VentureOne, part of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), launched Nabat, a climate tech venture using AI and robotics for ecosystem restoration. Nabat employs drones, AI-powered software, and flexible seeding to conserve and restore mangroves, aiming to cover thousands of hectares in the UAE over seven years. Their technology enables precision mapping, seeding, and monitoring in remote areas. Why it matters: This initiative showcases the UAE's commitment to using advanced technology for environmental conservation and climate resilience, particularly in preserving vital ecosystems like mangroves, while also highlighting the growing AI startup ecosystem in the region.
KAUST researchers found that wildfire smoke particles act as chemical factories under sunlight, producing harmful oxidants like peroxides. These particles bypass traditional suppression by nitrogen oxides in polluted environments, generating oxidants internally. The study reveals that colored organic molecules in biomass-burning aerosols act as photosensitizers, triggering rapid reactions. Why it matters: The findings highlight that current air-quality and climate models underestimate oxidant production from wildfires, with implications for anticipating health risks and environmental impacts in regions like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST has been awarded the ACM Gordon Bell Prize for Climate Modelling, considered the "Nobel" of high-performance computing, for their work on exascale climate emulators. The winning paper, a collaborative effort with institutions including the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, addresses the computational and storage demands of high-resolution earth system models. The KAUST team included Sameh Abdulah, Marc G. Genton, David E. Keyes, and others. Why it matters: This is the first time an institution in the Middle East has won the prize, highlighting KAUST's leadership in high-performance computing and climate research in the region.
KAUST researchers have been selected as finalists for two ACM Gordon Bell Prizes for high-performance computing. One project used NVIDIA GPUs to enhance genetic studies from the UK Biobank, achieving 133x speedup over existing software. The other developed an exascale climate emulator with higher spatial-temporal resolution than current models, demonstrated on supercomputers like Shaheen III. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's strength in high-performance computing research and its contributions to both genetic analysis and climate modeling.
KAUST, AEON Collective, and KAPSARC released a report during MENA Climate Week assessing climate change impacts in Saudi Arabia under a 3°C warming scenario. The report finds that Saudi Arabia is experiencing climate change at an accelerated pace, with potential temperature increases of up to 5.6°C by the end of the century. It highlights the need for policy choices and adaptation strategies to mitigate impacts on ecosystems, urban environments, and human health. Why it matters: This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights for Saudi Arabia to inform its climate policies and adaptation efforts, addressing challenges like coral bleaching, desert expansion, and increased health risks.
KAUST and the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) have signed agreements to create two new climate centers in Saudi Arabia. The centers are named The National Center for Climate Change, and the Regional Sand and Dust Storms Early Warning and Advisory Center. KAUST will assist NCM in developing web-based publishing software and climate models, in cooperation with the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the USA. Why it matters: The new centers will provide crucial tools and information for mitigating the negative effects of climate change in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region.
Malaria No More, the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and the Reaching the Last Mile program launched the Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS) to combat malaria amidst climate change. Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) joined as a technical partner, providing research support leveraging AI and data science. The initiative aims to develop and implement AI-driven strategies to address the impact of climate change on malaria transmission. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to using AI for global health challenges, particularly in combating climate-sensitive diseases like malaria.
A KAUST-led study analyzed the impact of natural forests on local temperatures across the globe, finding that forests provide the greatest climate benefits when conserved or restored in their native locations. The analysis showed that forests generally have net global cooling effects in areas where dense tree cover would naturally exist. The research highlights that forests buffer against extreme temperatures, providing warming effects in freezing areas and cooling effects in warm regions. Why it matters: The findings emphasize the importance of regional scientific evidence in guiding land-use and restoration decisions, ensuring effective and sustainable nature-based solutions in the face of climate change.
Matthew McCabe, a leader in Earth observation and water security, has been appointed as the new dean of KAUST's Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division. McCabe aims to deepen stakeholder collaborations, strengthen cross-disciplinary exchange, and accelerate the application of research into real-world solutions. He will also prioritize attracting and training young Saudi talent to lead in science and research. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on addressing critical regional challenges in water, food security, and climate change through scientific innovation and talent development.
