King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Cisco have announced a major expansion of their partnership with the launch of an advanced AI Institute.
The new initiative aims to drive innovation in artificial intelligence, positioning both institutions at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development in the field.
This initiative will bring together Cisco’s global leadership in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure with KAUST’s world-class academic research, advanced facilities, and pivotal role in education.
The event was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Board of Trustees.
The presence of His Royal Highness underscored the national significance of the initiative, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals in advancing research, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent.
Located at the KAUST campus in Saudi Arabia, the Institute will be dedicated to advancing AI research, development, and education, representing a major milestone in fostering innovation and developing a highly skilled AI workforce within the Kingdom.
Building on more than two decades of collaboration between Cisco and Saudi Arabia, and a shared vision for digital transformation, the new AI Institute at KAUST aims to become a cornerstone for AI innovation in the Kingdom, in alignment with Vision 2030.
Sir Edward Byrne AC President – KAUST
“Our long-standing partnership with Cisco has been instrumental in realizing KAUST’s vision. Since our inception, we have pioneered a digital-first approach, leveraging advanced technologies to redefine how our campus community connects, collaborates, and conducts research. 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, said that, “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, with a shared vision to ensure everyone can harness AI’s limitless potential in Saudi Arabia.”
This initiative also aims to develop local AI talent, building on Cisco’s recent commitment to provide free digital upskilling for 500,000 learners in Saudi Arabia over five years through Cisco Networking Academy, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming. This builds on the Academy’s strong track record, having trained over 480,000 learners in KSA, with 36 percent female participation.
The AI Institute is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program that has been a driving force for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia since 2016, delivering 23 high-impact projects across vital sectors like healthcare, education, smart cities, and government services. The Institute will be overseen by a joint governing board comprising representatives from KAUST and Cisco, to provide strategic direction and collaborative oversight.
