Artificial Intelligence
In Qatar, we’re uniquely positioned to make the most of what AI has to offer. Our population is highly tech-savvy and our state-of-the-art RDI ecosystem and unique multiversity model means lots of fascinating collaborations between world-class universities and research centers.
Our unique position in education, government, and the private sector also fosters an effective research-to-startup pipeline that paves the way for commercial sustainability in AI as well.
This is what we’re aiming for with our work in AI:
- Economic growth through the emergence of new fields and industries
- Social progress through efficient governance, effective management of resources, improved discourse, and better understanding
- Environmental sustainability through the proper understanding of natural systems and impact
- Protection and promotion of cultural heritage through initiatives such as Arabic-language translation
Strengthening a Spiritual Journey
An edtech platform that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social networking technologies to engage children in prayer was among the innovations to secure funding that can help take it to the next level – thanks to QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
The university’s Innovation Center awarded five projects QAR100,000 as the first winners of its Entrepreneurship Program Fund, supporting innovations that also included an AI-based application to help cancer treatment centers address booking, scheduling, and workload issues; a revolutionary solar technology; a tool supporting sustainable food supply; and an online trading platform for green energy trading.
“It’s fundamentally important to employ the best of what AI has to offer in strengthening our youth’s spiritual journey,” said Dr. David Yang, Associate Professor at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, whose interactive ISalati platform was awarded funding.
An edtech platform that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social networking technologies to engage children in prayer was among the innovations to secure funding that can help take it to the next level – thanks to QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
The university’s Innovation Center awarded five projects QAR100,000 as the first winners of its Entrepreneurship Program Fund, supporting innovations that also included an AI-based application to help cancer treatment centers address booking, scheduling, and workload issues; a revolutionary solar technology; a tool supporting sustainable food supply; and an online trading platform for green energy trading.
“It’s fundamentally important to employ the best of what AI has to offer in strengthening our youth’s spiritual journey,” said Dr. David Yang, Associate Professor at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, whose interactive ISalati platform was awarded funding.
It’s an honor to have been chosen for the award, and we look forward to collaborating with our industry partners to see it through.
A Flightpath for Learning
The creativity and diversity of the learning experience that QF offers was once again displayed in January as children from its Early Education Center (EEC) saw their education really take off – with a visit from Qatar Airways pilots and flight attendants.
Over 180 children aged from six months to three years learned about flying through stories, fun activities, and simulations of airport life, including stamping ‘passports’, weighing pretend luggage, and sending school bags through a cardboard box doubling as a baggage scanner. The visit was part of EEC’s ‘Discover Qatar’ learning journey, which helps children learn about the country.
Enhancing AI Understanding
Meanwhile, students at Qatar Academy for Science and Technology – part of QF’s Pre-University Education – joined special courses at the school that explore how Artificial Intelligence could be used within the classroom, broadening their understanding of its impact on teaching, learning, and interactions between students and educators.
And also in the AI world, HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute staged its Generative AI Hackathon, where 20 teams from across Qatar were challenged to create new AI models, experiment with existing ones, and explore new ways of applying this technology.
The creativity and diversity of the learning experience that QF offers was once again displayed in January as children from its Early Education Center (EEC) saw their education really take off – with a visit from Qatar Airways pilots and flight attendants.
Over 180 children aged from six months to three years learned about flying through stories, fun activities, and simulations of airport life, including stamping ‘passports’, weighing pretend luggage, and sending school bags through a cardboard box doubling as a baggage scanner. The visit was part of EEC’s ‘Discover Qatar’ learning journey, which helps children learn about the country.
This visit is a prime example of the impact that purposeful play can have in supporting engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for children.
Healthy Collaboration
Ways of deploying AI and machine learning in healthcare were explored through a collaboration between QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) and Qatar University.
The universities joined forces to investigate how machine learning algorithms and AI regimes can be used to improve health, with VCUarts Qatar’s Mathematical Data Science Lab working with QU researchers to develop a model allowing studies in this area to be carried out.
And fellow QF partner university HEC Paris in Qatar was also collaborating, as it entered an agreement with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology which will contribute to advancing the country’s digital transformation.
“This is an important step on the way to benefiting from HEC Paris’ great experience and clear interest in supporting Qatar’s digital and technology industry agenda,” said Her Excellency Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, the ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development.
Ways of deploying AI and machine learning in healthcare were explored through a collaboration between QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) and Qatar University.
The universities joined forces to investigate how machine learning algorithms and AI regimes can be used to improve health, with VCUarts Qatar’s Mathematical Data Science Lab working with QU researchers to develop a model allowing studies in this area to be carried out.
And fellow QF partner university HEC Paris in Qatar was also collaborating, as it entered an agreement with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology which will contribute to advancing the country’s digital transformation.
“This is an important step on the way to benefiting from HEC Paris’ great experience and clear interest in supporting Qatar’s digital and technology industry agenda,” said Her Excellency Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, the ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development.
Opening AI Opportunities
Students and industry professionals in Qatar will have new opportunities to build their skills in the fields of AI and information communication technology at QF, following the January inauguration of the Huawei HBKU AI ICT Academy Lab – a hub for innovation and hands-on learning experiences at the cutting edge of technology.
The month also saw HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering partner with Spain’s IE School of Science & Technology, and its Impact Xcelerator initiative, to host the Healthcare and Technology Collider roundtable, unlocking entry points for improving healthcare through AI and new technologies.
Alumni Impact
Meanwhile, through innovation and art, QF alumni were making a name for themselves within and beyond the Middle East. Mohammed Al-Qassabi, a graduate of QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, claimed four awards at the Seoul International Invention Fair in South Korea for his invention, a system that detects offsides in football matches.
And four alumni of QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) – Aisha Al Sowaidi, Maryam Al-Homaid, Rabah Saeid, and Shaikha Al-Sulaiti – were named on Architectural Digest Middle East’s list of the top 100 designers in the region.
Students and industry professionals in Qatar will have new opportunities to build their skills in the fields of AI and information communication technology at QF, following the January inauguration of the Huawei HBKU AI ICT Academy Lab – a hub for innovation and hands-on learning experiences at the cutting edge of technology.
