KAUST Ph.D. student Altynay Kaidarova was elected to IEEE's Next Generation Magneticans Advisory Board in November 2017. She presented her research on underwater animal monitoring magnetic sensor systems at the 62nd Annual Conference on Magnetism and Magnetic Materials (MMM 2017). Kaidarova hopes the position will provide her with necessary skills, connections, and self-confidence to contribute to the international magnetism community. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to fostering emerging talent and its contribution to marine research and environmental conservation through advanced sensor technologies.
A KAUST-led multidisciplinary research team is studying the feasibility of storing CO2 in subsurface rock structures in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Harrat near Madinah. The project, conducted under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, involves researchers from KAUST, King Abdulaziz University, and MEP. The team is investigating carbon capture and storage as a means to address climate change and meet Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This research could provide a pathway for Saudi Arabia to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts, aligning with the Kingdom's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
The Maker Space self-directed group at KAUST promotes DIY culture and provides training on using machines, tools, and materials. In March 2017, Maker Space launched the "Design for KAUST" workshop in collaboration with the University’s Residential Maintenance Department. The winning teams in the workshop received sponsorship, including a total of SAR 10,000 in prizes, a Local Impact Award and an opportunity to test the prototypes in the field. Why it matters: This initiative fosters innovation and problem-solving within the KAUST community, addressing practical challenges in daily life through technology and promoting local impact.
Dr. Samuel West, curator of the Museum of Failure, delivered a keynote lecture at KAUST on learning from innovation failure. He emphasized accepting failure, encouraging innovation, and framing work as learning problems. West used case studies like TwitterPeek and the Vasa warship to illustrate learning from past mistakes. Why it matters: This promotes a culture of experimentation and resilience, crucial for advancing AI and technology innovation in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini received the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Science and Technology (S&T) Achievement Award at the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology. The award recognizes Alouini's contributions to science and technology within the OIC member states. Why it matters: Recognition at the OIC level highlights KAUST's impact and Professor Alouini's leadership in advancing science and technology across the Islamic world.
Dr. John Bedbrook of DiCE Molecules LLC spoke at KAUST about the challenges of feeding a growing population with increasingly stressed arable land. He noted the increasing demand for meat in emerging economies exacerbates the problem. Bedbrook emphasized the role of genetics and hybridization in improving crop yields and quality to address food security. Why it matters: Investments in agricultural biotechnology are crucial for the GCC region to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports amid changing climate conditions.
KAUST Discovery Associate Professor of Chemical Science Niveen Khashab received a 2017 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. The award recognizes her research contributions in the field of physical science, specifically organic chemistry. The award highlights the impact of KAUST researchers on the global scientific community. Why it matters: This recognition underscores the growing prominence of women in STEM fields within the Middle East and the increasing global impact of research originating from Saudi Arabia.
KAUST Discovery Professor Aranda's team has been researching coral adaptation to temperature and ocean acidification. The research is focused on the transgenerational aspect of this adaptation using controlled environments. The research has been ongoing for the past two years. Why it matters: Understanding the epigenetic mechanisms of climate resilience in corals is crucial for conservation efforts in the Red Sea and beyond.
KAUST researchers are studying the chemical signals in pearl millet that trigger the germination of Striga seeds, a parasitic plant. The research aims to understand the biological compounds involved in Striga infestation. The goal is to induce Striga germination without host plants, reducing Striga seed banks in infested soils. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestation can improve crop yields and food security, especially in regions relying on pearl millet.
Dr. Charlotte Hauser, a bioscience professor at KAUST, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The NAI recognized Hauser for her innovations impacting quality of life and economic development. Hauser's research focuses on smart nanomaterials for biomedical and environmental applications, including peptide-based nanostructures and 3-D bioprinting. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to innovative research in biomedicine and nanotechnology, potentially fostering further advancements in these fields within the region.
A study analyzes spam content on trending hashtags on Saudi Twitter, finding that approximately 75% of the total generated content is spam. The paper assesses the performance of previous spam detection systems on a newly gathered dataset and proposes an updated manual classification algorithm to improve accuracy. Adapted features are used to build a new data-driven detection system to respond to spammers' evolving techniques. Why it matters: The high prevalence of spam in Arabic content on Twitter necessitates the development of adaptive detection techniques to maintain the quality and trustworthiness of online information in the region.
