Fahad Alsherehey, VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about authentic leadership. He cited SABIC's founding as an example of how leadership can turn challenges into opportunities. Alsherehey emphasized the difference between leadership and management, advocating for listening to one's team. Why it matters: The talk highlights the importance of leadership and vision in driving technological and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
100 C-suite leaders from UAE's industrial sector graduated from the Leadership 4.0 training program, implemented by MoIAT in collaboration with MBZUAI. The program aims to develop AI implementation skills in industry, aligning with the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. The training took place at MoIAT’s headquarters in Dubai. Why it matters: This initiative signals a strategic push to integrate AI into the UAE's industrial sector by upskilling leadership, potentially boosting competitiveness and innovation.
KAUST and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) partnered to empower Saudi entrepreneurs through the 1K MILE Program and KAUST's Saudi Leadership Institute (KSLI). Held at KAUST, the program included participants selected from the 1K MILE Program honing their skills alongside peers and trainers from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. The "Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Workshop" featured industry leaders from top Saudi organizations, emphasizing automation and technology adoption. Why it matters: This collaboration fosters high-growth sectors and develops future leaders, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision for economic growth and innovation in line with Vision 2030.
MBZUAI's Executive Program (MEP) graduated its fourth cohort of 42 UAE-based leaders, bringing the total to 166 graduates since 2021. The 12-week program focused on AI's potential to transform society with an emphasis on sustainability. Capstone projects included AI-powered solutions for food security, child exploitation prevention, disease screening, supply chain resilience, and AI training. Why it matters: This program cultivates a new generation of leaders equipped to leverage AI for sustainable development, aligning with the UAE's strategic priorities and positioning the nation as a hub for ethical AI innovation.
KAUST held its fifth annual KAUST Saudi Leadership Program (KSLP) in collaboration with the Haas School of Business of UC Berkeley. The 2018 KSLP edition included workshops and a six-day training course for 25 Saudi female academics in leadership and deanship positions. Participants reviewed strategic planning, team management, and effective executive leadership, and attended lectures by KAUST's senior leadership. Why it matters: Such programs contribute to developing leadership capabilities within Saudi academic institutions, fostering a stronger educational ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
MoIAT and MBZUAI conducted the second edition of their "Industry 4.0 and AI for Industrial Leaders" training program. The four-day program aims to develop skills in AI implementation within industry and enhance national industrial capacity through 4IR technologies. Industrial leaders gained technical knowledge to harness AI and accelerate industrial transformation. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to becoming a leader in AI by 2031, boosting industrial productivity, and integrating advanced technologies to contribute significantly to the national GDP.
KAUST concluded the 10th edition of the KAUST Saudi Leadership Institute (KSLI), focusing on 'The Disruption Advantage' for academic executives. The program hosted leaders from Saudi universities and the Ministry of Education, providing seminars, coaching, and networking opportunities. This year's KSLI collaborated with the Thunderbird School of Global Management's Executive Education Team. Why it matters: KSLI strengthens educational leadership in Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for a knowledge-based economy.
KAUST and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) will establish a capability center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Saudi Arabia's western region. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan and NIDLP CEO Eng. Suliman Al Mazroua. The center aims to accelerate the adoption of 4IR technologies in sectors like industry, mining, energy and logistics. Why it matters: This partnership will drive digital transformation and economic diversification in line with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering local capabilities in advanced technologies.