KAUST Professor Yoshihide Wada has been awarded the 2025 Joanne Simpson Medal by the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The award recognizes Wada's pioneering research modeling the human impact on the global hydrological cycle. Wada joined KAUST in 2022 and has collaborated with Saudi stakeholders to develop scalable solutions for the Kingdom. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's growing prominence in environmental research and its commitment to addressing critical global challenges related to water resources and climate change.
Two KAUST professors, Sami Al-Ghamdi and Hussein Hoteit, have been selected as lead authors for the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). Al-Ghamdi will contribute to the Asia chapter, while Hoteit will focus on carbon dioxide removal technologies. The AR7 report is expected to be completed in 2029 and will inform international climate policy. Why it matters: This appointment places KAUST at the forefront of global climate research and strengthens the university's influence on international climate policy.
KAUST and international collaborators discovered that the Rub’ Al-Khali desert was once a vast lake and river system that supported grasslands and savannahs. The "Green Arabia" period, marked by heavy rainfall, facilitated the growth of a lake covering 1,100 km² with a depth of 42 meters, which overflowed and carved a 150 km valley. The research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, highlights the impact of climate cycles on landscapes and human societies. Why it matters: Understanding the past climate transformations in the Arabian Peninsula is crucial for predicting the consequences of current climate change and its impact on regional habitability.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with Aeon Collective, have issued a call for global leaders to prioritize land restoration and food systems. Their policy paper, launched at COP16 in Riyadh, outlines a framework for halving degraded land by 2050. The initiative aims to reverse the negative impacts of land degradation, including increased food insecurity and exacerbated climate change. Why it matters: The focus on land restoration at a major UN conference hosted in the Middle East highlights the region's growing role in global sustainability efforts and the importance of addressing desertification.
A KAUST-led study across 25 countries found livestock management as critical as climate in explaining woody species coverage in arid zones. The BIODESERT research network analyzed livestock management, fire, climate, and soil, finding that grazing pressure and herbivore type significantly impact arid ecosystems. Researchers are identifying conditions where grazing pressure can be optimized for sustainable production. Why it matters: The findings enable targeted interventions through livestock management and policies, offering localized solutions for sustainable production in arid regions crucial for 2 billion people.
KAUST has released its 2023 SDG Highlight Report, showcasing the university's efforts in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key projects featured include the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative and ClimateCrete. The report also highlights the release of KAUST's new Sustainability Policy and the hosting of the Global Sustainability Development Conference. Why it matters: The report signals KAUST's commitment to aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and integrating sustainability into its research, operations, and engagement with the global community.
A KAUST report, in collaboration with AEON Collective and KAPSARC, warned of increasing flash floods in the Arabian Peninsula due to climate change. The report predicts a 33% increase in annual maximum rainfall by the end of the century under a high emissions scenario. KAUST is supporting MEWA to improve dam management and flash flood warning systems, leveraging its data and supercomputing capabilities. Why it matters: The study highlights the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation and improved warning systems in the region to mitigate the increasing risk of climate-related disasters.
A KAUST-led team developed a superabsorbent polyacrylate film for passive cooling, combining radiative and evaporative techniques without extra energy. The film uses sodium polyacrylate to absorb moisture and form a reflective film, reducing solar heating. Experiments showed the film lowered temperatures by five degrees Celsius, with simulations indicating a 3.3 percent reduction in total energy consumption. Why it matters: This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling systems, reducing carbon emissions and strain on energy grids in hot climates.
The Global Water Monitor Consortium, including KAUST, released its 2023 report, finding that 77 of 249 countries experienced record-high temperatures. Saudi Arabia had its third-hottest year but highest precipitation in 20 years. Vegetation vigor in Saudi Arabia was also the highest since 2001, almost 8% higher than the long-term average. Why it matters: The report highlights climate change impacts in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for accessible information on water resources for stakeholders and the potential for increased vegetation due to higher rainfall.
KAUST researchers participated in COP28 in Dubai, showcasing environmental research from sustainable construction to coral restoration. Professor William Roberts presented cryogenic carbon capture, while Professor Hussein Hoteit demonstrated carbon dioxide removal and underground hydrogen storage. A KAUST spinout, ClimateCrete™, launched technology to make local sand suitable for concrete, reducing carbon emissions by up to 60%. Why it matters: KAUST's presence at COP28 highlights the institution's role in driving regional climate solutions and fostering public-private partnerships for environmental sustainability.
