#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Cisco #KAUST #Prince Abdulaziz

Saudi Arabia Launches Pioneering AI Institute at KAUST

In an exciting development for the tech landscape of Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Cisco has teamed up with KAUST to establish a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute. This innovative institution will play a crucial role in advancing AI research, propelling talent development, and fostering innovation within the Kingdom.

A Major Step Forward for AI in Saudi Arabia

Announced on October 29, 2025, the AI Institute aims to merge Cisco's expertise in networking, security, and cloud-based AI infrastructure with KAUST's distinguished academic and research facilities. This partnership is expected to be a transformative milestone for Saudi Arabia, facilitating advancements aligned with the country's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to reduce its economic reliance on oil and build a diverse and sustainable economy.

KAUST's President, Sir Edward Byrne AC, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "Our long-standing collaboration with Cisco has been instrumental in realizing KAUST’s vision. The institute will equip our students with the essential skills for future jobs, reinforcing our position as a leader in scientific and technological education and research."

Focus Areas of the AI Institute

The newly established AI Institute will focus on several key areas, including:

• - Applied Research on AI Communication Systems: Developing efficient and innovative communication systems that utilize AI technology.
• - Industry 5.0 Edge Infrastructure: Creating advanced infrastructure that supports intelligent factories and autonomous mobility.
• - Public-Interest AI Use Cases: Addressing crucial sectors such as water, energy, food, and health through AI-driven solutions.

Cisco's contributions to this initiative include their latest technology solutions, notably the Cisco AI POD—a pre-validated AI infrastructure that simplifies the development of data centers for complex AI projects. This resource is designed to accelerate innovation by providing a reliable and scalable AI framework.

Commitments to Local Talent Development

In addition to infrastructure, the AI Institute is committed to nurturing local talent. Cisco has pledged to offer free digital skills training to half a million learners in Saudi Arabia over a five-year period through the Cisco Networking Academy. This program will focus on crucial areas, including AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming, reflecting the institute's intent to enhance educational opportunities and diversify the job market in the region.

Since its inception, the Networking Academy has trained over 480,000 students in Saudi Arabia, achieving significant female participation rates of 36%, thus promoting inclusivity in tech education.

Supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

The AI Institute is part of Cisco's broader Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which has played a vital role in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation since 2016. With numerous impactful projects spanning sectors such as healthcare, education, and smart cities, the CDA program represents a commitment to the Kingdom's future.

"To fully realize the potential of AI, we must enhance the skills of the workforce to keep pace with rapid innovation," stated Cisco's Chair and CEO, Chuck Robbins. He emphasized the economic opportunities that AI presents and how this partnership will help empower the Kingdom to capitalize on these prospects.

Conclusion

As the Saudi government actively promotes technology and innovation as cornerstones of future economic growth, the launch of the AI Institute at KAUST, supported by prominent figures like Prince Abdulaziz, exemplifies this commitment. With a partnership that leverages Cisco's technological prowess and KAUST's research excellence, Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as a leader in AI and digital transformation in the years to come.