Saudi Arabia plans to integrate artificial intelligence education into its national school curriculum, commencing in 2025. The initiative aims to equip over 6 million students across the Kingdom with essential AI concepts and skills. This strategic move is part of the Kingdom's broader vision to foster a digitally proficient workforce and advance its digital economy. Why it matters: This national-level commitment to AI literacy from a young age positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in developing future AI talent and a digitally proficient workforce within the Middle East.
The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) has launched a national curriculum focused on data and artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to equip the Saudi workforce with essential skills in these critical technological fields. The curriculum is expected to be integrated across educational and training institutions nationwide. Why it matters: This represents a significant policy move by Saudi Arabia to build national human capital and establish a robust foundation for its future AI and data-driven economy.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has launched a national AI and data curriculum to be implemented across all universities in Saudi Arabia. The curriculum aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in AI and data science, regardless of their field of study. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to develop a skilled workforce in line with Vision 2030. Why it matters: This nationwide curriculum signals a commitment to building a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging AI across diverse sectors in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has launched a national AI and data curriculum to be implemented across all universities in Saudi Arabia. The curriculum aims to equip students with essential skills in AI and data science, regardless of their field of study. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to build a skilled workforce and advance its digital transformation agenda. Why it matters: This nationwide curriculum signals a major push to develop a homegrown AI talent pool and accelerate AI adoption across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Cisco and KAUST have launched a new AI Institute located at the KAUST campus in Saudi Arabia. The institute will focus on AI research, development, and education, including AI-native communication systems and edge infrastructure for Industry 5.0. Cisco will donate its latest technology, including a Cisco AI POD. Why it matters: This initiative will foster AI innovation and develop a skilled AI workforce within the Kingdom, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the nation's digital transformation goals.
Saudi Arabia has launched a national program aiming to upskill 100,000 Saudi citizens in artificial intelligence. The initiative reflects the Kingdom's strategic focus on developing local AI capabilities. The program is viewed as crucial for achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and fostering a knowledge-based economy. Why it matters: Equipping the Saudi workforce with AI skills is essential for driving innovation and competitiveness in the region.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education across all grade levels starting this academic year. The initiative aims to equip students with essential AI skills and knowledge to prepare them for future job markets. The curriculum will cover fundamental AI concepts, programming, and ethics. Why it matters: This nationwide initiative signals a major push to cultivate a domestic AI talent pool and position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in AI innovation.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in a high-profile tour. During his visit, he interacted with students and faculty, emphasizing the critical role of AI education and research for the nation's future development. The visit underscored the UAE's significant commitment to advancing its capabilities and talent pool in the field of artificial intelligence. Why it matters: This direct engagement from the UAE's top leadership highlights the strategic importance of MBZUAI as a cornerstone of the country's national AI agenda and its efforts to foster a knowledge-based economy.
KAUST is developing AI-driven personalized learning and testing platforms to address STEM education resource gaps in Saudi Arabia. The project involves building an intelligent tutoring system in collaboration with Saudi high schools, the Ministry of Education, and SDAIA. The AI tutor, designed in a Socratic style, enhances learning through GenAI tutoring, including in Arabic, and supports teachers by generating test and homework problems. Why it matters: This initiative aims to prepare Saudi youth for future workforce demands and enhance educational outcomes, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for human capital development.
Jürgen Schmidhuber has been appointed as the Director of the KAUST AI Initiative. Schmidhuber is known for his contributions to deep learning and artificial neural networks, and co-founded the company NNAISENSE. At KAUST, he will focus on faculty recruitment, educational programs, and collaboration with public and private sectors. Why it matters: The appointment of a leading AI researcher signals KAUST and Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing AI research and its application to key national projects.
Educational institutions from the United Arab Emirates and Israel have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on artificial intelligence. This agreement aims to foster collaboration in AI research, development, and education between the two countries. The initiative is set to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint projects in the rapidly evolving field of AI. Why it matters: This MoU signifies a notable expansion of academic and technological cooperation in AI between the UAE and Israel, highlighting a growing trend of regional collaboration in key technological sectors.
MBZUAI faculty member Ekaterina Kochmar and postdoctoral researcher Kaushal Kumar Maurya won a Google Academic Research Award for their research on an intelligent tutoring system. The project, "2σ-ITS," aims to develop an educational foundation model for personalized learning and to support tutors in reaching students with limited access to mainstream education. The Google award provides funding and collaboration opportunities for researchers, with Kochmar and Maurya being the only team from the Middle East to win. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of AI's potential to improve educational equity and access in the region and beyond.
The Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence has been established to support undergraduate students at MBZUAI, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The merit-based scholarship aims to support approximately 350 students over six years, focusing on mathematical fluency, leadership, and entrepreneurial attitude. Scholarship recipients will have opportunities to represent the UAE at youth events and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Why it matters: This scholarship program is a significant investment in developing local AI talent and positioning the UAE as a leader in global AI innovation.
MBZUAI researchers have developed a new benchmark for evaluating the teaching abilities of large language models (LLMs), earning the SAC Award for Resources and Evaluation at NAACL 2025. The framework aims to measure how effectively LLMs can be used for personalized tutoring, addressing the "two sigma problem" in education. Unlike rule-based tutoring systems, LLMs offer fluency but lack pedagogical principles. Why it matters: This benchmark is a crucial step towards integrating learning science into AI, potentially enabling personalized AI tutors that significantly improve educational outcomes.
MBZUAI has launched a full robotics program focusing on robot learning, humanoid robotics, human-computer interaction, and sensory awareness. The program includes research and teaching labs for experimentation and aims to address challenges in agriculture, logistics, and healthcare. The robotics department, founded in 2023, welcomed 18 students in August and is expected to grow to more than 15 faculty members over the next two years. Why it matters: This program signifies a major investment in AI for physical systems in the UAE, potentially leading to innovations across sectors and strengthening MBZUAI's position as a leading AI research institution.
MBZUAI has established new robotics and computer science departments, launching master’s and Ph.D. programs in each discipline. The new departments will complement MBZUAI’s existing CV, ML, and NLP departments. The robotics department will focus on robot learning and algorithms, while computer science will focus on foundational technologies with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and sustainability. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem and positions MBZUAI as a hub for AI research and innovation, addressing the growing global demand for AI talent.
MBZUAI's president highlighted the university's rapid growth in faculty, students, and academic influence in 2022, including rising into the top 25 globally in AI-related fields per CSRanking.org. Faculty published over 350 papers in high-impact conferences and journals and grew by 80% since 2021 to 49 members. The student body also grew, with an increased percentage coming from top undergraduate institutions, and the number of Emirati students rose to 36. Why it matters: This signals the UAE's commitment to establishing a world-class AI research and education ecosystem, attracting global talent and contributing significantly to AI advancements.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has appointed Professor Dr. Eric Xing as its new president, succeeding Interim President Professor Sir Michael Brady. Dr. Xing joins from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was Associate Department Head of Research at the Machine Learning Department. He is a globally recognized AI academic and will lead MBZUAI in developing AI and AI solutions as the first graduate student cohort commences studies. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top global talent and advancing its mission as a leading AI research institution in the UAE.
MBZUAI and IBM have announced a strategic collaboration to advance AI research by establishing a new AI Center of Excellence at MBZUAI's Masdar City campus. The center will leverage IBM researchers in collaboration with MBZUAI faculty and students, focusing on advancing both fundamental and applied AI research. The collaboration aims to develop and incubate AI technologies addressing civic, social, and business challenges. Why it matters: This partnership enhances the UAE's AI capabilities, fostering innovation and talent development in critical sectors such as healthcare and finance.
The UAE's National Programme for Coders will train 20,000 students in coding across eight universities, including MBZUAI and Khalifa University. The program includes 500 training opportunities at local and international companies. Amazon, Huawei, and IBM will launch digital libraries providing resources on AI, data science, and other technologies. Why it matters: This initiative aims to bolster the UAE's AI talent pool and enhance graduates' competitiveness in the job market through practical coding skills.
Michael I. Jordan, a renowned AI researcher from UC Berkeley, has joined Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) as a laureate professor and honorary director of the Laureate Faculty Program. MBZUAI President Eric Xing highlighted Jordan's significant influence in machine learning, noting his role as a mentor. Jordan aims to guide AI researchers and advise the university as it seeks to become a global leader in AI. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's position as a prominent AI research institution in the Middle East by attracting top-tier international talent and fostering a conducive environment for cutting-edge research.
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.
Children in the UAE are increasingly utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for school assignments, general knowledge acquisition, and even personal advice. Parents are expressing significant worry regarding their children's growing dependence on AI for information and emotional support, which they fear could diminish critical thinking and human interaction skills. This trend highlights AI's emergence as a key source of information and companionship for young individuals in the region. Why it matters: This development underscores the critical need for enhanced digital literacy education and parental guidance to ensure the responsible use of AI among children in the UAE and to address its broader societal implications.
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.
