Abu Dhabi and the UAE's role in global innovation and competitiveness initiatives, aligning with TII's goals to boost economic growth through research.
The UAE has commenced its largest 'Make it in the Emirates Forum' to date, featuring an AI showcase and emphasizing a strong national industrial push. The event aims to highlight the country's commitment to industrial growth and technological advancement across various sectors. This forum serves as a critical platform for strategic discussions on integrating advanced technologies like AI into the UAE's industrial landscape. Why it matters: This event signals the UAE's high-level strategic commitment to leveraging AI for industrial diversification and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities as a core component of its economic vision.
This article reports on Day 2 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. It summarizes key discussions and events without specific details on AI or the Middle East. Given the lack of specific AI or Middle East content, a detailed summary is not applicable. Why it matters: WEF Davos is an important venue for global leaders to discuss technology policy, but this particular update lacks details on AI or MENA.
COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber visited MBZUAI and emphasized AI's role in the UAE's economic diversification and sustainable growth. He highlighted AI's potential to contribute $13 trillion to global GDP by 2030. Al Jaber also met with researchers to discuss projects related to sustainable environment, healthcare, education, and Arabic LLMs. Why it matters: This underscores the UAE's commitment to AI as a key driver for its future economy and its focus on leveraging AI for climate solutions and national priorities.