KAUST Professor William McDonough was named one of TIME's 100 most influential climate leaders in business for his "cradle-to-cradle" design approach. McDonough advocates for circular manufacturing and sees carbon as mismanaged rather than inherently negative. He is involved in the KAUST Circular Carbon Initiative, which promotes research, innovation, and startups in circular carbon economies. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's and the GCC's increasing role in global sustainability initiatives and circular economy research.
Professor Arnab Pain's group at KAUST discovered new insights on how a malaria protein enables parasites to spread malaria in human cells. Professor Haavard Rue's group upgraded the Integrated and Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) for faster real-time modeling of large datasets. A KAUST-led study examined the stability of Y-series nonfullerene acceptors for organic solar cells. Why it matters: KAUST continues producing impactful research across diverse fields from medicine to climate change, advancing scientific knowledge and potential applications.
A KAUST-led study published in Scientific Data provides updated global climate classification maps from 1901-2020 and projects future conditions up to 2099. Researchers used a refined selection of climate models, excluding those with unrealistic CO2-induced warming rates, to ensure accuracy. Projections indicate significant shifts in land surface climate, with large areas transitioning to warmer climate zones by the end of the century under moderate emission scenarios. Why it matters: The updated maps provide a crucial tool for understanding climate change impacts, ecological studies, and informing policy decisions in the face of global warming, especially for a region like the Middle East that is highly vulnerable to climate change.
A study co-authored by KAUST researchers and published in Science analyzes the intertwined climate and biodiversity crises, noting that human activities have altered roughly 75% of land and 66% of marine waters. Greenhouse-gas emissions amount to over 55 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with global mean temperature increased by over 1.1 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era. The study proposes an ambitious approach including emissions reduction, restoration, and cross-institutional alliances. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's contribution to global research on pressing environmental challenges and informs strategies for regional sustainable development initiatives.
KAUST representatives participated in COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, engaging in panels, presentations, and exhibits. They promoted KAUST's projects and explored collaborations in areas like carbon capture, food security, and water conservation. KAUST experts engaged with global stakeholders to discuss climate action goals and the need for public-private collaboration. Why it matters: This participation highlights KAUST's commitment to sustainability research and its role in addressing global climate challenges through technological innovation and international partnerships.
KAUST Professor Georgiy Stenchikov has received the 2022 Future of Life Award for his research on the climatic consequences of nuclear war. Stenchikov is the principal investigator of the KAUST Atmospheric and Climate Modeling (ATCM) Research Group. The award recognizes his work on "reducing the risk of nuclear war by developing and popularizing the science of nuclear winter." Why it matters: This award highlights the important climate research being conducted at KAUST and its relevance to global challenges.
KAUST researchers found a 25-30% increase in winter rainfall in the eastern Arabian Peninsula since 1981, with a 10-20% decrease in the south and northeast. This change correlates with a shifting El Niño pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean, affecting sea surface temperatures and westerly winds. The study used rainfall data from the University of East Anglia and 39 stations across the peninsula from 1951-2010. Why it matters: Improved understanding of these climate drivers could enhance long-term rainfall predictions, benefiting agriculture and water resource management in this arid region.
KAUST faculty members participated in the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, advocating for science-based environmental standards. Discussions included limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and building the financial and human capital to achieve this goal. KAUST initiatives in energy, water, food, climate, livability and AI were presented. Why it matters: KAUST's involvement in COP26 highlights the university's commitment to addressing global climate challenges and showcases the role of Saudi research in international environmental policy.
KAUST researchers are studying ancient supervolcanoes, like the Toba eruption 75,000 years ago, to understand current and future climate conditions. Volcanic eruptions serve as natural experiments that push the climate system to its limits, helping scientists understand climate's physical mechanisms. Research shows that volcanic eruptions delayed global warming by about 30% starting from 1850. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of volcanic activity on climate change can improve predictions of future global warming, particularly in regions like the Middle East which are strongly affected by volcanic events.
