Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, launched a groundbreaking AI Institute to advance AI research, development, and education in Saudi Arabia.

The institute, located at the KAUST campus, will focus on fostering innovation and developing a highly skilled AI workforce within the Kingdom, KAUST announced in a statement yesterday.

This collaboration will combine Cisco’s global leadership in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure with KAUST’s world-class academic research, advanced facilities, and pivotal role in education.

The AI Institute aims to become a cornerstone for AI innovation in the Kingdom, in alignment with Vision 2030.

Commenting on this milestone, Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, said: “The new AI Institute is crucial for equipping our students with the vital skills needed for the jobs of the future, directly aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and reinforces our leadership in scientific and technological education and research."

Meanwhile, Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO, stated that the Cisco AI Institute at KAUST builds on the company’s 25-year partnership with the Kingdom, with a shared vision to ensure everyone can harness AI's limitless potential in Saudi Arabia.

The institute will focus on applied research for AI-native communication systems, advanced edge infrastructure for Industry 5.0, including intelligent factories, as well as autonomous mobility and intelligent transport systems. It will also prioritize AI-driven use cases addressing vital public-interest sectors, including water, energy, food, and health.