KAUST, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will host the second edition of the MENA Machine Learning Winter School (MenaML) from January 24-29, 2026. The program will cover the latest developments in intelligent model engineering, AI for science, and high-efficiency computing technologies with representatives from 16 international institutions. 300 researchers will be selected from over 2,300 applicants to participate in the intensive academic program. Why it matters: The MenaML winter school strengthens KAUST's role as a regional hub for AI research and contributes to human capital development in AI across the MENA region.
KAUST has been ranked sixth globally and first in the MENA region in the Nature Young Universities Index, which lists the top 175 universities established in the last 50 years. The ranking is based on fractional count of articles published in 2018 in 82 high-quality natural science journals. The report praised KAUST's research quality and contribution to total research outputs in the Middle East. Why it matters: This ranking highlights the rapid rise of KAUST as a leading research institution in the region and globally, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific advancement.
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.
MBZUAI and Quris-AI have partnered to launch a Bio-AI center in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The center will focus on developing personalized medications tailored to the MENA region's diverse populations, leveraging Quris-AI's 'patient-on-a-chip' technology and MBZUAI's AI expertise. Quris-AI is establishing a UAE subsidiary, Quris-UAE, in Abu Dhabi as part of this collaboration. Why it matters: This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a hub for Bio-AI research and personalized medicine, potentially accelerating drug development and reducing clinical trial failures in the region.
This article discusses a talk by Houda Elmimouni on designing technology with user values in mind, using privacy and robotic telepresence research as examples. The first study examines privacy practices, while the second focuses on values in robotic telepresence in classrooms. Elmimouni highlights the importance of aligning technology design with social values like privacy. Why it matters: The emphasis on user-centered design and social values provides insights applicable to AI development in the Middle East, where cultural context and ethical considerations are paramount.
Three KAUST scientists—Hamed Albalawi, Hend Mohamed, and Walaa Khushaim—have been named MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 MENA. Albalawi developed a calcium carbonate ink for 3D-bioprinting coral restoration scaffolds, while Mohamed created catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel production. Khushaim developed multiplexed biosensors for early heart attack detection, integrated into portable diagnostic devices. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing innovation ecosystem at KAUST and the potential for Saudi Arabia to contribute significantly to global challenges in sustainability and healthcare.
This study assesses workforce preparedness for AI in the GCC region, using socio-technical systems theory to analyze national AI strategies and initiatives in KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. The research combines TF-IDF analysis, case studies of MBZUAI and SDAIA Academy, and scenario planning to evaluate the balance between technical capacity and social alignment. The study identifies a potential two-track talent system and emphasizes the importance of regulatory convergence for successful AI adoption.