The UAE National Experts Program (NEP) has received over 1,000 applications for its artificial intelligence track. The NEP aims to cultivate and prepare UAE national experts across various strategic sectors. The AI track focuses on developing expertise in AI to support the UAE's national AI strategy. Why it matters: This high application rate signals strong interest in AI among UAE nationals, crucial for advancing the UAE's AI ambitions and digital transformation.
The UAE National Experts Program (NEP) has received over 1,000 applications for its artificial intelligence track. The NEP aims to cultivate and empower Emirati specialists in strategically important sectors, including AI. Selected participants will receive mentorship and training to enhance their expertise and contribute to the UAE's AI strategy. Why it matters: This high application rate signals strong national interest in AI development and the UAE's commitment to building local AI talent.
Ajman University has introduced a new PhD program in Artificial Intelligence. The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in AI, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and industry. Faculty members associated with the program are ranked among the world's top 0.5% of scientists. Why it matters: This initiative highlights the growing focus on AI education and research within the UAE, contributing to the development of local expertise in this critical field.
Ajman University in the UAE has launched a new PhD program in Artificial Intelligence. The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in AI. It will cover topics such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's ongoing investment in AI education and its commitment to developing local AI talent.
The UAE has launched an AI-powered platform to identify and develop promising national talent in various fields. The platform, named 'AI Talent Nurturing Platform,' aims to enhance the skills of UAE nationals and prepare them for future job opportunities. It will use AI to assess individuals' capabilities and provide personalized training programs. Why it matters: This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to building a strong AI workforce and fostering innovation in key sectors.
SDAIA Academy has launched an Applied AI Bootcamp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bootcamp aims to equip participants with practical AI skills. The program focuses on hands-on experience and real-world applications. Why it matters: This initiative contributes to developing local AI talent and supports Saudi Arabia's national AI strategy.
KAUST is highlighted as a key institution for training Saudi engineers to meet the Kingdom's industrial ambitions and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s 30% Saudization requirement. KAUST alumni Aishah Alsamdani and Saeed Alyousef are featured, demonstrating their contributions to Saudi Vision 2030 through roles in environmental management and energy sector solutions, respectively. They emphasize KAUST's role in equipping them with the skills, global mindset, and sense of responsibility necessary for national development. Why it matters: This underscores the strategic importance of STEM education and talent development in Saudi Arabia's economic diversification and localization efforts.
Three researchers from the AI Cross-Center Unit (AICCU) have been selected to pursue master’s and PhD studies at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The TII-sponsored students will receive full scholarships and salaries while studying machine learning and computer vision. One student previously worked on the NOOR project, the world’s largest Arabic NLP model. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's commitment to developing local AI talent and fostering collaboration between research institutions and universities.
TII Chief Researcher Mérouane Debbah and MBZUAI President Eric Xing visited École Polytechnique in France to discuss AI research and training. They reviewed AI projects and opportunities to increase the visibility of UAE-led research. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between MBZUAI, TII, and École Polytechnique. Why it matters: Such partnerships can foster knowledge exchange and accelerate AI innovation in the UAE by leveraging international expertise.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the first 45 Emirati talents selected for the Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) ‘NexTech’ program. The NexTech program aims to develop Emirati talent in research and technology, aligning with Abu Dhabi's investment in knowledge development. ATRC will empower UAE national talent via outreach, talent scouting, and directing talent to TII research projects. Why it matters: This program signifies a strategic push towards building national competencies in advanced technology and accelerating the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Academy has launched an Applied AI Bootcamp in Riyadh. The program aims to equip participants with practical AI skills through intensive training. The bootcamp covers various AI topics and applications relevant to the Saudi context. Why it matters: This initiative contributes to developing local AI talent and advancing the adoption of AI technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) participated in the UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, showcasing Saudi Arabia's efforts in building capabilities in AI and data. SDAIA highlighted its initiatives to integrate AI and data science into education and culture. The participation aimed to share Saudi Arabia's experience and contribute to global discussions on the role of AI in education. Why it matters: This demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing a skilled workforce in AI and promoting AI literacy through international engagement.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the 'Applied AI Bootcamp' in Riyadh. The program aims to train participants on the latest AI technologies and their practical applications. It will cover topics such as machine learning, deep learning, and data analysis, with a focus on solving real-world problems. Why it matters: This initiative signals Saudi Arabia's continued investment in building local AI talent and driving the adoption of AI across various sectors.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the ‘Applied AI Bootcamp’ in Riyadh. The program aims to train participants on the practical applications of AI technologies. It seeks to equip them with the skills needed to develop AI-powered solutions across various sectors. Why it matters: This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to build a skilled AI workforce and advance its national AI strategy.
