Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have developed a wearable microneedle patch capable of continuously measuring drug levels beneath the skin. The device wirelessly transmits real-time data to a smartphone, using tiny microneedles to access interstitial fluid and electrochemical biosensors. The technology was successfully demonstrated by tracking vancomycin concentrations in preclinical studies. Why it matters: This innovation could enable more precise and personalized medicine dosing by providing continuous insight into drug pharmacokinetics, improving safety and efficacy compared to current periodic blood tests.
Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini of KAUST has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for his contributions to wireless communication systems. Alouini is the first faculty member elected to the NAE while serving at KAUST, and his work focuses on non-terrestrial networks. He aims to extend connectivity to underserved regions and support applications like emergency response and environmental monitoring. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's ability to attract world-leading scholars and contributes to Saudi Vision 2030 by translating research into real-world impact.
Ericsson is continuing its funding for two telecommunications programs at KAUST, managed by Professors Mohamed-Slim Alouini and Atif Shamim, focusing on free-space optics (FSO) and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). These technologies are considered critical for achieving 5G and 6G capabilities. FSO uses lasers to transmit signals through free space, while RIS develops intelligent surfaces to manage wireless signals. Why it matters: This partnership positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of developing next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and capabilities, addressing key challenges in 5G and 6G deployment.
KAUST spinout Sadeem, which develops wireless environmental sensing systems, has secured $2.6 million in co-investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund and Saudi Aramco's Wa'ed Ventures. The funding will support product updates, development of new monitoring technologies, and business development. Sadeem's technology is used in cities including Mexico City and Texas for flood, traffic, weather, and air quality monitoring. Why it matters: The investment highlights the growing venture capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and will allow Sadeem to further develop its sensor technology for environmental monitoring and disaster prevention.
Two professors from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Ahmed Eltawil and Michael Berumen, have been elected 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Professor Eltawil was recognized for his contributions to wireless communications and low-power system design, specifically for advancing AI-native wireless architectures. Professor Berumen was honored for his distinguished work in marine science and ecology, focusing on coral reef ecosystems. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's global impact in scientific research and its contributions to critical areas like intelligent wireless infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has joined global partners to launch the OpenSTX Foundation, hosted by the Linux Foundation. This initiative aims to establish an open industry standard for Synchronous Transmissions (STX), a wireless protocol designed for reliable, secure, and energy-efficient industrial communications. The foundation includes members from Graz University of Technology, Imperial College London, and others. Why it matters: Standardizing STX could accelerate the development of industrial IoT and smart infrastructure projects in the Middle East and Africa, aligning with Abu Dhabi's goals to be a technology hub.
AIDRC researchers Dr. Lina Bariah and Prof. Mérouane Debbah co-authored a paper on the interplay of AI and Digital Twin Technology (DTT) for future wireless networks. The paper explores how AI can enhance the reliability and efficiency of DTT, unifying model-driven and data-driven approaches for 6G networks. The research aligns with the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031, aiming to advance the UAE's position in AI and Metaverse technologies. Why it matters: This work contributes to the development of AI-powered Metaverse applications and the advancement of wireless communication technologies in the UAE.
Researchers from the AI and Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC) won the Best Paper Award at the 2022 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) for their paper "RSMA for Dual-Polarized Massive MIMO Networks: A SIC-Free Approach". The paper introduces a dual-polarized RSMA technique for downlink massive MIMO networks, using the polarization domain. Their approach relaxes the computational burden of successive interference cancellation and delivers high data rates. Why it matters: This award recognizes impactful research from the UAE on optimizing wireless communication using AI, which can contribute to advancements in 5G and beyond.