This study compares AI uptake in the UAE and Kuwait, analyzing how constitutional, collective-choice, and operational rules shape AI implementation and its impact on citizen centricity and public value creation. It finds that the UAE's concentrated authority and pro-innovation environment enable scaling AI initiatives, while Kuwait's dispersed governance and cautious approach limit progress despite similar resources. The research highlights the importance of vertical rule coherence over wealth in determining AI's public-value yield.
KAUST Professor Husam Alshareef received the Kuwait Prize in Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies on December 5. The award recognizes Alshareef's contributions to energy storage materials, including sodium and zinc ion batteries and supercapacitors. Alshareef's research group focuses on developing layered electrode materials through various synthesis techniques. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's growing role in sustainable energy research and the impact of Arab scientists in advancing energy storage technologies.
KAUST Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi has won the 2023 Kuwait Prize in chemistry for his work on functional solid-state materials, specifically metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). His research focuses on innovative design strategies for these materials and their applications in gas separations, catalysis, energy storage, and carbon capture. Eddaoudi, a founding faculty member at KAUST since 2009, shares the prize with Prof. Nashaat Nassar from the University of Calgary. Why it matters: The award recognizes KAUST's research excellence and highlights the importance of materials science for energy and environmental sustainability within the Arab world.
Kuwait has launched a national AI initiative aimed at training ministers and senior government officials. The program seeks to enhance understanding and adoption of AI technologies within the government. Specific details on the program's curriculum or timeline were not disclosed in the announcement. Why it matters: This initiative signals a growing interest in leveraging AI for governance and public services across the GCC region.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) has signed MOUs with the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Kuwait University (KU) to cooperate in AI and data science. The partnerships aim to enhance research capabilities and promote technological innovation in both countries through joint projects and knowledge sharing. KISTI will collaborate with KISR on AI-based smart environmental monitoring and with KU on developing data analysis and AI technologies. Why it matters: These partnerships can accelerate the development and adoption of AI technologies in Kuwait and foster collaboration between Korean and Kuwaiti researchers.