A recent study by MIT Technology Review Insights, commissioned by UiPath, found that 90% of surveyed UAE companies plan to increase automation investments in the next 12 months. 40% of UAE respondents expect AI to have the greatest impact on sales, followed by customer service and marketing. The UAE is ahead of other countries in the adoption of AI-driven automation. Why it matters: This indicates growing confidence in AI's ability to improve sales outcomes and overall operational efficiency in the UAE market.
MIT Technology Review Arabia recognized two KAUST researchers in its annual Innovators Under 35 MENA Award. Yuxiang Liu developed Sun-Fi, an optical wireless communication network for smart cities that transmits data through window glass using modulated sunlight. Balsam Alkouz created a system for coordinating drone swarms to deliver supplies and deploy communications in disaster zones. Why it matters: The awards highlight KAUST's role in fostering innovative research aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and developing cutting-edge technology for smart cities and crisis response.
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.
KAUST alumna Wedyan Babatain was named a 2022 MENA Innovator Under 35 by MIT Technology Review Arabia. Babatain was recognized for her research developing a soft multifunctional wearable platform using graphene and liquid metal-based electronics. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at MIT Media Lab, developing soft tangible interfaces and robotics platforms. Why it matters: This award highlights the increasing recognition of young Saudi researchers and KAUST's role in fostering innovative research in advanced materials and wearable technology.
MIT Technology Review reports on advancements in machine learning techniques that are significantly improving Arabic speech transcription capabilities. These developments aim to enhance the accuracy and robustness of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems for the complexities of the Arabic language, including its various dialects. The improvements are designed to overcome previous challenges in processing diverse phonetic patterns and linguistic nuances. Why it matters: This progress is vital for the development of more effective voice-enabled technologies, accessibility tools, and AI applications specifically tailored for Arabic-speaking populations in the Middle East and beyond.
KAUST alumnus Babar Khan was named one of MIT Technology Review Arabia's 'Innovators Under 35' for the MENA region in 2019. Khan was recognized for creating an inexpensive sensor technology that detects early bacterial accumulation in water desalination plants. He received the award at the Emerging Technology (EmTech) MENA conference 2019 in Dubai. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing innovation ecosystem in the MENA region and the role of universities like KAUST in fostering technological development.
KAUST Assistant Professor of Material Science and Engineering, Derya Baran, was named as one of MIT Technology Review's 'Innovators Under 35 in the MENA region' in 2018. Baran and her team founded iyris, a startup developing transparent photovoltaic technology to turn windows into solar panels. The technology aims to enable energy-efficient buildings by generating electricity and blocking heat. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's role in fostering innovation in sustainable energy and showcases the potential of advanced materials research for addressing regional environmental challenges.