The month also saw HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering partner with Spain’s IE School of Science & Technology, and its Impact Xcelerator initiative, to host the Healthcare and Technology Collider roundtable, unlocking entry points for improving healthcare through AI and new technologies.
This state-of-the-art facility will empower our students and professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the digital era.
The Huawei HBKU AI ICT Academy Lab offers:
- Specialized training programs
- Workshops
- Certification courses
Taking Tech to the World
The world of innovation came to Doha in February for the biggest technology event on the planet – and, reflecting its role as an innovator and an enabler of tech advances, QF entities were there in force.
Visitors to Web Summit Qatar 2024 explored the programs through which QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) supports nascent tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and saw budding innovators pitch their ideas to an audience of investors, tech leaders, and mentors; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar hosted a masterclass on the transformative potential of AI.
QF’s global education thinktank, WISE, held a session introducing attendees to the WISE Prize for Education, a global competition supporting ideas that can positively impact education. In its new guise, the prize is challenging social innovators to design solutions for three key education challenges: improving Arabic language teaching, accelerating foundational literacies, and addressing Artificial Intelligence challenges.
And QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) showcased eight technologies and eight startups driven by its researchers, faculty, and students, while experts from its College of Science and Engineering and Qatar Computing Research Institute contributed to Summit conversations on topics such as AI in education, quantum computing, green tech, cybersecurity, and language technologies.
The world of innovation came to Doha in February for the biggest technology event on the planet – and, reflecting its role as an innovator and an enabler of tech advances, QF entities were there in force.
Visitors to Web Summit Qatar 2024 explored the programs through which QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) supports nascent tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and saw budding innovators pitch their ideas to an audience of investors, tech leaders, and mentors; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar hosted a masterclass on the transformative potential of AI.
QF’s global education thinktank, WISE, held a session introducing attendees to the WISE Prize for Education, a global competition supporting ideas that can positively impact education. In its new guise, the prize is challenging social innovators to design solutions for three key education challenges: improving Arabic language teaching, accelerating foundational literacies, and addressing Artificial Intelligence challenges.
And QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) showcased eight technologies and eight startups driven by its researchers, faculty, and students, while experts from its College of Science and Engineering and Qatar Computing Research Institute contributed to Summit conversations on topics such as AI in education, quantum computing, green tech, cybersecurity, and language technologies.
Our participation in Web Summit Qatar 2024 echoes our longstanding commitment to technology development and sustainable innovation.
QSTP has:
- Supported over 100 startups transform ideas into tech solutions
- Housed over 20 multinational tech companies
Solutions and Understanding
On the tech front, February saw Northwestern University in Qatar announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative (AI2 ) – with its aim being to tackle the global challenges posed by AI and contribute to research, teaching, and professional development in an area of technology set to shape our world.
AI2 will be built around a joint curricula in media and AI, designed by Northwestern Qatar and fellow QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar; an Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab driving research work surrounding AI; and a professional development component.
Meanwhile, across QF, AI knowledge was expanded through Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design, an initiative by HBKU’s College of Public Policy which helped more than 50 Qatar-based professionals to understand how AI can be part of policymaking.
And in a similar vein, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) hosted health professionals from across Qatar for an interactive workshop on how AI can be applied in healthcare, with elements focusing on machine learning and AI ethics.
On the tech front, February saw Northwestern University in Qatar announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative (AI2 ) – with its aim being to tackle the global challenges posed by AI and contribute to research, teaching, and professional development in an area of technology set to shape our world.
AI2 will be built around a joint curricula in media and AI, designed by Northwestern Qatar and fellow QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar; an Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab driving research work surrounding AI; and a professional development component.
Meanwhile, across QF, AI knowledge was expanded through Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design, an initiative by HBKU’s College of Public Policy which helped more than 50 Qatar-based professionals to understand how AI can be part of policymaking.
And in a similar vein, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) hosted health professionals from across Qatar for an interactive workshop on how AI can be applied in healthcare, with elements focusing on machine learning and AI ethics.
AI touches upon every domain represented at Northwestern Qatar, so we have unique contributions to make to humanity’s understanding of AI.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s AI Center for Precision Health is a research unit dedicated to:
- Making significant discoveries in AI and machine learning
- Transforming healthcare, enhancing wellbeing, and promoting population health in Qatar and beyond
A Step Into The Future
They are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
Innovating for the World
And students from across Education City showcased their innovation skills and their technological solutions for tackling challenging global issues through QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMUQ) Invent for the Planet competition, while the third edition of the Libraries Lead Forum – hosted by Education City-based Qatar National Library – focused on Artificial Intelligence and how libraries can ensure equitable access to information in the digital age.
They are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
- Over 300 pre-university students attended WCM-Q’s Doctors of the Future Conference
- More than 360 healthcare professionals from 21 countries participated in WCM-Q’s lifestyle medicine symposium
- The winner of TAMUQ’s Invent for the Planet competition went on to compete against 24 universities from around the world in the global finals
A Stage for Innovation
Innovations designed to help high school students identify and follow their career path, increase oil production efficiency, and connect architects and designers with the materials they need took the spotlight at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in March – as the winners of its latest Demo Day.
The event saw the teams behind eight aspiring tech startups demonstrate the commercial viability of their solutions, and how they meet a market need, to a live audience of investors, students, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. All the startups have been supported by QSTP’s XLR8 program.
To mark International Women’s Day, QSTP also held a seminar aimed at guiding, empowering, and inspiring Qatari women to become entrepreneurs; as well as unveiling a new mentorship program for startups incubated at the park.
And QSTP-supported dialectal speech technology company Kanari AI announced the launch of Fenek AI – the first platform to offer automatic transcription for all Arabic dialects and the English language when they are spoken in the same sentence.
Innovations designed to help high school students identify and follow their career path, increase oil production efficiency, and connect architects and designers with the materials they need took the spotlight at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in March – as the winners of its latest Demo Day.
The event saw the teams behind eight aspiring tech startups demonstrate the commercial viability of their solutions, and how they meet a market need, to a live audience of investors, students, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. All the startups have been supported by QSTP’s XLR8 program.