KAUST has received a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation to research methods for eradicating the Striga hermonthica weed, also known as "witchweed". This parasitic plant devastates crops in sub-Saharan Africa by depleting water and nutrients, with the project led by Dr. Salim Al-Babili focusing on pearl millet. The research will involve collaboration with universities in Burkina Faso, Japan, and the Netherlands to identify biological compounds and low-cost methods for Striga control. Why it matters: Addressing Striga infestations is crucial for enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and the Middle East who rely on crops like pearl millet.
KAUST researchers are exploring the link between nutrition and brain-energy metabolism to address cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Pierre Magistretti and Dr. Johannes le Coutre are collaborating on ways to merge brain-energy metabolism research into the field of nutrition. They published an article entitled “Goals in Nutrition Science 2015-2020” in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. Why it matters: This research could lead to nutritional interventions to hinder or prevent cognitive decline, offering a new approach beyond traditional drug treatments.
KAUST hosted the "Human-Machine Networks and Intelligent Infrastructures" conference, co-organized by Prof. Jeff Shamma and Asst. Prof. Meriem Laleg. The conference explored the blend of engineered devices and human elements in large-scale systems like smart grids. Keynote speaker Dr. Pramod Khargonekar discussed cyber-physical-social systems and emerging trends. Why it matters: The conference highlights the growing importance of understanding the interplay between AI, infrastructure, and human behavior in the development of smart cities and intelligent systems in the region.
KAUST adopted an Open Access policy to make scholarly articles by its researchers publicly available. Planning for the policy began in 2012, with the final version implemented on June 30th after multiple committee meetings. KAUST representatives presented their efforts at the Sharjah International Book Fair, leading to increased interest from other regional universities. Why it matters: This policy promotes wider dissemination of KAUST's research, potentially boosting its visibility and impact in the region.
Jasmeen Merzaban, Assistant Professor of Bioscience, and Ph.D. student Nouf Alshareef, both from KAUST, have received L'Oréal-UNESCO "For Women in Science" fellowships. Merzaban was recognized for her immunology research, and Alshareef for her work on salinity tolerance in plants. The fellowships were awarded at a ceremony in Dubai, highlighting the contributions of Arab women scientists. Why it matters: The awards spotlight the growing role of women in STEM fields within the GCC and KAUST's commitment to fostering high-quality research in the region.
KAUST's Environmental Epigenetics Program (KEEP), led by Prof. Valerio Orlando, focuses on understanding how cells acquire and maintain memory, particularly in response to environmental factors. The research investigates the role of non-coding RNA and chromosomal components in regulating gene expression beyond the DNA sequence. Epigenetics explains how the same genome can be interpreted differently, allowing cells and organs to adapt to changing conditions. Why it matters: This research could provide insights into how environmental factors impact gene expression and cell function, potentially leading to advances in understanding and treating diseases.
Dr. Ingo Potrykus, co-inventor of Golden Rice, discussed the potential of this genetically modified crop to combat vitamin A deficiency at KAUST's 2014 Winter Enrichment Program. Golden Rice, engineered to produce beta carotene, could prevent millions of deaths and cases of blindness annually in developing countries where rice is a staple. Regulatory hurdles for GMOs have stalled the distribution of Golden Rice, increasing development costs and delaying its availability to farmers. Why it matters: This highlights the potential of biotechnology developed and discussed in the GCC to address global health challenges, but also the regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding GMOs.
MBZUAI alumnus Numan Saeed is applying machine learning to medical imaging and cancer research as a research scientist at the University. He collaborates with UAE hospitals like Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Cleveland Clinic to build datasets and gather clinical feedback. Saeed's team is developing a model focused on head and neck cancer using the HECKTOR dataset and local data. Why it matters: This research contributes to the UAE's healthcare ambitions by enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized care through AI-driven analysis of medical images.
MBZUAI alumnus Abdelrahman Shaker reflects on his evolving definition of impact in AI research, now valuing real-world usefulness over publication count. His work on efficient models like SwiftFormer (ICCV'23) and EdgeNext saw unexpected adoption, with millions of downloads and integration into real-world applications. Shaker chose MBZUAI for its faculty alignment, resulting in 10 publications and over 2,500 citations by graduation. Why it matters: This highlights the increasing focus on practical applications and real-world impact within the AI research community in the GCC region, as opposed to purely academic metrics.
The Special Olympics Global Center Summit in Abu Dhabi convened 300 advocates to discuss social inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A panel including MBZUAI's Elizabeth Churchill highlighted AI's role in inclusive technology design, especially in education. Churchill noted AI can personalize learning through tailored regimens, emotion detection, and understanding cognitive patterns. Why it matters: AI-driven personalization has potential to transform education and accessibility for children of determination and other underrepresented groups in the region.
