MBZUAI Professor Kun Zhang's research focuses on causality in AI systems, aiming to understand underlying processes beyond data correlation. He emphasizes the importance of causality and graphical representations to model why systems produce observations and account for uncertainty. Zhang served as a program chair at the 38th Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI) in Eindhoven. Why it matters: This highlights the growing importance of causality and uncertainty in AI research, crucial for responsible AI deployment and decision-making in the region.
MBZUAI Associate Professor Martin Takáč is working on high-performance computing and machine learning with applications in logistics, supply chain management, and other areas. His research focuses on using AI to improve precision and efficiency in tasks like predicting demand and optimizing delivery routes. Takáč's interests include imitative learning, predictive modeling, and reinforcement learning to enable AI to mimic human behavior and predict future outcomes. Why it matters: This research contributes to the development of more efficient and reliable AI systems that can be applied to a wide range of industries in the UAE and beyond.
TII Chief Researcher Mérouane Debbah and MBZUAI President Eric Xing visited École Polytechnique in France to discuss AI research and training. They reviewed AI projects and opportunities to increase the visibility of UAE-led research. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between MBZUAI, TII, and École Polytechnique. Why it matters: Such partnerships can foster knowledge exchange and accelerate AI innovation in the UAE by leveraging international expertise.
MBZUAI Assistant Professor Qirong Ho is researching AI operating systems to standardize algorithms and enable non-experts to create AI applications reliably. He emphasizes that countries mastering mass production of AI systems will benefit most from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Ho is co-founder and CTO at Petuum Inc., an AI startup creating standardized building blocks for affordable and scalable AI production. Why it matters: This research aims to democratize AI development and promote widespread adoption across industries in the UAE and beyond.
MBZUAI and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) are collaborating to develop AI algorithms to predict heart attacks months in advance with 87% accuracy using ultrasound images. The project aims to preemptively predict heart attacks in the short and long term, addressing the high rates of cardiac arrest, especially in the Middle East. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SEHA and MBZUAI to integrate AI into healthcare. Why it matters: This partnership could significantly improve healthcare outcomes in the region by leveraging AI to proactively address heart disease, a leading cause of death.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) was established in 2019 to drive the national AI strategy in Saudi Arabia. SDAIA's main entities include the National Data Management Office (NDMO), the National Center for AI (NCAI), and the National Information Center (NIC). SDAIA has launched initiatives like the Tuwaiq AI Challenge and the Global AI Summit. Why it matters: SDAIA is central to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and develop AI capabilities.