February 6, 2025—The National Academy of Artificial Intelligence (NAAI) officially announced the establishment of its Middle East Institute today, appointing Professor Gao Xin, a full professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, as its inaugural director. This move marks a new phase in NAAI's research and collaboration efforts in the Middle East.
NAAI has been dedicated to advancing innovations and developments in artificial intelligence, strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation, and enhancing public understanding and awareness of AI. In response to the rapid development of AI technologies globally and the urgent needs of the Middle East region, NAAI has decided to establish the Middle East Institute, aiming to promote AI technology innovation and application in the region through cutting-edge research, educational programs, policy recommendations, and public services.
Professor Gao Xin is a world-renowned scholar in the interdisciplinary field of computer science and biology. He has published numerous high-impact papers in bioinformatics and machine learning and holds several international patents. As the director of the Center for Computational Biology and deputy director of the Center for Smart Health at KAUST, Professor Gao has made significant achievements in promoting the application of AI technologies in healthcare, bioinformatics, and other fields. His leadership and academic expertise will provide strong support for the development of NAAI's Middle East Institute.
The Middle East Institute of NAAI will rely on Professor Gao's expertise and the actual needs of the Middle East region to carry out research and application work in AI technologies. Research priorities will include, but are not limited to, smart healthcare, smart cities, energy management, and agricultural automation. Additionally, the institute will actively collaborate with government agencies, universities, research institutions, and enterprises in the Middle East to jointly promote AI technology innovation and development.
The establishment of the Middle East Institute by NAAI will not only strengthen its global research and collaboration network but also inject new vitality into the development of AI technologies in the Middle East. NAAI believes that under the leadership of Professor Gao Xin, the Middle East Institute will achieve a series of important research results and make significant contributions to the development of AI technologies in the Middle East and beyond.