A team from KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC) won first place at the 4th Middle Eastern Process Engineering Conference & Exhibition (MEPEC) technical debates in Bahrain. The team consisted of KAUST students Nawaf Al-Ghamdi, Mayadah Al-Hashem, and Abdullah Al-Ramadan. The debates featured teams from universities across the Middle East and addressed technical issues related to sustainability, energy, safety and regional policies. Why it matters: This win highlights KAUST's strong presence and capabilities in engineering and its contributions to regional discussions on critical topics like sustainability and energy.
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.
MBZUAI has announced an enhanced MBZUAI Executive Program (MEP) welcoming its fifth cohort of 44 senior leaders from various sectors across the UAE. The program focuses on AI application and implementation, covering real-world projects, policy development, and ethics. The in-person modules are spread over 16 weeks and include new chapters on AI transformation, policymaking, and ethics. Why it matters: The enhanced MEP helps develop a strong regional AI community, supporting digital transformation in UAE organizations and aligning with the UAE's national AI strategy.
The KAUST Research Conference on Recovery of Difficult Hydrocarbons, organized by the Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC), addressed challenges in the oil and gas industry related to meeting global hydrocarbon demand within environmental and economic constraints. The conference featured 39 presentations and focused on technical solutions for environmentally sound recovery from complex oil and gas fields in the Middle East. Discussions covered topics such as multi-scale heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, multi-scale imaging fractures, and modeling hydrocarbons. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's role in addressing critical challenges facing hydrocarbon-dependent economies in the region through research and technology development.
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.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is partnering with Montena Technology to study high-altitude electromagnetic pulses and design infrastructure safeguards. DERC is also collaborating with Radaz to evaluate ground penetrating and synthetic aperture radars in Abu Dhabi, aiming to identify natural resources. Additionally, DERC and Université de Picardie Jules Verne are working on laser sources and sensors, with a DERC researcher spending four years in France. Why it matters: These partnerships enhance DERC's research capabilities in critical areas like infrastructure protection, resource exploration, and advanced sensing technologies.
MBZUAI will showcase AI applications for energy transformation at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi, highlighting technologies for safety, efficiency, and competitiveness. Demonstrations will include intelligent cooling, autonomous inspection robotics, and AI-powered decision support. Sami Haddadin emphasizes AI's role as critical infrastructure, while Ramzi Ben Ouaghren notes its role in enabling a sustainable energy future. Why it matters: This participation underscores the UAE's commitment to leveraging AI for global impact in the energy sector, promoting innovation and technology transfer.
MBZUAI concluded the second edition of its Executive Program (MEP) with 43 UAE leaders from public and private sectors completing 12 weeks of coursework. The program covered AI and machine learning topics, AI ethics and policymaking, and robotics, taught by global AI leaders. Participants addressed UAE national challenges with AI research solutions as part of a capstone project. Why it matters: This program aims to enhance AI capabilities and knowledge among UAE leaders, fostering innovation and increasing efficiency across various sectors.