MBZUAI launched a report titled "AI for the Global South: 12 Critical Research Questions for the Next Decade" at the India AI Impact Summit. The report identifies 12 urgent research priorities related to AI's accessibility and benefits for developing countries. It grew out of MBZUAI’s AI for the Global South (AI4GS) workshop in December 2023, co-organized with IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi and sponsored by Microsoft. Why it matters: The report addresses the underrepresentation of local data, languages, and institutions from the Global South in modern AI systems, aiming to guide AI development towards inclusive and locally grounded systems.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has issued gold and silver commemorative coins to mark the fifth anniversary of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The gold coin features the Knowledge Centre of MBZUAI, the years “2020” and “2025”, and the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve”. The issuance comprises 10 gold coins and 500 silver coins, each weighing 50 grams, and have been delivered to MBZUAI. Why it matters: The issuance reflects the UAE's commitment to highlighting national initiatives in education and recognizing MBZUAI's role in building a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing argued at the World Economic Forum in Davos that AI's next phase requires redesigning AI for real-world understanding and uncertainty, rather than just scaling models. He highlighted MBZUAI's unique position in building foundation models from scratch, emphasizing the importance of understanding their nuances, safety, and risks. Xing expressed skepticism about claims of general intelligence in current AI systems, pointing out their fragility and limited form of intelligence. Why it matters: Xing's participation highlights the growing role of Middle Eastern AI institutions like MBZUAI in shaping the global conversation around the future of AI.
MBZUAI held its inaugural Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Symposium in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the human and societal impacts of AI. The event, led by Professor Elizabeth Churchill, featured workshops and keynotes from figures like Google's Matias Duarte. Participants collaborated to address critical design aspects of human-AI interaction and co-author a book. Why it matters: The symposium highlights the increasing importance of human-centered design in AI development, ensuring AI tools are useful, desirable, and beneficial for society in the GCC region and beyond.
MBZUAI has opened applications for its inaugural Ph.D. cohort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), set to begin in Fall 2026. The interdisciplinary program will focus on human-AI alignment, multimodal interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to design AI systems that improve lives responsibly. Applications for the Master of Science in HCI (fall 2027 intake) will open in 2026. Why it matters: This program expands MBZUAI’s focus on human-centered AI design, aligning with the UAE’s vision for an innovation-led economy.
Sir Michael Brady, professor at Oxford and MBZUAI, argues that AI in healthcare must move beyond pattern recognition to causal understanding. He states that clinicians require AI models to articulate their reasoning behind diagnoses and therapy recommendations, not just provide statistical scores. He believes AI's immediate impact will be in personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to the individual rather than relying on epidemiological averages. Why it matters: This perspective highlights the critical need for explainable AI in sensitive domains like healthcare, paving the way for more trustworthy and clinically relevant AI applications in the region.
MBZUAI researchers developed a symbolic adversarial learning framework (SALF) for fake news detection using LLM-powered agents. SALF employs a generator and a detector in a debate-like setup, judged by another LLM, to improve the agents' ability to create and identify fake news. Testing showed that the SALF generator degraded the performance of existing fake news detectors by 53.4% on Chinese and 34.2% on English datasets. Why it matters: This research offers a novel approach to combating the evolving threat of LLM-generated disinformation, a critical issue for maintaining reliable information ecosystems in the region and globally.
Olivier Oullier, Visiting Professor at MBZUAI, is working on brain-computer interfaces, founding Inclusive Brains to develop a Neural Foundation Model using neurophysiological and behavioral signals. This model integrates data from brainwaves, eye-tracking, and other modalities to allow machines to build a representation of the world closer to human cognition. Why it matters: Such advancements can transform human-computer interaction, with particular implications for people of determination in the region.
MBZUAI concluded its inaugural Global AI Leadership Program (GAILP) in Abu Dhabi, hosting 46 participants from UAE's public and private sectors. The program, delivered by The Academy, featured insights from faculty at MBZUAI, MIT Sloan, NYU, and industry experts from ADNOC and Palantir. UAE Minister Omar bin Sultan Al Olama presented at the event, emphasizing the importance of AI understanding for decision-makers. Why it matters: The program aims to equip UAE leaders with the knowledge to drive AI adoption and transformation across sectors, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global AI leader.
Laura Koesten, Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at MBZUAI, studies how people interpret and interact with data, driven by the increasing need to adapt digital environments to people. Her work focuses on making data more accessible and understandable for various audiences, drawing from her Ph.D. research at the University of Southampton and postdoctoral work at King's College London. She emphasizes the importance of data literacy for citizens in understanding how data is used in decision-making systems. Why it matters: This research contributes to bridging the gap between complex AI systems and human understanding, fostering broader societal engagement with data-driven technologies in the UAE and beyond.
