Good morning!
Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News email digest, brought to you by big data analytics and AI company Presight!
This was the week that MBZUAI and G42 released their groundbreaking open-source AI reasoning model K2 Think, that out performs open source models 20 times its size!
There is also the UAE’s first government-backed CAIO training programme; Morocco’s UM6P opens in New York; the UAE automates HR processes for 50,000 government employees using agentic AI; and Oman looks set to get an AI free zone!
🎤 And lastly, don’t miss today’s Middle East AI News LIVE - THURSDAY DEEP DIVE when I’ll be talking to intella CEO Nour Taher! Join us live online from 12 noon KSA | 1pm GST! 🎤
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UAE releases K2 Think open-source AI model
#UAE #LLMs– Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and G42 have launched K2 Think, billed as the world’s most powerful open-source reasoning model and outperforming rivals up to 20 times larger. Presidential backing highlights ambitions for global leadership, with researchers worldwide gaining free access to the open-source code and data. An online chat app was also launched with the new model. (Middle East AI News)
Investment
Oman unveils $265 million AI and tech hub
#Oman #freezones – Oman will establish its first Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Zone in Muscat. Backed by $265 million investment, the 100,000-sq-metre zone will be developed by Afouq Development and Egypt’s Prime Group. The hub was announced at COMEX 2025. (Middle East AI News)
Education
Morocco’s UM6P opens new hub in New York
#Morocco #research – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) has inaugurated its second US hub in New York to link African innovation with American academia and industry. The centre builds on UM6P’s Massachusetts hub and opens new pathways for African startups. (Morocco World News)
Iraq opens AI engineering college in Baghdad
#Iraq #education – Minister of Higher Education Dr. Naeem Abd Yaser Al-Aboudi has inaugurated the College of Artificial Intelligence Engineering at the University of Technology in Baghdad. The college features five specialised departments and is part of a national strategy that has already created ten AI-focused faculties. (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research)
UAE launches first Chief AI Officer course
#UAE #training – The UAE has introduced the region’s first Executive Programme for Chief AI Officers, run by the AI Academy, a new initiative formed by Abu Dhabi School of Management and Polynome Group. The two-week course starting in November covers ten modules for senior leaders. (Middle East AI News)
AUI, PMU launch AI research chair in Morocco
#Morocco #research – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University have signed an agreement to create the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Chair for AI Applications. The chair will drive applied research, innovation, and skills development, supporting socio-economic priorities in both countries. (Morocco World News)
Khalifa University wins US robotics patent
#UAE #robotics – Khalifa University’s Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems has secured its second US patent this year, covering a reconfigurable robotic machining system. Licensed to Dexter Robotics, the innovation enhances adaptability in industrial automation for aerospace and automotive applications. (Khalifa University)
Digital transformation
FAHR app automates HR for 50,000 government staff
#UAE #HR– The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has deployed an AI-powered HR Assistant for 50,000 federal employees. Automating 80% of self-service tasks and legislation queries, the system offers 108 services and is expected to save 170,000 working hours annually. (Middle East AI News)
Dubai AI traffic lights cut delays by 37%
#UAE #traffic– Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed phase one of its AI-powered UTC-UX Fusion traffic system, reducing delays at major junctions by up to 37%. Using predictive analytics and digital twins, the rollout will expand to 300 intersections by 2026. (Gulf Business)
Innovation
Qatar issues AI-powered innovation calls
#Qatar #Innovation – Qatar’s QRDI Council and utility authority Kahramaa have launched three open innovation calls. Challenges target AI-driven customer engagement, grid stability for EV charging, and autonomous robotics in public education. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen collaboration across research and utilities. (The Peninsula)
Qatar showcases AI and XR sandbox pilots
#Qatar #Innovation – Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology hosted an AI and XR Sandbox Demo Day, revealing four pilots in healthcare, compliance, procurement, and mobility. Developed with Google Cloud and Deloitte, the projects support the country’s Digital Agenda 2030 and National Vision 2030. (Qatar Tribune)
Oman symposium proposes AI security hub
#Oman #CoEs– An international symposium in Salalah has recommended creating a regional AI centre to tackle security challenges in vital facilities. Experts from the Gulf, Europe and beyond say the hub could enhance resilience and smart city early warning systems. (Times of Oman)
GenAI
Abu Dhabi launches EAD Avatar at ADIHEX
#UAE #environment – Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi has unveiled the EAD Avatar, an AI-powered lifelike digital guide, at ADIHEX. Designed to boost public engagement, the avatars aim to strengthen awareness of environmental issues across the emirate. (Abu Dhabi Media Office)
Gaming
Saudi launches 'Game by CODE' youth programme
#Saudi #gaming – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has introduced the “Game by CODE” initiative to train students and entrepreneurs in game design, art, and programming. Running in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Hofuf, the three-month scheme culminates in investor demos and awards for top teams. (Asharq Al Awsat)
AI Diplomacy
Somalia and Saudi sign AI, space deal
#Saudi #Policy – Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement to cooperate on AI and space technology regulation. Announced at the Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh, the deal aims to harmonise frameworks, strengthen oversight, and boost opportunities for digital collaboration. (Hiiraan Online)
Events
Cairo to host AI Everything MEA 2026
#Egypt #AiEverything – Egypt will host the first AI Everything Middle East and Africa expo in February 2026. Organised by GITEX Global and the Ministry of Communications, the event will gather participants from over 60 countries, spotlighting Egypt’s 2025–2030 AI strategy. (The Exchange Africa)
Qatar to host global AI ethics summit
#Qatar #ethics – Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will convene a major global conference on AI ethics later this month in Doha. The event will explore how artificial intelligence interacts with diverse cultural and moral frameworks worldwide. (HBKU)
[ This newsletter was both AI edited & human edited ]