To mark International Women’s Day, QSTP also held a seminar aimed at guiding, empowering, and inspiring Qatari women to become entrepreneurs; as well as unveiling a new mentorship program for startups incubated at the park.
And QSTP-supported dialectal speech technology company Kanari AI announced the launch of Fenek AI – the first platform to offer automatic transcription for all Arabic dialects and the English language when they are spoken in the same sentence.
QSTP is proud to actively play a role in fueling the passion of women to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, discover their capabilities, and achieve their ambitions.
A Green Campus
With the aim of advancing sustainability within the QF community, a QF partner university launched its EcoCampus initiative in April.
Designed to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the Education City campus, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s (CMU-Q) EcoCampus initiative involves students, staff, and faculty members, focuses on food equity, climate change, and waste management, and will – in line with the integrated nature of QF’s ecosystem – create a roadmap for other universities at Education City to benefit from.
Learning from Experts
Meanwhile, a group of CMU-Q student researchers began exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence algorithms to program aerial robots to clean and inspect solar panels, so they can operate more efficiently in Qatar’s climate.
The students have received scientific support from QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, whose Executive Director, Mark Vermeersch, said: “Our scientists and researchers take great pride in mentoring the next generation of innovators, researchers, and scientists, and we are delighted to provide CMU-Q students with the opportunity to learn from our experts and explore their own ideas.”
With the aim of advancing sustainability within the QF community, a QF partner university launched its EcoCampus initiative in April.
Designed to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the Education City campus, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s (CMU-Q) EcoCampus initiative involves students, staff, and faculty members, focuses on food equity, climate change, and waste management, and will – in line with the integrated nature of QF’s ecosystem – create a roadmap for other universities at Education City to benefit from.
Genuine change can stem from a single individual, and I believe students need to remember the impact they can make when working together as a community.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Maximizing the possibilities of quantum computing requires a workforce ready for the next generation – and the process of building this workforce in Qatar was boosted in May as a new partnership between HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and global quantum technologies leader Q-CTRL was announced.
Through this link-up, the education and research program at CSE’s new Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) will utilize Q-CTRL’s pioneering software to help train and equip students with quantum skills.
Future drivers of change were also cultivated through CMU-Q’s first professional development leadership program, which included participants from across the QF ecosystem. CMULead develops skills such as emotional intelligence, intercultural communication, and building positive teams.
And fostering leadership in healthcare is the focus of a new program launched by GU-Q and QF’s Sidra Medicine in May, which will hone the abilities of key personnel at the women’s and children’s hospital to improve both its effectiveness and outcomes for its patients.
Maximizing the possibilities of quantum computing requires a workforce ready for the next generation – and the process of building this workforce in Qatar was boosted in May as a new partnership between HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and global quantum technologies leader Q-CTRL was announced.
Through this link-up, the education and research program at CSE’s new Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) will utilize Q-CTRL’s pioneering software to help train and equip students with quantum skills.
Future drivers of change were also cultivated through CMU-Q’s first professional development leadership program, which included participants from across the QF ecosystem. CMULead develops skills such as emotional intelligence, intercultural communication, and building positive teams.
And fostering leadership in healthcare is the focus of a new program launched by GU-Q and QF’s Sidra Medicine in May, which will hone the abilities of key personnel at the women’s and children’s hospital to improve both its effectiveness and outcomes for its patients.
We are committed to working with Q-CTRL to develop future generations of the quantum workforce and equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in this innovative landscape.
Connections in Tech
Companies defined by their desire to innovate for a more sustainable world signaled their plans to join the tech-focused community at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in May.
China’s Davinci Motor Co., Ltd, whose work centers on robotic vehicles, and leading Unmanned Service Vehicles Manufacturer OceanAlpha Group Ltd – whose products can perform functions including collecting vital data for environmental preservation – both signed Letters of Intent to establish research and development centers at QSTP. They were joined the following month by Tashan Technology, a world-renowned developer of Artificial Intelligence tactile sensing chips.
On the sustainability front, HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute hosted international stakeholders in the field of photovoltaics – the first time such meetings have been held in Doha – to discuss the ability of these modules to meet the needs of markets and users.
And having explored social, cultural, and political issues through mediums ranging from creative writing and documentaries to research projects, nine student works emerged as winners of Northwestern Qatar’s 11th Media and Research Awards, judged by industry experts in Qatar and local and international media and communication organizations.
Companies defined by their desire to innovate for a more sustainable world signaled their plans to join the tech-focused community at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in May.
China’s Davinci Motor Co., Ltd, whose work centers on robotic vehicles, and leading Unmanned Service Vehicles Manufacturer OceanAlpha Group Ltd – whose products can perform functions including collecting vital data for environmental preservation – both signed Letters of Intent to establish research and development centers at QSTP. They were joined the following month by Tashan Technology, a world-renowned developer of Artificial Intelligence tactile sensing chips.
On the sustainability front, HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute hosted international stakeholders in the field of photovoltaics – the first time such meetings have been held in Doha – to discuss the ability of these modules to meet the needs of markets and users.
And having explored social, cultural, and political issues through mediums ranging from creative writing and documentaries to research projects, nine student works emerged as winners of Northwestern Qatar’s 11th Media and Research Awards, judged by industry experts in Qatar and local and international media and communication organizations.
Qatar has positioned itself as a regional leader in innovation, and the possibility of welcoming global leaders in sustainable solutions means the country will further consolidate its regional role and boost its global impact.
Envisaging a New Age
And a fitness-focused entrepreneur who wants to change the game for health-centered innovation at QF in May to talk tech – in the latest edition of QF’s platform for dialogue, the Education City Speaker Series.
In his public talk, Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP – which develops next-generation wearable technology for optimizing health – explained how Artificial Intelligence will ultimately evolve to the point where it becomes a 24/7 coach, trainer, nutritionist, and doctor for wearers of such devices.
AI is already a key component of WHOOP’s technology, with its devices allowing users to ask questions about their health and fitness routine. But, as Ahmed explained, it is set to go much further.
“I think the power of health monitoring is that it will be able to predict illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, diseases, and all sorts of things,” he said. “And I do feel that, in the next three to five years, we are going to see this massive golden age for health awareness.
