Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat has partnered with SandboxAQ to enhance Bahrain's biotechnology sector. SandboxAQ will establish its regional headquarters in Bahrain, focusing on developing quantum AI talent and infrastructure in areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in critical sectors such as healthcare, materials science, and clean energy. Why it matters: This strategic partnership positions Bahrain as a regional hub for advanced quantum AI applications, driving economic diversification and human capital development in high-tech industries.
Aramco has signed an MoU with KAUST, pledging to fund up to $100 million in R&D projects over the next 10 years. The collaboration will focus on areas like energy transition, sustainability, materials transition, upstream technologies, and digital solutions. Specific research areas include liquids-to-chemicals conversion, low-carbon aviation fuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture. Why it matters: This major investment will accelerate innovation in critical areas like sustainable energy and materials science, aligning Saudi Arabia's research priorities with its economic diversification goals.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi announced its Quantum Research Center (QRC) will build the UAE’s first quantum computer in collaboration with Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. The computer will use superconducting qubits, the same technology used by Google and IBM. The first quantum chips are expected by the end of summer. Why it matters: This project positions the UAE as a leader in quantum computing research and development in the Middle East, potentially enabling breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and AI.
A Science Robotics article co-authored by MBZUAI explores the use of AI and robotics to accelerate scientific discovery in chemistry, biology, and materials science. The paper envisions closed-loop labs with AI-designed experiments, robotic execution, and machine learning analysis, potentially cutting discovery timelines. It proposes a framework emphasizing human-machine partnership, modular systems, and AI-driven planning while addressing challenges like data standardization. Why it matters: This research highlights the potential of AI and robotics to transform scientific research in the GCC region and beyond, enabling faster discoveries and democratizing access to advanced lab capabilities.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has been ranked No. 1 in Saudi Arabia for materials science, chemistry, natural sciences, and electrical engineering in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject. Globally, KAUST ranks within the top 100 across eight different subjects. These rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, comparing over 1,500 universities worldwide. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's growing academic excellence and its contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 goals of attracting top talent and elevating the global standing of the Kingdom's educational institutions.
Shamma Almazrouei from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 11th Global Conference on Material Sciences and Engineering (CMSE 2022) for her presentation on "Chromium Doped Tungsten Alloy for Plasma-Facing Components Formed by Compression Plasma Flows." Her research explored the structural and mechanical properties of chromium-doped tungsten alloys for plasma-facing components of fusion reactors. The study suggests that Cr-W alloys can be used to construct plasma-facing components that can withstand high thermal loads. Why it matters: This award recognizes impactful materials science research in the UAE related to fusion reactors, a critical area for future energy technologies.
DERC's Aysha Al Neyadi won the Young Scientists Competition at the 14th International Conference Interaction of Radiation with Solids in Minsk, Belarus. Aysha co-authored a paper with researchers from Belarus State University and TII on the structure and phase composition stability of amorphous zirconium irradiated with helium ions. The paper examined amorphous alloy samples based on zirconium irradiated with Helium ions at 40 keV. Why it matters: This award recognizes contributions to materials science and highlights international research collaborations involving UAE institutions.
Dr. Nesma Aboulkhair, Additive Manufacturing Lead Researcher at TII, has been ranked among Stanford's top 2% of scientists for single-year citations for the second consecutive year. Dr. Aboulkhair joined TII in April 2021 and also holds a visiting academic position at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Her research focuses on metal additive manufacturing processes, including powder-based and droplet-on-demand methods, and she has secured over GBP2 million in funding. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing expertise in advanced manufacturing within UAE research institutions and TII's ability to attract and foster high-impact researchers in critical fields.