The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) received a US$1.5 million grant from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). The grant was awarded at the UAEREP's 5th Cycle Awarding Ceremony in Abu Dhabi. DERC was recognized for its research on laser-induced rain and the development of a mobile high-power pulsed laser using remote sensing. Why it matters: This funding supports the development of sustainable, chemical-free rain enhancement technologies, addressing critical water security challenges in arid regions.
KAUST is accepting applications for its Global Fellowship Program, which supports early-career scientists and engineers with resources to conduct research at KAUST for three years. The program provides a $75,000 annual stipend, up to $40,000 per year in research funds, free housing, and access to KAUST's research infrastructure. The fellowship aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and KAUST's research priorities. Why it matters: The program signifies KAUST's ongoing efforts to attract global talent and advance research and development in line with the Kingdom's strategic goals.
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.
Google.org is providing $1 million to MBZUAI to fund a research initiative led by Professor Thamar Solorio focused on addressing the “data divide” in AI for underrepresented languages, especially those in the MENA region. The project aims to create resource-lean AI models tailored to the sociocultural and linguistic realities of MENA, requiring less data and computational power. This initiative will also support the training of postdoctoral and early-career researchers at MBZUAI. Why it matters: The funding will help create AI technologies grounded in the linguistic nuances of the MENA region, rather than adapting Western models, while also democratizing AI development by lowering resource requirements.
Prof. Luigi Amico of the Quantum Research Center (QRC) has been awarded a US$250,000 Julian Schwinger Foundation (JSF) Grant for his 'Rydberg Atomtronics' project. The project involves experimental sampling managed by Prof. Oliver Morsch’s group in Pisa and will run in collaboration with the University of Catania and the University of Pisa. The grant will facilitate the development of quantum circuits using Rydberg excitations for fast quantum devices and quantum computing. Why it matters: This funding and collaboration strengthens the UAE's position in quantum computing research and fosters international partnerships in advanced technology.
KAUST and NEOM have signed an agreement to establish the KAUST-NEOM Center of Excellence for NEOM Research at KAUST. The center will focus on solutions for challenges in sustainable energy, urban planning, agriculture, seismology, water desalination, AI, big data, and sensors. NEOM will be backed by over $500 billion in funding. Why it matters: The partnership signifies a major investment in R&D and technological innovation within Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's vision for economic diversification and development of cutting-edge technologies.
MBZUAI has launched the Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) program, a postdoctoral fellowship for Emirati Ph.D. graduates to undertake two-year, fully-funded research positions at leading global institutions. The program aims to cultivate local talent in AI and computational research, with the goal of strengthening participants' eligibility for faculty positions at MBZUAI. The fellowship covers a stipend, research funds, insurance, relocation support, and conference travel.
The KAUST Innovation Fund will provide venture capital investments in technology-based startups, ranging from seed funding (less than $200,000) to early-stage (up to $2 million). KAUST aims to become a shareholder in the startups it funds and act as a long-term strategic partner. Applications for seed funding can be submitted at any time, and the Fund is seeking startups with a large potential market, a superior product/technology, and a strong team. Why it matters: This initiative should accelerate the growth of technology startups in Saudi Arabia and attract international investment to the Kingdom's innovation ecosystem.