The Abu Dhabi Centre for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management (ADCMC) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) have signed an MoU at GITEX Global 2024. The agreement focuses on AI research, smart transformation, and institutional preparedness. It includes specialized AI studies, training programs, and the development of AI systems for monitoring cyber threats. Why it matters: The partnership aims to leverage AI to enhance Abu Dhabi's emergency management and crisis response capabilities, aligning with the emirate's digital transformation vision.
Nobel laureate Michael Spence lectured at MBZUAI on AI's impact on global economies, focusing on productivity and growth. He highlighted information asymmetries around LLMs and the risk of AI-driven bias in job screening. Spence suggests finding signals that cannot be easily imitated and increase the cost of delivering misleading information. Why it matters: The lecture brings attention to AI's transformative potential and the challenges it poses for economic models and policy in the UAE and globally.
MBZUAI PhD student Salem AlMarri, also a Dubai Police officer, has been appointed to the Dubai Youth Council for 2023-2025. AlMarri's research focuses on using AI to combat crime and improve emergency response times, aiming to contribute to the UAE's AI strategy. In 2019, he was recognized as one of the UAE’s up and coming scientist at the Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Program for Excellence and Community Intelligence. Why it matters: This appointment highlights the UAE's focus on empowering young talent in AI to drive innovation and address local challenges in public safety and smart city development.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing addressed questions about the university's global collaborations, ethical standards, and relationship to Chinese interests. He emphasized the UAE's focus on technological advancement and economic diversification through AI, highlighting MBZUAI's role in advancing this vision. Xing affirmed the university's autonomy, its commitment to Western academic values, and his lack of engagement with the Chinese government on university matters. Why it matters: The interview provides insights into the UAE's approach to AI development, emphasizing responsible global engagement and dispelling concerns about undue influence from specific countries.
MBZUAI celebrated its Board Chairman, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, being appointed as UAE COP28 President-Designate. MBZUAI has recently signed agreements with IBM and Malaria No More/Reaching Last Mile to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change. The UAE will host the annual climate summit at Expo City, Dubai, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Why it matters: This appointment highlights the UAE's leadership in climate action and the role AI can play in addressing climate change challenges.
Salem AlMarri, the first Emirati Ph.D. graduate from MBZUAI, developed a video anomaly detection (VAD) system for his thesis. The VAD system can detect subtle anomalies in video, such as suspicious interactions, to help police prevent crimes and save lives. AlMarri's work was carried out under the guidance of Karthik Nandakumar, Affiliated Associate Professor of Computer Vision at MBZUAI. Why it matters: This research showcases the potential of AI in enhancing public safety and security in the UAE, demonstrating practical applications of computer vision in law enforcement.
MBZUAI Associate Professor Mohammad Yaqub is focused on translating AI research into real-world healthcare solutions. His previous work includes the development of SanNav, an AI-based fetal anomaly detection system that became an FDA-approved product used by GE Healthcare and used on his own wife during pregnancy. Yaqub joined MBZUAI to help build a new model of AI research and education with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's growing focus on AI in healthcare and MBZUAI's role in bridging the gap between research and practical applications in the medical field.
MBZUAI master's graduate Rohit Bharadwaj is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh, following in the footsteps of Geoffrey Hinton. His research focuses on developing generative models, specifically diffusion models, to anonymize datasets while preserving utility, addressing GDPR compliance. He aims to balance privacy protection with the need for useful data in AI systems. Why it matters: This highlights the growing importance of MBZUAI as a feeder institution for top global AI research programs and the increasing focus on privacy-preserving AI technologies.
MBZUAI has joined the Aspen Institute’s Technology Leaders Initiative as a founding partner, alongside the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford. This two-year program within the Aspen Global Leadership Network will convene 20 senior leaders from the global technology ecosystem. The initiative aims to explore ethical innovation, responsible leadership, and the societal impact of technology. Why it matters: The partnership highlights MBZUAI's commitment to fostering responsible AI development and ethical leadership in the technology sector.
MBZUAI and the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue hosted a panel discussion at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi on the role of faith in the age of AI. The panel featured scholars, religious leaders, and AI experts including MBZUAI President Eric Xing. Panelists discussed the differences between human consciousness/spirituality and AI capabilities, emphasizing the human capacity for higher consciousness, empathy, and collective understanding. Why it matters: The event highlights the UAE's focus on ethical AI development that considers the intersection of technology, spirituality, and human values.
