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.
KAUST has launched the KAUST Mathematics Competition (KMC), a national mathematics initiative for middle and high school students in Saudi Arabia. The competition aims to identify and nurture young mathematical talent, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Winners will receive prizes and the opportunity to attend a joint summer mathematics camp at KAUST and the University of Cambridge in 2026, with registration open until Nov 9, 2025. Why it matters: This competition can help develop a pipeline of Saudi talent in STEM fields crucial for advancing the Kingdom's AI ambitions.
KAUST hosted Fireside Talks during its Spring Career Fair, focusing on aligning talent development with Saudi Arabia's evolving workforce needs in AI and sustainability. Speakers included KAUST's VP for Strategic National Advancement, a KAUST Ph.D. student/entrepreneur, the director of KAUST's AI Initiative, and the CEO of the National Center for AI (SDAIA). Discussions covered entrepreneurship, the transformative role of AI, and the importance of human-AI collaboration. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's key role in developing a skilled workforce to support Saudi Arabia's ambitions in AI and sustainable technologies.
Lucid Motors is partnering with KAUST to recruit talent for its EV manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). KAUST's programs aim to connect talent with job-market demands of EV companies like Lucid, particularly in electrical, automotive engineering, battery tech, and renewable energy. A KAUST alumnus highlighted his role at Lucid as contributing to Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global technology leader, supported by Vision 2030. Why it matters: The partnership accelerates Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals in the EV sector by leveraging local talent and research capabilities.
The KAUST Future Talent Conference, held alongside the Spring Career Fair, focused on preparing Saudi youth for the rapidly changing economy. Speakers emphasized KAUST's role in aligning education with Vision 2030 and industry needs. KAUST is adapting to support the Kingdom's development through research and empowering the next generation. Why it matters: The event highlights the strategic importance of talent development and industry collaboration in realizing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals in technology and innovation.
Lawrence Carin, former VP for Research at Duke University, has been appointed Provost of KAUST. Carin's background includes a professorship at Duke, and research and administrative roles. He is a researcher in AI/ML, with over 450 papers and an H-index of 86. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on attracting global AI talent and advancing its digital thematic priorities.
SABIC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research at KAUST during a meeting between SABIC's Vice Chairman and CEO, Mohamed Al-Mady, and KAUST's President, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau. Discussions covered SABIC’s technology and innovation strategy, KAUST's research initiatives, and talent development programs sponsored by SABIC at KAUST. Since 2011, SABIC has recruited around 40 KAUST-trained scientists and researchers. Why it matters: This continued collaboration strengthens the ties between industry and academia in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation and developing local talent in areas relevant to the Kingdom's industrial goals.
A Deloitte report in collaboration with MBZUAI surveyed 150+ business leaders in UAE, KSA, and Qatar, finding that 69% of organizations plan to increase AI investments in the next year. However, over 80% of organizations feel pressured to adopt AI, with almost half lacking the necessary talent and technology for successful scaling. The report highlights a disconnect between the desire to deploy AI and the actual readiness of organizations in terms of talent, strategic planning, and infrastructure. Why it matters: This study underscores the urgent need for Middle Eastern organizations to address talent gaps and strategic planning to effectively leverage AI investments and achieve desired outcomes.
Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the inaugural graduation of MBZUAI, where 52 students from 24 countries received postgraduate degrees in CV/ML. 63% of the graduates have confirmed employment, Ph.D. placements, paid internships, or startups, with 91% remaining in the UAE. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber emphasized MBZUAI's role in advancing global progress through AI research across sectors and highlighted the importance of AI in tackling climate change. Why it matters: The graduation and high retention rate underscore the UAE's commitment to building a local AI talent pool and fostering AI innovation within the country.