KAUST Professor J. Carlos Santamarina is researching solutions to the global energy challenge, focusing on sustainable energy production while reducing CO2 emissions. He notes the increasing energy demand due to population growth and the limitations of current energy sources. Santamarina emphasizes the need for fuel-producing countries to participate in carbon capture and storage to meet carbon targets. Why it matters: This research contributes to addressing critical sustainability challenges in the region, especially in oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia.
KAUST researchers are addressing the challenge of growing electricity consumption in cooling technologies, as the global demand for air conditioning increases by 3-4% annually. In Saudi Arabia, cooling systems account for up to 70% of electricity usage during the summer. Researchers at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center are exploring ways to improve the energy efficiency of chillers to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. Why it matters: Improving cooling efficiency is critical for reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, especially in hot climates like Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
KAUST researchers discovered that dust from the Middle East has a cooling effect over land and the Red Sea. Satellite data indicates dust concentration over the Red Sea is greater than over land, causing significant radiative cooling. The study, published in the Journal of Geographical Research, highlights the climatological dust radiative forcing over the southern Red Sea as the largest globally. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of regional dust on climate change and the Red Sea's ecosystem is crucial for environmental strategies in the Middle East.
A KAUST-led study analyzing over 100 years of satellite data indicates that Red Sea surface temperatures may be cooling rather than rising due to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The research, utilizing KAUST's supercomputer Shaheen II, suggests a cooling phase in the coming decades that could temporarily counter global warming effects. The team collaborated with researchers from the University of Athens and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, using data from NOAA, NASA, and the UK Met Office. Why it matters: The finding challenges assumptions about uniform warming trends and highlights the role of natural climate oscillations in modulating regional temperature changes, informing more accurate climate modeling and adaptation strategies for the region.
KAUST's Atmospheric and Climate Modeling group, led by Georgiy Stenchikov, is using high-resolution global and regional climate models to predict climate change in the Middle East, focusing on local atmospheric and oceanic processes. The group developed coupled regional atmospheric and oceanic models for the Red Sea, accounting for the climate effect of aerosols, especially dust, which is significant in the region. They found that dust strongly affects the Red Sea, causing high optical depth and solar cooling effect, particularly in the southern part, impacting energy balance and circulation. Why it matters: Improving regional climate models with specific attention to dust and aerosols is crucial for predicting and mitigating the environmental impacts of climate change in arid regions like the Middle East.
The AQABA project, a collaboration involving KAUST and international institutions, studies air quality and climate change in the Arabian Basin using a marine research vessel. The vessel traveled from France through the Suez Canal, around the Arabian Peninsula, and stopped at KAUST. Researchers presented findings on atmospheric dust, air pollution, and aerosol measurements, highlighting the impact of dust on renewable energy and air pollution on health. Why it matters: The project provides crucial data for understanding and addressing climate challenges and air quality issues in the Middle East.
Carlos Duarte, a professor of Marine Science at KAUST, discusses climate change adaptation and mitigation. He was interviewed outside the KAUST Museum of Science and Technology. The interview is part of a Frontiers Research Topic on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's focus on addressing climate change through scientific research and its engagement with international platforms like Frontiers.
Malaria No More (MNM), Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), and MBZUAI have signed an agreement to expand the Forecasting Healthy Futures (FHF) initiative with a $5 million award from RLM. The initiative aims to address the impact of climate change on malaria and other climate-sensitive infectious diseases. MBZUAI will provide expertise to support the eradication of malaria. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to global health and leverages AI to combat climate-sensitive diseases, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing complex global challenges.
MBZUAI will showcase AI research for sustainability at COP28 in Dubai, highlighting AI's role in addressing climate change. The university will present research projects including generative AI, efficient AI operating systems, remote patient monitoring, and AI solutions for urban heat islands. MBZUAI will also emphasize its role in developing the UAE’s AI ecosystem. Why it matters: This underscores the increasing recognition of AI as a crucial tool for achieving sustainability goals in the Middle East and globally.
MBZUAI showcased AI applications for health, education, and climate at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023. Talks highlighted AI's capacity to address challenges in climate change and other sectors, aligning with the UAE’s vision for technology-enabled solutions. MBZUAI researchers will demonstrate real-world AI applications and discuss research related to climate, health, and education. Why it matters: MBZUAI's focus on AI for sustainability demonstrates the UAE's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for addressing global challenges and advancing its leadership in clean energy and emissions reduction.