A delegation from King Abdulaziz University visited King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST) on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to explore
opportunities for research and academic collaboration in generative artificial
intelligence and intelligent applications aligned with national priorities. The delegation
was led by Dr. Sultana Al-Shammari, Director of the Center of Excellence in Artificial
Intelligence and Data Science (AIADS).
The delegation included:
• Professor Wadi Al-Halabi, University Representative for AI
• Dr. Osama Rabie, Director of the Center of Excellence in Smart
Environment
• Professor Reem Al-Otaibi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computing and
Information Technology for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research
• Dr. Ahmed Fallatah, Head of the Geomatics Department and Deputy
Director of the Center of Excellence in Smart Environment
• In addition to several researchers and AI specialists
The visit featured a series of meetings with key KAUST entities, including the Center
of Excellence in Generative AI, the Smart Health Center, advanced computing and
visualization laboratories, and the KAUST Academy. Discussions focused on
launching joint research projects, leveraging KAUST’s advanced computational
infrastructure, developing joint training programs, and establishing co-supervision
frameworks for graduate students.
The visit concluded with a clear roadmap for future collaboration, encompassing:
• Development of joint research projects in AI
• Promotion of collaborative scientific publishing
• Launch of training and summer programs
These initiatives aim to build national capabilities, enhance the research and
innovation ecosystem, and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