MBZUAI doctoral student Umaima Rahman is researching domain adaptation and generalization in deep learning for medical imaging to improve AI model performance across diverse hospitals and equipment. Her work focuses on building models that learn consistent features across different data sources to ensure reliability in various healthcare settings. Rahman emphasizes that generalization in healthcare AI is a necessity, especially in resource-limited settings, and aims to develop AI that assists clinicians rather than replaces them. Why it matters: This research addresses a critical challenge in deploying AI in healthcare, ensuring that models can be reliably used in diverse settings, particularly benefiting developing countries and improving global healthcare accessibility.
MBZUAI NLP master's graduate Hasan Iqbal developed OpenFactCheck, a framework for fact-checking and evaluating the factual accuracy of large language models. The framework consists of three modules: ResponseEvaluator, LLMEvaluator, and CheckerEvaluator. OpenFactCheck was published at EMNLP 2024 and accepted at NAACL 2025 and COLING 2025, with Iqbal playing an active role at COLING in Abu Dhabi. Why it matters: The development of automated fact-checking frameworks is crucial for ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of information generated by increasingly prevalent LLMs, especially in the Arabic-speaking world.
MBZUAI doctoral student Hawau Toyin is applying AI to the identification, correction, and evaluation of stuttering, particularly in developing countries where it often goes undiagnosed. She is collaborating with the SpeechCare Center UAE and her advisor Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki to develop AI tools for faster and more accessible diagnosis and treatment. The research focuses on data collection from around the world to build an effective AI system that can analyze the various forms of stuttering. Why it matters: This research addresses a critical healthcare gap by leveraging AI to improve diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders in underserved regions.
Muhammad Arslan Manzoor became MBZUAI's first NLP Ph.D. graduate, focusing his research on media bias under Professor Preslav Nakov. His thesis, 'MGM,' explored using audience overlap graphs to predict the factuality and bias of news media, an approach that differs from traditional textual analysis. Manzoor's work aims to improve the efficiency of media profiling in real-time by leveraging relationships captured in media graphs. Why it matters: This research offers innovative methods for identifying bias in news, which is crucial for promoting informed social discourse and combating disinformation in the region.
MBZUAI valedictorian Salma Hassan developed a multimodal graph learning approach for early dementia diagnosis and prognosis. Her master's thesis focused on differential diagnosis to identify specific dementia subtypes and predicting cognitive decline in preclinical patients. The AI model leverages brain imaging, genetics, and clinical records to improve diagnostic accuracy. Why it matters: This research can improve early detection and resource allocation for dementia management, especially in developing countries.
A panel discussion at Manarat Al Saadiyat, featuring MBZUAI's Elizabeth Churchill, explored the evolving relationship between the physical and digital worlds. The panel, titled 'Body as medium: InterFACES: Skin/Screen,' addressed how hyper-connectivity and digital amplification alter our understanding of the human body and its limits. Churchill highlighted the profound shift occurring as we navigate the era of AI and its implications for human beings. Why it matters: The discussion underscores the increasing importance of understanding the ethical, social, and existential questions arising from the intersection of AI and human identity in the digital age.
James Landay from Stanford University spoke at MBZUAI about human-centered AI design, arguing current approaches focus too narrowly on the user level. He proposed considering user, community, and societal impacts at all stages of AI design, not as an afterthought. Landay emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation to implement this approach effectively. Why it matters: This highlights the growing emphasis on ethical AI development and the importance of considering broader societal impacts in the design of AI systems within the region.
MBZUAI Professor Preslav Nakov discusses Meta's shift to crowdsourced fact-checking via Community Notes, replacing third-party fact-checkers. Community Notes, originating from Twitter's Birdwatch, allows users to add context to potentially misleading posts, visible after community consensus. Research indicates this approach can reduce misinformation and lead to post retractions. Why it matters: The adoption of crowdsourcing for content moderation by major platforms like Meta could significantly impact online information quality for billions of users.
Researchers at MBZUAI presented a new Arabic dataset at NAACL to measure LLM safety, building on a Chinese dataset called 'Do Not Answer'. The dataset includes nearly 5,800 questions with challenges and harmless requests containing sensitive terms to test for over-sensitivity. The team localized cultural concepts and added 3,000 questions specific to Arabic language and culture. Why it matters: This comprehensive benchmark, accounting for the diversity of Arabic dialects and cultures, advances the development of safer and more culturally aligned LLMs for Arabic speakers.