KAUST ·
Fahad Alsherehey, VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about authentic leadership. He cited SABIC's founding as an example of how leadership can turn challenges into opportunities. Alsherehey emphasized the difference between leadership and management, advocating for listening to one's team. Why it matters: The talk highlights the importance of leadership and vision in driving technological and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
MBZUAI ·
Citadel Securities CEO Dr. Peng Zhao will lecture on AI, Machine Learning, and the Economy at the MBZUAI Executive Program. Zhao, who holds a Ph.D. in statistics from UC Berkeley, became CEO of Citadel in 2017. The MBZUAI Executive Program aims to support the UAE's mission to become a world leader in AI through education and capacity building. Why it matters: The lecture highlights the UAE's commitment to attracting global expertise in AI and integrating it into its leadership development initiatives.
KAUST ·
KAUST's Discovery program supports entrepreneurship. The program appears to have existed since at least 2014, with collaborations including UC Berkeley. Why it matters: Such programs foster innovation and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification.
Bahrain AI ·
PwC has published a report offering strategic guidance to CEOs on navigating the landscape of artificial intelligence. The report likely outlines frameworks for determining where companies should proactively invest and innovate ('lead'), adopt standard industry practices ('lag'), or deprioritize ('exit') specific AI initiatives. It probably addresses critical aspects such as resource allocation, risk management, and competitive differentiation through AI adoption. Why it matters: This strategic counsel can assist businesses in the Middle East in formulating robust AI strategies, optimizing their investments, and enhancing their market competitiveness.
MBZUAI ·
Dr. Pooja Khosla, formerly an academic, co-founded Entelligent, a climate fintech startup that uses big data and machine learning to help companies manage climate change risk. Khosla recently spoke at MBZUAI, advising academics to translate research into real-world applications, leveraging their unique access to data and analytical thinking. She emphasized the importance of simplifying complex work to make it accessible, noting AI's role in accelerating complex tasks. Why it matters: This highlights the growing trend of translating academic research into practical, impactful business solutions within the AI and climate tech sectors, potentially inspiring more researchers in the region to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
MBZUAI ·
MBZUAI is launching a 12-week Executive Program to train UAE government and business leaders on leveraging AI. The program aims to equip decision-makers with skills to shape future industries, aligning with the UAE's AI ambitions. It will feature instruction from professors from Oxford, MIT, and Sinovation Ventures. Why it matters: This program signals the UAE's commitment to developing local AI expertise among leadership and realizing its economic goals in the sector.
KAUST ·
KAUST held its fifth annual KAUST Saudi Leadership Program (KSLP) in collaboration with the Haas School of Business of UC Berkeley. The 2018 KSLP edition included workshops and a six-day training course for 25 Saudi female academics in leadership and deanship positions. Participants reviewed strategic planning, team management, and effective executive leadership, and attended lectures by KAUST's senior leadership. Why it matters: Such programs contribute to developing leadership capabilities within Saudi academic institutions, fostering a stronger educational ecosystem in line with Saudi Vision 2030.