“I really believe we’re going to see an unbelievable growth in preventative medicine.”
And a fitness-focused entrepreneur who wants to change the game for health-centered innovation at QF in May to talk tech – in the latest edition of QF’s platform for dialogue, the Education City Speaker Series.
In his public talk, Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP – which develops next-generation wearable technology for optimizing health – explained how Artificial Intelligence will ultimately evolve to the point where it becomes a 24/7 coach, trainer, nutritionist, and doctor for wearers of such devices.
AI is already a key component of WHOOP’s technology, with its devices allowing users to ask questions about their health and fitness routine. But, as Ahmed explained, it is set to go much further.
“I think the power of health monitoring is that it will be able to predict illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, diseases, and all sorts of things,” he said. “And I do feel that, in the next three to five years, we are going to see this massive golden age for health awareness.
“I really believe we’re going to see an unbelievable growth in preventative medicine.”
An Ethical Dialogue
In June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
Facing Up to Challenges
The month also saw WISH announce the impending publication of a report on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, exploring some of the more common adoptions of the technology in health and the associated ethical challenges – with an emphasis on approaching this issue from an Islamic perspective.
“Both secular and religious moral traditions need to grapple with serious ethical challenges surrounding the use of AI in healthcare,” said Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics and Head of CILE. “Our report will provide policy recommendations for how we can address these concerns, which influence the ethical deliberations on the patient-physician relationship in the age of AI-enabled healthcare.”
In June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
The role of religion is a critical one in the biomedical area. Discussions shaping bioethical policies should not neglect people’s beliefs, as they are part of our lives.
Insights Into the Future
He’s the man behind one of the world’s biggest advances in Artificial Intelligence – ChatGPT. And, in June, he was at QF’s Education City to share his views on the technology that has the potential to reshape our world with a Qatar audience.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shed light on AI’s role in education, its risks, the inequity of AI technology among developing and developed countries, and what it may mean for the world in the future as the latest guest of QF’s Education City Speaker Series.
“In the next decade, we are going to live through history in a way that we haven’t done in this world,” he said. “The socio-economic contract is going to change a lot. There is fear, for sure, but it is up to us to figure out how to do good.”
Altman’s belief is that AI will lead to humans “operating at a higher level and quality”, saying that with previous technological developments such as computers, “people have been able to do more and better – I think that is what will happen with AI.”
He’s the man behind one of the world’s biggest advances in Artificial Intelligence – ChatGPT. And, in June, he was at QF’s Education City to share his views on the technology that has the potential to reshape our world with a Qatar audience.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shed light on AI’s role in education, its risks, the inequity of AI technology among developing and developed countries, and what it may mean for the world in the future as the latest guest of QF’s Education City Speaker Series.
“In the next decade, we are going to live through history in a way that we haven’t done in this world,” he said. “The socio-economic contract is going to change a lot. There is fear, for sure, but it is up to us to figure out how to do good.”
Altman’s belief is that AI will lead to humans “operating at a higher level and quality”, saying that with previous technological developments such as computers, “people have been able to do more and better – I think that is what will happen with AI.”
Technology, Transition, Tradition
Innovations and conversations based on Artificial Intelligence are being advanced at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) – including a revolutionary system called EMMA.
The AI-driven, QSTP-backed technology uses advanced algorithms and real-time data to manage the movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel at airports. Having first been deployed without AI at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, it moved into use at South Charleroi Airport in the Belgian capital Brussels.
Through its ‘Meet the Expert’ series, in June QSTP also turned the spotlight on the role of AI in propelling the transition toward low-carbon economies, and showcased advanced AI applications for the Arabic language, as well as their benefits to businesses in Qatar.
The series brings together local and international technology experts, industry leaders, academics, and researchers to discuss technology-based solutions and practices in areas of strategic importance to Qatar, with the aim of boosting innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level.
Innovations and conversations based on Artificial Intelligence are being advanced at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) – including a revolutionary system called EMMA.
The AI-driven, QSTP-backed technology uses advanced algorithms and real-time data to manage the movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel at airports. Having first been deployed without AI at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, it moved into use at South Charleroi Airport in the Belgian capital Brussels.
Through its ‘Meet the Expert’ series, in June QSTP also turned the spotlight on the role of AI in propelling the transition toward low-carbon economies, and showcased advanced AI applications for the Arabic language, as well as their benefits to businesses in Qatar.
The series brings together local and international technology experts, industry leaders, academics, and researchers to discuss technology-based solutions and practices in areas of strategic importance to Qatar, with the aim of boosting innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level.
We must recognize that this technology comes with its own set of risks, and it is important that we manage these risks when adopting AI in industrial projects.
An Introduction to Tomorrow
Also in June, an Artificial Intelligence-focused program run by a QF partner university saw undergraduate students from universities within and beyond Qatar delve into the technology and how it may influence tomorrow.
The program was part of Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMUQ) Engineering Summer School – which encourages undergraduate students to pursue graduate and advanced degrees – and introduced participants to subjects such as machine learning and information theory, while also allowing them to participate in discussions on AI-related topics.
Meanwhile, researchers from QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute published research into the journey of AI over the past decade, in partnership with the UAE’s Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the University of Oxford in the UK, and Saarland University in Germany.
The research marked the 10th anniversary of the pioneering neural network AlexNet, and included an overview of the current status of AI, prevailing trends in the field of AI research, and insights into the socio-technical issues surrounding the technology.
Also in June, an Artificial Intelligence-focused program run by a QF partner university saw undergraduate students from universities within and beyond Qatar delve into the technology and how it may influence tomorrow.
The program was part of Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMUQ) Engineering Summer School – which encourages undergraduate students to pursue graduate and advanced degrees – and introduced participants to subjects such as machine learning and information theory, while also allowing them to participate in discussions on AI-related topics.
Meanwhile, researchers from QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute published research into the journey of AI over the past decade, in partnership with the UAE’s Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the University of Oxford in the UK, and Saarland University in Germany.
The research marked the 10th anniversary of the pioneering neural network AlexNet, and included an overview of the current status of AI, prevailing trends in the field of AI research, and insights into the socio-technical issues surrounding the technology.
