In a bold step to accelerate hashtag#AI innovation, Cisco and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have unveiled a new AI Institute in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to drive applied AI research across industry, mobility, and public-interest sectors, while nurturing a large domestic talent pipeline. With plans to upskill 500K learners, the institute aligns closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to foster technological leadership and economic growth.
Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC, KAUST President, remarked, “Our long-standing partnership with Cisco has been instrumental in realizing KAUST’s vision. 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.”
Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO, added, “To unlock the promise of AI, we must upskill the workforce to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation. AI is poised to unlock groundbreaking opportunities for economic growth, accelerating KSA’s Vision 2030. The Cisco AI Institute at KAUST builds on our 25-year partnership with the Kingdom, ensuring everyone can harness AI’s limitless potential in Saudi Arabia.”
With this collaboration, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional hub for AI talent and innovation, combining world-class research infrastructure with industry expertise to shape the next generation of AI leaders. The institute promises to bridge the gap between education, industry, and technology, making Saudi Arabia a global beacon for applied AI development.
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