MBZUAI and Quris-AI have partnered to launch a Bio-AI center in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The center will focus on developing personalized medications tailored to the MENA region's diverse populations, leveraging Quris-AI's 'patient-on-a-chip' technology and MBZUAI's AI expertise. Quris-AI is establishing a UAE subsidiary, Quris-UAE, in Abu Dhabi as part of this collaboration. Why it matters: This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a hub for Bio-AI research and personalized medicine, potentially accelerating drug development and reducing clinical trial failures in the region.
KAUST, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will host the second edition of the MENA Machine Learning Winter School (MenaML) from January 24-29, 2026. The program will cover the latest developments in intelligent model engineering, AI for science, and high-efficiency computing technologies with representatives from 16 international institutions. 300 researchers will be selected from over 2,300 applicants to participate in the intensive academic program. Why it matters: The MenaML winter school strengthens KAUST's role as a regional hub for AI research and contributes to human capital development in AI across the MENA region.
KAUST has been ranked first in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings for the second consecutive year, outperforming over 350 universities in the MENA region. KAUST excels in research environment and quality, with scores of 98.5 and 95.7, respectively, comparable to global institutions like Cambridge and Harvard. This recognition highlights KAUST's role in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its growing impact on the global stage. Why it matters: This ranking solidifies KAUST's position as a leading research university in the Arab world and a key contributor to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST's Bioscience Core Lab (BCL) supports regional and global health initiatives through industry partnerships, offering expertise and technology access to organizations like SaudiVax. BCL aids SaudiVax in developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, focusing on respiratory diseases like MERS and COVID-19. SaudiVax is also collaborating with KAUST to research a new preventative drug targeting SARS-CoV-2. Why it matters: This strengthens Saudi Arabia's capabilities in vaccine development and biomanufacturing, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region and reducing reliance on external sources.
KAUST has been ranked sixth globally and first in the MENA region in the Nature Young Universities Index, which lists the top 175 universities established in the last 50 years. The ranking is based on fractional count of articles published in 2018 in 82 high-quality natural science journals. The report praised KAUST's research quality and contribution to total research outputs in the Middle East. Why it matters: This ranking highlights the rapid rise of KAUST as a leading research institution in the region and globally, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to scientific advancement.
KAUST scientists are developing models to predict extreme weather events like the 2009 Jeddah flood, which caused significant damage. Prof. Ibrahim Hoteit's team is using data from satellites, international sources, and local entities like PME and the Jeddah Municipality to build high-resolution models. The aim is to improve predictions of extreme rain events by one or two days and issue timely warnings. Why it matters: Improving extreme weather prediction is crucial for mitigating the impact of climate change in vulnerable regions like the GCC.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau spoke at the Times Higher Education MENA Universities Summit in Doha, Qatar. He shared his experiences from Caltech and Georgia Tech, emphasizing KAUST's historic undertaking. KAUST's research output leads Saudi Arabia and surpassed other Arab institutes in 2014 according to the Nature Index report. Why it matters: The summit and KAUST's participation highlight the increasing role of universities in driving economic diversification and knowledge creation in the MENA region.