In July 2020, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) became a corporate tenant in the KAUST Research and Technology Park (KRTP). HPE will strengthen the KAUST Core Labs team, providing day-to-day support for the Shaheen II supercomputer, which has supported over 1,000 users and 650 publications. Future collaborations between HPE and KAUST will include projects in genomics, linear algebra, combustion computational fluid dynamics, and density-functional theory codes. Why it matters: This partnership enhances KAUST's research capabilities, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to drive scientific, economic, and social advances through high-performance computing.
KAUST has selected HPE to build "Shaheen III", a next-generation supercomputer using the HPE Cray EX platform. Shaheen III will be 20 times faster than KAUST's existing system, making it the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East. The system will support research in areas like clean combustion, Red Sea ecosystems, and climate events. Why it matters: This infrastructure investment will significantly boost AI and scientific computing capabilities in the region, enabling KAUST to tackle complex research challenges.
HPE is building a new supercomputer for MBZUAI to accelerate AI research and advance the UAE’s National Strategy for AI. The supercomputer will enhance MBZUAI's ability to run complex AI models and increase predictability in research analyses in fields like energy, transportation, and the environment. The Campus Super Computing Center (CSCC) will house the new supercomputer. Why it matters: This investment strengthens the UAE's AI capabilities and its position as a global leader in AI research and development.
KAUST's Shaheen III has been confirmed as the Middle East’s most powerful supercomputer, ranking 20th globally. Built by HPE, Shaheen III is six times faster than KAUST’s existing Shaheen II system, exceeding the processing power of 500,000 MacBook Pros. It will support mathematical model construction for scientific discovery, engineering design, and policy support, particularly in sustainability and alignment with Vision 2030. Why it matters: This positions KAUST and Saudi Arabia as leaders in high-performance computing, enabling advanced research across climate change, clean energy, and other critical fields.
KAUST attended the SC22 high-performance computing conference with a team of 20 supercomputing experts. KAUST highlighted that HPE will build Shaheen III, KAUST's next-generation supercomputer, which will be the most powerful in the Middle East. A KAUST team was also a finalist for the 2022 Gordon Bell Prize. Why it matters: KAUST's presence at SC22 underscores its growing influence and leadership in high-performance computing within the Middle East and globally.
KAUST has unveiled Shaheen III, the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East and 18th globally, built by HPE. The system uses 2,800 NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips, tripling the processing power of its predecessor. Shaheen III will support research in Arabic LLMs, climate modeling, remote sensing, automated chemistry, and AI-driven healthcare. Why it matters: This infrastructure investment strengthens Saudi Arabia's position in AI and computational research, enabling advances tailored to the region's needs and priorities.
Jr-Hau He, an associate professor of electrical engineering at KAUST, has been elected as an SPIE Fellow. This recognizes his contributions to solar cells, photodetectors, and semiconductor optics research. He joined KAUST in 2014 and leads a research group focused on developing transparent and flexible electronics using nanomaterials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in optics and photonics research and its ability to attract and support leading researchers in these fields.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte has received the Carlo Heip Award for his contributions to marine biodiversity science. Duarte, director of KAUST's Red Sea Research Center, will receive the award in Montreal in May. Duarte is known for his work in biological oceanography and seagrass meadow ecology, contributing to blue carbon strategies. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's leadership in marine ecological research and highlights the importance of Red Sea research for global conservation efforts.