We were able to learn about the applications of AI, and to understand how to effectively use AI.
Collaboration, Discovery, Learning
From education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
From education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
My practical experience has ignited a deeper passion for my chosen field, driving my anticipation to delve into the field of research I have long dreamed of.
Connecting Faiths, Advancing Inclusion
An interfaith meeting between a QF academic and Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, emphasized how continuing relations and dialogue between Muslims and Christians on society’s most pressing issues is pivotal for humanity.
During his audience with Pope Francis, Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean of QF member HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies (CIS), presented the pontiff with a copy of The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad: Historical Legacy & Contemporary Human Rights.
Meanwhile, HBKU’s College of Public Policy signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration to create a policy program for education and research surrounding migration in Qatar and the region; and, through research carried out with Ethiopia’s Hawassa University, produced recommendations for ensuring everyone has access to clean water and sanitation.
And Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator and ICT provider, Ooredoo, announced it would provide an estimated QAR2.8 million to HBKU’s Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), to support the center’s pioneering project to build Qatar’s first quantum communication testbed.
An interfaith meeting between a QF academic and Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, emphasized how continuing relations and dialogue between Muslims and Christians on society’s most pressing issues is pivotal for humanity.
During his audience with Pope Francis, Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean of QF member HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies (CIS), presented the pontiff with a copy of The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad: Historical Legacy & Contemporary Human Rights.
Meanwhile, HBKU’s College of Public Policy signed an agreement with the International Organization for Migration to create a policy program for education and research surrounding migration in Qatar and the region; and, through research carried out with Ethiopia’s Hawassa University, produced recommendations for ensuring everyone has access to clean water and sanitation.
And Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator and ICT provider, Ooredoo, announced it would provide an estimated QAR2.8 million to HBKU’s Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), to support the center’s pioneering project to build Qatar’s first quantum communication testbed.
Despite conceptual differences, Islam and Christianity share an enduring commitment to universal human rights…open dialogue between both faiths remains essential.
The QC2 quantum communication testbed will:
- Harness quantum cryptography for more secure communications
- Be the cornerstone of Qatar’s future quantum networks
- Provide a basis for next-generation quantum internet in Qatar
We believe this initiative will lead to significant breakthroughs, strengthen our commitment to cutting-edge technology, and benefit the country’s mission to become a regional hub in technological innovation and security.
Looking to the Future
And reflecting the integrated nature of QF’s unique ecosystem of education, where different universities stand just yards from each other – opening up a world of learning horizons – QF’s Marhaba event saw students from across Education City come together to discover just what their journey holds.
The annual gathering, titled ‘Education 2.0: Pioneering the Future Together’, included a focus on Artificial Intelligence and the impact it will have on the future lives of students, as speakers encouraged learners to explore, innovate – and use AI tools beneficially and responsibly.
“Embrace them, but watch out for the double-edged sword,” said Khaled A. Harras, Senior Associate Dean, CMU-Q. “Make sure to be using AI to improve your learning, not skip your learning.”
And GU-Q faculty member Dr. James Olsen’s message to students was: “You have to care about your education. And you’re going to have to learn about learning. And in terms of learning how to learn, one key thing you’ve got to know is: it takes effort.”
And reflecting the integrated nature of QF’s unique ecosystem of education, where different universities stand just yards from each other – opening up a world of learning horizons – QF’s Marhaba event saw students from across Education City come together to discover just what their journey holds.
The annual gathering, titled ‘Education 2.0: Pioneering the Future Together’, included a focus on Artificial Intelligence and the impact it will have on the future lives of students, as speakers encouraged learners to explore, innovate – and use AI tools beneficially and responsibly.
“Embrace them, but watch out for the double-edged sword,” said Khaled A. Harras, Senior Associate Dean, CMU-Q. “Make sure to be using AI to improve your learning, not skip your learning.”
And GU-Q faculty member Dr. James Olsen’s message to students was: “You have to care about your education. And you’re going to have to learn about learning. And in terms of learning how to learn, one key thing you’ve got to know is: it takes effort.”
This is just the start. You have so much to look forward to. And at every step, this community of knowledge that you are now part of will be here to support you.
Shining Bright
Since its launch in 2009, Stars of Science – QF’s innovation TV show – has inspired and enabled a generation of young Arabs with great ideas to contribute to the development of their communities, and the region.
In September, the show – hosted at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park – entered its 15th season, with seven contestants bidding to claim the Best Arab Innovator crown. And as it reached this milestone, Stars of Science alumni from the past decade-and-a-half reflected on how it set them on the path to making their mark in fields ranging from Artificial Intelligence to healthcare.
Jordanian inventor Noraldin Al-Deri is among them. After taking second place in Stars of Science season 14, she opened Jordan’s first AI-powered early intervention center for autism. “Guided by passion, I empowered hearts and minds to embrace diversity, increasing awareness of autism and developmental disorders,” she said.
“Through science, empathy, and innovation, we’re shaping a more inclusive world.”
Since its launch in 2009, Stars of Science – QF’s innovation TV show – has inspired and enabled a generation of young Arabs with great ideas to contribute to the development of their communities, and the region.
In September, the show – hosted at QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park – entered its 15th season, with seven contestants bidding to claim the Best Arab Innovator crown. And as it reached this milestone, Stars of Science alumni from the past decade-and-a-half reflected on how it set them on the path to making their mark in fields ranging from Artificial Intelligence to healthcare.
Jordanian inventor Noraldin Al-Deri is among them. After taking second place in Stars of Science season 14, she opened Jordan’s first AI-powered early intervention center for autism. “Guided by passion, I empowered hearts and minds to embrace diversity, increasing awareness of autism and developmental disorders,” she said.
“Through science, empathy, and innovation, we’re shaping a more inclusive world.”
Of the innovations showcased on Stars of Science:
- 60 have been in the consumer products category – with 15 finalists
- 45 have been in robotics and AI – with 16 finalists
- 37 have been biomedical technologies – with 14 finalists
- 19 have been in sustainability – with 5 finalists
Uniting Global Knowledge
Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future path for higher education and skills development is the purpose of a new international research consortium led by QF’s global education thinktank, announced in September.
