MenaML Winter School heads to KAUST: second edition set for Saudi Arabia
The Middle East and North Africa Machine Learning Winter School will host its second edition at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, running Jan. 24-29. The nonprofit held its first edition in Doha with the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI).
MenaML was started by a group from Google DeepMind and QCRI to connect a serious community of AI practitioners across the region. The core team includes Sami Alabed, Maria Abi Raad, and Amal Rannen-Triki from Google DeepMind, alongside Safa Messaoud and Yazan Boshmaf from QCRI.
What the school is building
The program has three simple goals: grow local AI talent, improve employability and community connections, and reduce brain drain by creating meaningful regional opportunities. AI interest is surging, and the region is in an early, high-growth phase-this school is built to accelerate that momentum.
The vision is direct: develop researchers who can build sophisticated, culturally grounded AI models that reflect regional values, languages, and norms. This keeps AI useful locally and responsible by design.
Why KAUST-and what's new this year
This year's edition is co-developed with KAUST and brings speakers from 16 institutions. The program adds emphasis on efficiency in AI systems, and blends collaborative projects, self-learning, and placement pathways.
- AI and society
- AI and sciences
- AI development
- Regional initiatives
According to KAUST leadership, the themes match the university's scientific priorities and the needs of regional industries that want to deploy AI safely and effectively. The goal is to equip participants with the conceptual and practical skills to contribute to next-generation AI R&D.
Fit with Saudi Vision 2030
Hosting the Winter School at KAUST supports Saudi Arabia's push to become a global hub for AI research under Vision 2030. By drawing top researchers, industry partners, and high-potential students to the Kingdom, the event helps build human capital, spark innovation, and strengthen a knowledge-based economy.
How participation works
Applications are open to students worldwide, with a clear expectation to show a connection to the MENA region. A portion of seats is reserved for the host country, and a small number go to international applicants without regional ties to give them a window into the local AI scene.
- Location: KAUST, Saudi Arabia
- Dates: Jan. 24-29
- Format: Talks, applied sessions, collaboration, and placements
- Community: Speakers and mentors from 16 institutions
Built on collaboration, built for scale
MenaML rotates cities each year and partners with leading institutions in every host location. The idea is simple: breakthroughs happen faster when labs and teams share what works-and build together across borders.
Looking ahead, MenaML plans to grow beyond a single annual event. The roadmap includes local MenaMLx chapters, partnerships with governments and industry, workforce development, AI governance and safety education, and joint research. Think of it as a durable backbone for the region's AI network, with a clear message: AI ideas worth building.
Related resources
See how Africa's community-driven effort grew with the Deep Learning Indaba for context on regional AI movements. If you're preparing your skills before applying, browse concise programs here: Latest AI Courses.
Event: MenaML Winter School, Jan. 24-29, KAUST, Saudi Arabia.
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