Saudi Arabia has trained 666,000 women in AI, according to a press release. This initiative aims to increase women's participation in the technology sector. The Kingdom has made significant investments in AI education and training programs targeting women. Why it matters: This focus on female AI education could help diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and establish it as a leader in inclusive AI development.
The Saudi Gazette published an opinion piece arguing that the best approach to AI is not direct competition, but rather focusing on areas where humans excel, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. It suggests leveraging AI to augment human capabilities rather than trying to replicate them. The author emphasizes the importance of adapting education and training to prepare individuals for a future where humans and AI collaborate effectively. Why it matters: The piece highlights the need for a nuanced strategy towards AI adoption in Saudi Arabia, focusing on human-AI collaboration to maximize benefits.
The UAE's Artificial Intelligence Office is partnering with Samsung Gulf Electronics to promote AI literacy among young Emiratis. The collaboration aims to equip the youth with essential AI skills through various educational initiatives and workshops. The initiative will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the UAE's commitment to fostering AI talent and driving technological innovation by empowering its youth with crucial skills for the future.
UAE-based AI startup Qureos has raised a $5 million pre-seed round led by A16z. Qureos focuses on personalized AI tutors and educational tools. The funding will be used to expand Qureos' team and product offerings. Why it matters: This investment signals growing interest from global VCs in the UAE's burgeoning AI startup ecosystem.
Qatar Foundation (QF) participated in the Web Summit Qatar 2024, showcasing its initiatives in innovation and education. QF highlighted its role in developing Qatar's knowledge-based economy through various programs and research efforts. The event provided a platform to connect with global leaders and innovators in technology. Why it matters: QF's presence at Web Summit Qatar underscores the nation's commitment to fostering technological advancement and human capital development in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030.
KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) 2026, themed "Adaptation: Reshaping for a Fluctuating Future," convened students and researchers to explore adaptation through science and community. Speakers emphasized KAUST's role in preparing Saudi Arabia for change and the importance of aligning research with national goals. The program highlighted the Nabataean Traverse Expedition, a multidisciplinary scientific expedition from Petra to AlUla, involving KAUST's Professor Alexandre Rosado. Why it matters: The WEP program underscores KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation and preparing future leaders to address complex challenges facing Saudi Arabia and the world.
HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabri al-Nuaimi highlighted technology's crucial role in education at the WISE 2023 summit. She emphasized Qatar's commitment to integrating technology to equip students with future-ready skills. The Minister also noted the importance of collaboration between educators, policymakers, and technology providers. Why it matters: This underscores the increasing focus on educational technology and digital literacy initiatives across the GCC region to prepare the next generation.
Qatar Foundation (QF) is integrating AI tools into education to personalize learning and enhance teaching methods. QF is using AI to develop adaptive learning platforms that cater to individual student needs and provide teachers with data-driven insights. QF aims to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. Why it matters: This initiative signals a commitment to modernizing education in Qatar and preparing the next generation for future workforce demands.
KAUST celebrated its largest graduating class, the Class of 2025, with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in attendance. Prince Abdulaziz shared a message reflecting Saudi Arabia's focus on meritocracy and talent. The graduating class represents over 45 countries and various fields including energy, AI, and sustainability. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's focus on technology and sustainability.
The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and Harvard University have partnered to enhance Kuwait's human capital. The collaboration aims to provide Kuwaiti scholars and professionals with access to Harvard's educational resources and expertise. This initiative is part of KFAS's broader strategy to foster innovation and scientific development in Kuwait. Why it matters: The KFAS-Harvard partnership will support the growth of Kuwait's knowledge-based economy and strengthens its ties with a leading global institution.
Under the patronage of the Prime Minister, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) celebrated 25 years of collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School. The celebration acknowledged the partnership's role in advancing education and leadership development in Kuwait. Specific details of the collaboration's initiatives were not provided in the summary. Why it matters: Long-term partnerships between regional institutions and global leaders can drive impactful educational and leadership outcomes.
KAUST has been ranked No. 1 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings for the third consecutive year. The 2025 edition of the rankings evaluated universities across 20 key indicators, including global citation impact and industry collaboration. Sixteen of KAUST's faculty were named on the 2025 Clarivate highly cited list. Why it matters: This recognition reinforces KAUST’s position as a leading research university in the Arab world and reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing global competitiveness in research, innovation, and advanced education.