Three researchers from the AI Cross-Center Unit (AICCU) have been selected to pursue master’s and PhD studies at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The TII-sponsored students will receive full scholarships and salaries while studying machine learning and computer vision. One student previously worked on the NOOR project, the world’s largest Arabic NLP model. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's commitment to developing local AI talent and fostering collaboration between research institutions and universities.
KAUST and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to launch three specialized academic programs focused on industry and mining. These programs include undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies, with the aim of developing human capital and fostering innovation in these sectors. The MoU also plans to facilitate the admission of Saudi talents to global universities via scholarships. Why it matters: This partnership aims to align KAUST's research and education with the needs of Saudi Arabia's industrial and mining sectors, supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and technological advancement.
KAUST and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) have partnered to support KAUST's Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program. NIDLP will offer scholarships to TIE students and support them in R&D projects aligned with Vision 2030. NIDLP will also help students explore career opportunities in R&D fields after graduation. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia's focus on developing local talent and innovation in line with Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy.
KAUST Academy concluded its second cohort, attended by H.R.H Prince Saud bin Mishaal, showcasing 67 projects in AI, cybersecurity, and bioinformatics. The program included virtual courses for 7,000 students, in-person training for 2,800, and scholarships for 200 at institutions like Oxford, Toronto, and KAUST. Professor Sultan Albarakati highlighted KAUST's commitment to world-class education through global partnerships. Why it matters: This initiative addresses Saudi Vision 2030's goal of building a skilled national workforce in critical technology sectors.
Qurrat-Ul-Ain Nadeem, a Ph.D. student in electrical engineering at KAUST, is researching MIMO technology for 5G communication systems as part of the Communication Theory Lab (CTL). She holds a Bachelor's degree from LUMS, Pakistan, and previously completed her master's at KAUST in 2015. Nadeem chose KAUST over fully funded Ph.D. scholarships from Cornell and Wisconsin-Madison due to its research opportunities and diverse environment. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's ability to attract top talent and contribute to advancements in 5G technology, showcasing the university's role in fostering cutting-edge research within the region.
MBZUAI has opened graduate admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year, offering five M.Sc. and five Ph.D. programs, alongside a new Master in Applied AI (MAAI). The MAAI program is designed for working professionals, focusing on applying AI to solve organizational and societal challenges, taught by MBZUAI faculty and international guest speakers. The university also provides fully-funded scholarships for its M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Why it matters: This new program and scholarship offerings will help MBZUAI attract top talent and further establish itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.
ICESCO and MBZUAI concluded a series of meetings at Moroccan universities to introduce engineering and science students to AI and scholarship opportunities at MBZUAI. Over 500 master’s and doctoral students participated in the week-long event. MBZUAI representatives highlighted the university's focus on computer vision and machine learning. Why it matters: This collaboration promotes AI education and research opportunities for students in Morocco, potentially fostering AI talent and innovation in the region.
An Italian delegation led by Ambassador Nicola Lener met with MBZUAI leadership to discuss potential collaborations between MBZUAI and Italian universities. The Ambassador expressed interest in raising awareness of MBZUAI's scholarship opportunities among Italian students. MBZUAI emphasized the importance of partnerships with Italian educational institutes and welcoming Italian students. Why it matters: This collaboration could foster cross-cultural exchange and advance AI research by integrating Italian expertise with MBZUAI's focus on AI education and research.