MBZUAI students participated in the Climate Ambassadors Programme (CAP) at Expo City Dubai, role-playing a COP28 session. Representing different countries, the students developed innovative climate change solutions, emphasizing AI's role. The event, part of a series leading up to COP28, saw MBZUAI ambassadors highlighting the need for proactive environmental action. Why it matters: This initiative showcases the potential of AI-focused education in addressing global climate challenges and promoting youth engagement in sustainability efforts within the UAE.
The European Delegation to Saudi Arabia partnered with KAUST to host "Bridging Horizons," an event for over 200 students, researchers, and postdocs. The EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, gave a keynote on EU mobility and collaboration opportunities in health, climate, energy, and digital fields. KAUST leadership met with the Ambassador to discuss increasing academic partnerships and student exchanges between KAUST and European universities. Why it matters: This collaboration aims to strengthen research and innovation ties between the EU and Saudi Arabia, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering human capital development and knowledge exchange.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its NextGen Winter Program, a two-week AI literacy program for UAE high school students (Grades 10-12) taking place December 8-19, 2025. The program includes interactive workshops, group challenges, and engagement with MBZUAI faculty, with registration closing on November 19, 2025. This winter edition follows a successful summer program that saw high interest from UAE youth in AI. Why it matters: The program contributes to building national AI capabilities by providing early AI exposure to UAE youth, in line with the UAE's vision for future-ready talent.
Dr. Tarek Ali Fadaak, a Shura Council member, discussed the importance of environmental balance and improved resource management in Saudi urban planning during a 2018 KAUST lecture. He highlighted challenges like insufficient and poorly utilized open spaces in Saudi cities, emphasizing the need for aesthetic improvements and more public spaces. Fadaak stressed the importance of investing in the education of Saudi youth to drive future development and address these urban planning challenges. Why it matters: This underscores the ongoing focus on sustainable urban development and the role of Saudi talent in shaping future cities within the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
MBZUAI PhD student Salem AlMarri, also a Dubai Police officer, has been appointed to the Dubai Youth Council for 2023-2025. AlMarri's research focuses on using AI to combat crime and improve emergency response times, aiming to contribute to the UAE's AI strategy. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the UAE’s up and coming scientist at the Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Program for Excellence and Community Intelligence. Why it matters: This appointment highlights the UAE's focus on empowering young talent in AI to drive innovation and address local challenges in public safety and smart city development.
Three KAUST students, Mohammed Zidan, Joanna Nasser, and Stephanie Saade, were selected to attend the 65th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. The meeting will host 65 Nobel Laureates and 650 young researchers in physiology, medicine, physics, and chemistry. The students look forward to the transfer of knowledge and networking opportunities with leading scientists. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering young scientific talent and providing opportunities for them to engage with the global scientific community.