KAUST advances scalable AI through global collaboration
KAUST brings global experts together to advance scalable AI and tackle the challenges of training large models.
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As artificial intelligence (AI) systems grow larger and more complex, the central challenge for researchers is no longer just to design smarter algorithms, but to also train and deploy them efficiently across vast networks of processors. For Saudi Arabia to fulfill its ambitious AI goals, it is investing heavily in AI technologies through advanced science and education programs. The Kingdom is especially dependent on King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) continuing its growth as a leading research hub for AI innovation.
To continue its support of AI research and development, on November 24–26, 2025, KAUST is hosting the workshop Distributed Training in the Era of Large Models. Organized by Professors Peter Richtarik and Marco Canini, the workshop will bring together international experts in computing, mathematics, and AI to discuss how to scale large models such as large language models (LLMs) and vision transformers (ViTs).
Scaling AI as a national priority
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to position the Kingdom among the top ten nations in AI research and application. Recent indicators show rapid progress, with Saudi Arabia now ranking among the top 20 countries globally for AI talent density, and AI is expected to contribute $235 billion to the national economy by 2030.
This year, KAUST reached its highest global ranking yet and was the top Middle East institute for AI talent in the Global AI Competitiveness Index, an international benchmark that compares nations in AI competitiveness. The Center of Excellence in Generative AI and suite of AI education programs produced by KAUST Academy are just two examples of the University's growing commitment to AI.
“KAUST offers an outstanding research environment and facilities and is full of highly talented and motivated people eager to push the horizons of knowledge, which makes the University one of the best academic institutes in the world to work on optimization, machine learning, and AI,” said Richtarik.
Read the full feature on KAUST News.
