AI is identified as a key growth area in Oman's technology sector, driven by increasing investment and adoption across various industries. Specific sectors highlighted for AI implementation include logistics, healthcare, and finance. The Omani government is actively promoting AI through national strategies and initiatives. Why it matters: This signals a growing recognition of AI's importance for economic diversification and technological advancement within Oman.
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.
KAUST startup Sadeem, which provides solar-powered smart city solutions for flood, traffic and environmental monitoring, won the Best Global Startup award in Dubai in 2017. Since then, Sadeem has focused on building its business model and infrastructure to accommodate expansion. Sadeem recently installed its smart city sensors, including the Aura air quality monitor, in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This expansion demonstrates the potential for Saudi-based startups to provide innovative solutions to local challenges and scale their impact internationally.
KAUST's Darwin21 research group, led by Maged Saad and Heribert Hirt, has developed biostimulant products using plant endophyte microbes to enhance crop resilience in arid conditions. Estidamah, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture, validated Darwin21's products, demonstrating increased vegetable yield and quality with reduced water consumption. A cucumber harvest required only two-thirds of the water when the microbes were applied. Why it matters: This validation paves the way for commercial application, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030's goals of water conservation and food security through innovative agri-technologies.
KAUST researchers are using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to transform organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and high-quality organic fertilizer. BSF larvae consume organic matter and reduce waste volume significantly in a 12-day period. Organic Waste Management Solutions (OWMS), a startup launched by the team, is scaling up and commercializing the BSF-based process. Why it matters: This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for waste management in the region, generating lower carbon emissions compared to existing technologies like incineration and landfilling.
MBZUAI alumna Akbobek Abilkaiyrkyzy, who graduated with a master's in machine learning in 2022, has been involved in various domains, including industry, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Her master's thesis focused on developing a chatbot for mental health problem detection, leading to the creation of WellRound, an app that uses data from various sources to improve mental and physical wellbeing. She further developed the app with support from the MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Why it matters: This highlights MBZUAI's role in fostering AI innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector, as well as empowering its graduates to create solutions addressing critical societal needs.
KAUST researchers are contributing new information about desert and mangrove plants to support Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. They are creating a soil atlas for Saudi Arabia, studying soil profiles and microbial populations in hyperarid regions. The team has also compiled the world’s largest biobank of desert microbes, sequencing each microbe's genome. Why it matters: This research is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of large-scale greening efforts in arid environments like Saudi Arabia.