WISE partnered with the Institute of International Education and seven universities to embark on a 12-month series of studies across diverse geographical contexts. The aim is to provide new insights into the integration of AI into educational curricula and practice, its role in closing the skills gap, and how to prepare students for an AI-driven world of work.
Meanwhile, the month also saw participants from universities at Education City give their perspectives on the impact of generative AI on academics, in a session hosted by QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
“The integration of AI in education is not merely a trend; it is a transformative force that has the potential to redefine how we teach, learn, and interact within our academic environments,” said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “Together, we can explore how to harness the potential of AI to enrich teaching and learning, and ultimately to foster a more effective and equitable educational experience for all.”
Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future path for higher education and skills development is the purpose of a new international research consortium led by QF’s global education thinktank, announced in September.
WISE partnered with the Institute of International Education and seven universities to embark on a 12-month series of studies across diverse geographical contexts. The aim is to provide new insights into the integration of AI into educational curricula and practice, its role in closing the skills gap, and how to prepare students for an AI-driven world of work.
Meanwhile, the month also saw participants from universities at Education City give their perspectives on the impact of generative AI on academics, in a session hosted by QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
“The integration of AI in education is not merely a trend; it is a transformative force that has the potential to redefine how we teach, learn, and interact within our academic environments,” said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “Together, we can explore how to harness the potential of AI to enrich teaching and learning, and ultimately to foster a more effective and equitable educational experience for all.”
As nations navigate the impact and potential of AI, higher education can build the bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.
The WISE Global Research Consortium on AI is conducting research in:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- South America
Consortium members include:
- Ashesi University, Ghana
- Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, Spain
- University of Pennsylvania, US
- The Birla Institute of Technology & Science, India
- Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Technology That Wins
With an 80 percent success rate, the region’s first deep-learning based Artificial Intelligence model for predicting the results of football matches was unveiled by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
‘SoccerNet’ is the brainchild of the university’s College of Science and Engineering, and used analysis of player data from Qatar Stars League (QSL) matches to forecast the outcome of games. The team behind the model now hope to use it to support the development of QSL players and coaches.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar student Abenezer Bekele developed an AI-based job aggregator to help QF students with loan repayment options; while QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park announced the launch of ViaVii Plus – a web-based booking management system developed by a startup incubated at the park, and designed to help the region’s travel and tourism companies create the best experience for visitors.
And QF partner universities forged new partnerships, as HEC Paris in Qatar teamed up with delivery platform Snoonu – founded by a university alumnus – to collaborate on research programs, programs, and educational opportunities; while Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar entered an agreement with Qatar Red Crescent to support humanitarian and educational initiatives and programs.
With an 80 percent success rate, the region’s first deep-learning based Artificial Intelligence model for predicting the results of football matches was unveiled by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
‘SoccerNet’ is the brainchild of the university’s College of Science and Engineering, and used analysis of player data from Qatar Stars League (QSL) matches to forecast the outcome of games. The team behind the model now hope to use it to support the development of QSL players and coaches.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar student Abenezer Bekele developed an AI-based job aggregator to help QF students with loan repayment options; while QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park announced the launch of ViaVii Plus – a web-based booking management system developed by a startup incubated at the park, and designed to help the region’s travel and tourism companies create the best experience for visitors.
And QF partner universities forged new partnerships, as HEC Paris in Qatar teamed up with delivery platform Snoonu – founded by a university alumnus – to collaborate on research programs, programs, and educational opportunities; while Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar entered an agreement with Qatar Red Crescent to support humanitarian and educational initiatives and programs.
The proposed machine learning model will support players, coaching staff, and team management in Qatar to focus on specific performance metrics that may help them win football matches.
ViaVii – the QSTP-incubated startup behind ViaVii Plus – has provided authentic visitor experiences in the region to over 10,000 travelers
Bringing the Tech World Together
September saw QF’s hub of technology innovation and entrepreneurship, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), host the first edition of a program which will be a channel for collaboration for innovators, entrepreneurs, science parks, tech accelerators, and universities from around the world.
And the inaugural Global Innovation Link program welcomed five tech startups from Pakistan – all of which employ Artificial Intelligence in their products – for a two-week immersive innovation experience, where they joined QSTP’s community and engaged with key academic, industry, and government stakeholders in Qatar.
QSTP also marked the end of its first Summer Internship Bootcamp, where university students gained real-world insight into what it takes to be a tech innovator and entrepreneur, including through access to companies and startups based at the park.
Ambassadors for Dialogue
Meanwhile, QF’s Doha Debates introduced the latest cohort of emerging leaders from around the world to participate in the latest edition of its Ambassador Program – with 16 of the program’s alumni being selected to mentor them.
Through the program, ambassadors work with experts to develop advanced communication skills and engage in dialogue on complex global issues – making them role models for building consensus through debate.
September saw QF’s hub of technology innovation and entrepreneurship, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), host the first edition of a program which will be a channel for collaboration for innovators, entrepreneurs, science parks, tech accelerators, and universities from around the world.
And the inaugural Global Innovation Link program welcomed five tech startups from Pakistan – all of which employ Artificial Intelligence in their products – for a two-week immersive innovation experience, where they joined QSTP’s community and engaged with key academic, industry, and government stakeholders in Qatar.
QSTP also marked the end of its first Summer Internship Bootcamp, where university students gained real-world insight into what it takes to be a tech innovator and entrepreneur, including through access to companies and startups based at the park.
By building bridges between Pakistani startups and Qatari innovators, tech leaders, and investors, we are paving the way for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and strategic growth.
A Global Outlook
Focused on addressing the global challenges of governance, advancement, and peace, a new, independent, and multidisciplinary thinktank was inaugurated by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in October.
The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) – the inauguration of which was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – will pursue a greater understanding of the cultural, historic, political, and other drivers of global challenges, and examine issues of global governance, advancement, peace, and security in a holistic way.
“Within the boundaries of HBKU and the QF ecosystem, we have a unique concentration of scholarship, talent, and innovation that will allow GISR to act as a catalyst to channel ideas and bridge the gap between research and policymaking,” said Dr. Sultan Barakat, Professor in Public Policy at HBKU’s College of Public Policy, and GISR’s Acting Director.
