KAUST has launched the Fulbright-KAUST Graduate Award in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright Program. This initiative marks the first Fulbright award for a degree-seeking program in Saudi Arabia, hosting two American students. The program aims to advance collaboration through research and exchange, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens U.S.-Saudi academic ties and KAUST's role as a hub for talent development and collaborative research in the region.
The Mexican Embassy in Riyadh announced the creation of the first Saudi Arabian chapter of the Mexican Global Network (RedGlobalMX-Saudi Arabia). The chapter aims to recognize the contributions of the Mexican community in Saudi Arabia and foster collaboration between the two countries. KAUST alumni form a substantial part of the chapter's core membership, including those working at Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical. Why it matters: This initiative strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Mexico, potentially opening doors for further academic and industrial collaborations, especially in fields where KAUST has expertise.
A delegation from Malaysia, including His Royal Highness Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, visited MBZUAI. The delegation toured the campus and discussed potential collaborations between MBZUAI and Malaysian educational institutions. Discussions also covered leveraging AI for societal and economic benefits, and how MBZUAI's curriculum will shape future AI experts. Why it matters: This visit signals growing international interest in MBZUAI and potential partnerships that could foster AI development in both the UAE and Malaysia.
A delegation from the Kyrgyz Republic, including the Ambassador to the UAE and the Minister of Education and Science, visited MBZUAI. The visit included a tour of the MBZUAI campus and discussions on potential collaborations. The delegation expressed interest in increasing the number of Kyrgyz students at MBZUAI and collaborating on research projects. Why it matters: This engagement signals MBZUAI's growing role as a regional hub for AI education and research, extending its reach beyond the GCC.
MBZUAI hosted a senior delegation from Indonesia to explore future cooperation. The delegation toured the MBZUAI campus in Masdar City and the Visitor Center. Professor Eric Xing presented the university’s objectives and strategic plans. Why it matters: This visit indicates MBZUAI's growing role in international AI education and collaboration, particularly with countries seeking to develop their AI capabilities.
MBZUAI hosted a delegation from the Commonwealth of Poland, including representatives from the Polish Embassy and Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Discussions covered MBZUAI's objectives, activities, and potential collaborations with Polish entities. The visit included a campus tour and presentation. Why it matters: This engagement indicates MBZUAI's ongoing efforts to build international partnerships and expand its global reach in AI research and education.
The King of Malaysia met with MBZUAI leadership, including Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Peng Xiao, to discuss potential cooperation in AI development. They discussed MBZUAI's vision and graduate programs, noting applications received from Malaysia and other countries. MBZUAI has received over 7,000 applications since its establishment in 2019 and will offer M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in machine learning, computer vision, and NLP. Why it matters: This meeting signifies growing international interest in MBZUAI and Abu Dhabi's efforts to establish itself as a global AI hub, fostering potential collaborations between the UAE and Malaysia.
A delegation from Chile, led by Vice Minister Rodrigo Yaniz, visited MBZUAI to explore potential research collaborations. The delegation toured the Masdar City campus and learned about MBZUAI's AI vision. Discussions included collaborative research possibilities. Why it matters: This visit signals growing international interest in MBZUAI's AI capabilities and could lead to valuable partnerships for advancing AI research and development.
A delegation from the Indonesian Embassy visited MBZUAI on November 23, 2021, to learn about the university. Attendees included Dr. Hosni Ghedira, Ms. Reem Al Orfali, and Mr. Yaqoob Al Blooshi from MBZUAI, and Dr. Ir. Hammam Riza and Mr. Gatot Dwianto from the Indonesian National Agency for Research and Innovation. The visit aimed to establish closer relations and explore future collaboration opportunities. Why it matters: Such visits foster international partnerships in AI research and education, strengthening MBZUAI's global presence and potentially leading to joint projects and knowledge exchange.