KAUST research scientist Muhammad Wakil Shahzad won the 'best presenter' award at the 2019 Global Summit and Expo on Power & Energy Engineering in Dubai. His presentation focused on the energy efficiency of seawater desalination processes. Shahzad's research at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center aims to improve desalination methods and develop water reclamation strategies. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative desalination technologies, which are crucial for addressing water scarcity in the Gulf region and drought-stricken areas globally.
Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, a research scientist at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center, won the 'Best Oral Presentation' award at the 2nd Global Conference and Expo on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology in Amsterdam. The award recognized Shahzad's research and presentation on the "Fallacy of Energy Efficiency of Desalination processes Comparison." He also delivered the opening ceremony speech during the conference. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to research in water desalination, a critical area for Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
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.
Dr. Mohammad Yaqub, an Assistant Professor at MBZUAI, leads the BioMedIA lab and focuses on applying AI to real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in smart imaging. He was inspired by a textbook by Tom Mitchell and his work at Oxford University where he helped develop ScanNav, an AI solution aiding sonographers in anomaly scans during pregnancy. ScanNav assists in assessing fetal growth and detecting abnormalities, potentially improving early intervention. Why it matters: This highlights the growing importance of AI in enhancing medical diagnostics and improving healthcare outcomes in the UAE and globally.
MBZUAI Ph.D. candidate Muhammad Maaz has been awarded the 2025 Google Ph.D. Fellowship in Machine Perception. Maaz is the first student from MBZUAI and the first from the Gulf region to receive this recognition, which includes funding, mentorship, and $50,000. He has published extensively in top-tier CV/NLP venues and has over 4,500 citations. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing prominence of MBZUAI and the increasing quality of AI research in the Gulf region on the global stage.
Professor Mohammad Younis, a new Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at KAUST, focuses his research on micro and nanotechnology, specifically the interface between nonlinear dynamics and micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). He is developing a generic platform for sensing and actuation with potential uses in detecting poisonous gases, biohazards, and earthquake signals. He is also working on actuator systems that can assist elderly people after a fall by automatically calling for help. Why it matters: This research has significant implications for safety, environmental monitoring, and elderly care in the Middle East and beyond.
MBZUAI valedictorian Shahd AlShamsi is using AI and ML to develop personalized cognitive healthcare, shifting treatment from reaction to prevention. Her master's research involves a digital twin framework that integrates representations of a person’s cognitive experience using deep learning models and EEG data. She hopes to develop a mobile application to extend her work to personalized mental health. Why it matters: This research highlights the potential of AI to improve personalized healthcare in the UAE and beyond, and demonstrates the contributions of Emirati researchers.
KAUST Ph.D. student Muhammad Akram Karimi is developing low-cost microwave sensors for industrial applications, particularly in the oil industry, under the supervision of Professor Atif Shamim. He is working on a field prototype for Saudi Aramco based on his novel design. Karimi and his professor plan to form a startup to provide microwave sensing solutions and are collaborating with a Norwegian company to commercialize their sensor. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's focus on industry-relevant research and its potential for commercialization through startups, particularly in the important oil and gas sector.