The institute’s inauguration – which welcomed experts from global thinktanks and research centers – saw the launch of a joint report by GISR, Doha Forum, and the Stimson Center, outlining how carefully designed and responsible cyber-governance initiatives, including Artificial Intelligence regulation, and reinvigorated peacebuilding can benefit people and nations and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Focused on addressing the global challenges of governance, advancement, and peace, a new, independent, and multidisciplinary thinktank was inaugurated by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in October.
The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) – the inauguration of which was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – will pursue a greater understanding of the cultural, historic, political, and other drivers of global challenges, and examine issues of global governance, advancement, peace, and security in a holistic way.
“Within the boundaries of HBKU and the QF ecosystem, we have a unique concentration of scholarship, talent, and innovation that will allow GISR to act as a catalyst to channel ideas and bridge the gap between research and policymaking,” said Dr. Sultan Barakat, Professor in Public Policy at HBKU’s College of Public Policy, and GISR’s Acting Director.
The institute’s inauguration – which welcomed experts from global thinktanks and research centers – saw the launch of a joint report by GISR, Doha Forum, and the Stimson Center, outlining how carefully designed and responsible cyber-governance initiatives, including Artificial Intelligence regulation, and reinvigorated peacebuilding can benefit people and nations and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
GISR reflects Qatar’s prominent place at a major geopolitical crossroads and its commitment to positively impacting and shaping debates on a multitude of global challenges facing humanity today.
Discussions at the launch of GISR focused on:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Energy transition
- Sustaining peace in fragile states
A Shifting Landscape
The Middle East is becoming a gateway connecting the world as technology’s geographical landscape changes, the founder of one of the world’s largest tech conference told a Qatar audience in October as he became the latest expert to take to the Education City Speaker Series stage.
Irish entrepreneur Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit – which came to Doha in February 2024 – told the talk, co-hosted with the Government Communications Office: “I think the biggest change over the next 10 years is that the shift in the world is clearly underway. That shift is, for the most part, towards China, but it means that many other places in the world – including the Middle East, and including Qatar – are becoming far more important.”
The milestone 15th season of QF’s innovation TV show Stars of Science came to an end with Saudi Arabian robotics engineer Mohammed Abbas Albumijdad claiming the title of top Arab innovator with his invention of a crawler robot that can inspect vertical surfaces, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and dams, for cracks and faults.
And fellow QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar launched its Generative AI series, exploring aspects of Artificial Intelligence, with its first session looking into how ChatGPT.
The Middle East is becoming a gateway connecting the world as technology’s geographical landscape changes, the founder of one of the world’s largest tech conference told a Qatar audience in October as he became the latest expert to take to the Education City Speaker Series stage.
Irish entrepreneur Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit – which came to Doha in February 2024 – told the talk, co-hosted with the Government Communications Office: “I think the biggest change over the next 10 years is that the shift in the world is clearly underway. That shift is, for the most part, towards China, but it means that many other places in the world – including the Middle East, and including Qatar – are becoming far more important.”
The milestone 15th season of QF’s innovation TV show Stars of Science came to an end with Saudi Arabian robotics engineer Mohammed Abbas Albumijdad claiming the title of top Arab innovator with his invention of a crawler robot that can inspect vertical surfaces, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and dams, for cracks and faults.
And fellow QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar launched its Generative AI series, exploring aspects of Artificial Intelligence, with its first session looking into how ChatGPT.
I will continue to combine my passion for robotics and engineering to create a safer and more sustainable future for construction projects across the world.
A Platform for Ideas
Artificial Intelligence could reshape our world – and in November, over 2,000 influential thought leaders, young innovators, and key decision-makers gathered at Qatar Foundation to explore how it might reshape the world of education.
The 11th edition of the WISE Summit – organized by QF’s global education think tank WISE, and attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – placed topics such as how to future-proof classrooms in the age of AI, building an inclusive and ethical AI landscape, and AI and digital sovereignty in the international educational spotlight.
Young educational advocates and innovators led discussions on areas including personalized learning for students with disabilities and the cultural perspectives of Arabic learners in classrooms, while workshops with WISE partners provided students and teachers with immersive experiences of using cutting-edge AI tools and systems.
And Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, awarded the prestigious WISE Prize for Education to Safeena Husain, Founder and Board Member of Educate Girls, which – through a precision targeting method that uses AI – has supported the learning of over 1.9 million girls in India.
Artificial Intelligence could reshape our world – and in November, over 2,000 influential thought leaders, young innovators, and key decision-makers gathered at Qatar Foundation to explore how it might reshape the world of education.
The 11th edition of the WISE Summit – organized by QF’s global education think tank WISE, and attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – placed topics such as how to future-proof classrooms in the age of AI, building an inclusive and ethical AI landscape, and AI and digital sovereignty in the international educational spotlight.
Young educational advocates and innovators led discussions on areas including personalized learning for students with disabilities and the cultural perspectives of Arabic learners in classrooms, while workshops with WISE partners provided students and teachers with immersive experiences of using cutting-edge AI tools and systems.
And Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, awarded the prestigious WISE Prize for Education to Safeena Husain, Founder and Board Member of Educate Girls, which – through a precision targeting method that uses AI – has supported the learning of over 1.9 million girls in India.
I want to ensure WISE is a platform for new ideas that keep pace with the changes taking place in the world, and the obstacles that education faces in certain countries for reasons of which we are all too aware.
Ethics, Inclusivity, and Engagement
During the summit, young learners assessed ethical practices for students using AI in their education, in a session led by QF’s Akhlaquna initiative.
Among the speakers was Qatar University student Fatima Naqadan, whose startup focused on AI program development. “We must acknowledge that while AI technology offers numerous benefits, it also poses several ethical challenges,” she said, “so achieving a delicate equilibrium between advancing technological frontiers and maintaining our social and ethical obligations is essential.”
Experts also discussed how AI can be used to augment human intelligence; AI’s role in the lives of persons with disabilities, in a session which saw the participation of blind and visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically impaired and neurodivergent members of society; and the opportunities that AI-driven disruption presents for education.
