MBZUAI hosted the 2024 Middle East Advancement Conference (MEAC) in Abu Dhabi, gathering over 50 delegates from global educational institutions. The conference, organized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), focused on international best practices in areas like alumni relations and student recruitment. The event included discussions on the impact of AI on advancement professionals and featured leaders from MBZUAI, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai. Why it matters: The conference highlights the UAE's growing role as a hub for educational innovation and its commitment to fostering a globally networked approach to talent development in the AI era.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will participate in the 2021 Joint IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal & Power Integrity, and EMC Europe. DERC will present scientific papers and a tutorial on Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) with ETS Lindgren, led by Dr. Nicolas Mora. Dr. Mora and Professor Farhad Rachidi will present a tutorial on High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). Why it matters: The participation highlights the UAE's growing expertise in electromagnetic compatibility and protection, particularly regarding critical infrastructure resilience against electromagnetic threats.
Marcus Engsig from DERC will present a paper at the MATLAB User Group Meeting in Abu Dhabi on October 6. The paper, titled ‘Generalization of Higher Order Methods For Fast Iterative Matrix Inversion Compatible With GPU Acceleration’, discusses a novel approach to matrix inversion using GPUs. The method, named Nested Neumann, achieves 4-100x acceleration compared to standard MATLAB methods for large matrices. Why it matters: This research contributes to faster computation in numerical and physical modeling, crucial for processing large datasets in various scientific and engineering applications in the region.
MEDAD, a KAUST spin-off, won the 2020 MEED Sustainability Medal for its "Innovative Hybrid Solar Desalination Cycle." The MEDAD hybrid cycle desalinates seawater using solar energy at 60-80 degrees Celsius, combining adsorption with multi-effect desalination. The cycle achieved performance levels of 20% of thermodynamic limits and a water production cost of $0.48/m3. Why it matters: This award recognizes the potential of KAUST-developed technology to address critical water scarcity challenges in the GCC region through sustainable and cost-effective desalination.
Emaar, The Economic City (EEC) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various areas, including community lifestyle, education, transportation, and smart city solutions. The agreement aims to align with KAUST’s research pillars and KAEC’s business strategy. The collaboration also seeks to support the Kingdom's sustainable development goals and drive innovation. Why it matters: This partnership between a leading economic city developer and a top research university in Saudi Arabia has the potential to foster innovation, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in the region, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030.
Ai Everything MEA will debut in Egypt in 2026. The event aims to unite AI leaders, experts, and policymakers to explore AI's transformative potential in the Middle East and Africa. The event will focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and responsible AI adoption. Why it matters: This event signals growing interest in AI development and deployment across the MEA region, particularly in Egypt.
Technology Innovation Institute’s Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is sponsoring the 8th Euro-Asian Pulsed Power Conference (EAPPC) in Biarritz, France. The conference will cover topics such as pulsed power applications, high power microwaves, particle beam technology, and ultrahigh magnetic field generation. DERC will present its progress on fast discharge technologies with semiconductors and gases. Why it matters: DERC's participation highlights the growing focus on advanced energy technologies and international collaboration within the UAE's research landscape.
Mae AlMansoori, a Senior Researcher at the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) in the UAE, has been awarded the IEEE Mojgan Daneshmand Grant. She is the first woman from the UAE and the region to receive this grant, which recognizes women in STEM. AlMansoori will receive a $1,500 prize and present a paper at the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation in Denver. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing role of women in STEM fields in the UAE and provides a platform for regional researchers to gain international recognition.