And, as Husa Alangari, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, said: “If we really want to be able to have students and our future leaders implement and use AI effectively, we need to get them ready, engage and involve them in the process, and make sure that we have a holistic view of how learning is occurring, how they are developing their skills.”
During the summit, young learners assessed ethical practices for students using AI in their education, in a session led by QF’s Akhlaquna initiative.
Among the speakers was Qatar University student Fatima Naqadan, whose startup focused on AI program development. “We must acknowledge that while AI technology offers numerous benefits, it also poses several ethical challenges,” she said, “so achieving a delicate equilibrium between advancing technological frontiers and maintaining our social and ethical obligations is essential.”
Experts also discussed how AI can be used to augment human intelligence; AI’s role in the lives of persons with disabilities, in a session which saw the participation of blind and visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically impaired and neurodivergent members of society; and the opportunities that AI-driven disruption presents for education.
And, as Husa Alangari, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, said: “If we really want to be able to have students and our future leaders implement and use AI effectively, we need to get them ready, engage and involve them in the process, and make sure that we have a holistic view of how learning is occurring, how they are developing their skills.”
In educational AI applications, we must ensure fairness and equity for all students, maintain transparency in how AI operates, and protect student privacy and data.
Insights, Accolades, and Action
Insights gained from cutting-edge research in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region, Europe, the US, and the UK were shared at a QF-hosted symposium exploring Artificial Intelligence advances in fields such as aviation, education, and sports.
HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Boeing jointly organized the eighth Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium at Education City, gathering researchers and industry experts to exchange knowledge on AI applications for, and the responsible use of the technology.
Meanwhile, QCRI was honored with a King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language Award 2023 for its Arabic Language Team’s research into Natural Language Processing and the development and sharing of advanced technologies in this field.
And quantum computing leader Xanadu entered a partnership with HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering to develop pathways that nurture a quantum-ready workforce for Qatar, through the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing, established within HBKU through a grant from the government of Qatar.
Insights gained from cutting-edge research in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region, Europe, the US, and the UK were shared at a QF-hosted symposium exploring Artificial Intelligence advances in fields such as aviation, education, and sports.
HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Boeing jointly organized the eighth Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium at Education City, gathering researchers and industry experts to exchange knowledge on AI applications for, and the responsible use of the technology.
Meanwhile, QCRI was honored with a King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language Award 2023 for its Arabic Language Team’s research into Natural Language Processing and the development and sharing of advanced technologies in this field.
And quantum computing leader Xanadu entered a partnership with HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering to develop pathways that nurture a quantum-ready workforce for Qatar, through the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing, established within HBKU through a grant from the government of Qatar.
Language is the soul of the people. As communications paradigms shift, it is critical to create effective Arabic language technologies for people in the Arab world and beyond.
Amplifying Young Voices
Views and ideas on how to build a better world – all from the perspective of youth – were aired and shared in front of leaders from Qatar and around the world at QF in November, as it hosted the Doha Forum: Youth Edition 2023.
Organized by QF-founded QatarDebate and held at GU-Q, the forum tackled global issues and topics including the war in Gaza, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and how to build a sustainable world for future generations, as well as the secrets and the importance of effective debating. Launched in 2018, it has become a focal point for young people to debate and pitch solutions on diverse challenges to decision-makers.
“This Youth Edition has not only provided a platform for open dialogue and debate, but has also underscored the importance of fostering a culture of discussion among youth,” Mubarak Al Kuwari, Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the forum.
“We believe in the transformative power of ideas and the impact that young minds can have in shaping the world.”
Views and ideas on how to build a better world – all from the perspective of youth – were aired and shared in front of leaders from Qatar and around the world at QF in November, as it hosted the Doha Forum: Youth Edition 2023.
Organized by QF-founded QatarDebate and held at GU-Q, the forum tackled global issues and topics including the war in Gaza, cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and how to build a sustainable world for future generations, as well as the secrets and the importance of effective debating. Launched in 2018, it has become a focal point for young people to debate and pitch solutions on diverse challenges to decision-makers.
“This Youth Edition has not only provided a platform for open dialogue and debate, but has also underscored the importance of fostering a culture of discussion among youth,” Mubarak Al Kuwari, Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the forum.
“We believe in the transformative power of ideas and the impact that young minds can have in shaping the world.”
When we live in societies where we are not directly suffering from oppression, we have a moral responsibility to lift the voice of the voiceless.
The Heart of the Conversation
Leaders in policy from around the world converged on Qatar for the Doha Forum 2023 – and QF was at the heart of the conversation.
As the forum – held under the theme ‘Building Shared Futures’ – unfolded, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Global Institute for Strategic Studies, with the Stimson Center, hosted two roundtable sessions focusing on innovative solutions for governing Artificial Intelligence and emerging cybertechnology, and regional solutions for peacebuilding.
QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) convened panels exploring Palestinian political renewal and reimagining financial markets for humanitarian impact, while QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) held a session where health and government policy chiefs shared lessons on how to strengthen healthcare systems by drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
And amid the genocide in Gaza, QF’s Doha Debates organized a townhall event examining which nations and actors should take the lead in dealing with the most challenging issues facing the world over the next decade, as new forces emerge and new alliances take shape.
Leaders in policy from around the world converged on Qatar for the Doha Forum 2023 – and QF was at the heart of the conversation.
As the forum – held under the theme ‘Building Shared Futures’ – unfolded, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Global Institute for Strategic Studies, with the Stimson Center, hosted two roundtable sessions focusing on innovative solutions for governing Artificial Intelligence and emerging cybertechnology, and regional solutions for peacebuilding.
QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) convened panels exploring Palestinian political renewal and reimagining financial markets for humanitarian impact, while QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) held a session where health and government policy chiefs shared lessons on how to strengthen healthcare systems by drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
And amid the genocide in Gaza, QF’s Doha Debates organized a townhall event examining which nations and actors should take the lead in dealing with the most challenging issues facing the world over the next decade, as new forces emerge and new alliances take shape.
We want women to be the next leaders. If we have the world’s population on stage, the result is going to be a better one because it’s more inclusive.
