The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by HBKU and QCRI, successfully gathered 141 students and industry professionals for a six-day program focused on AI. With lectures, practical sessions, and expert insights, participants explored various AI applications and career opportunities. This initiative supports Qatar’s aim to develop AI talent and foster a rich network within the region.
The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute and MenaML, drew 141 university students and industry professionals together for a comprehensive six-day program. This initiative aimed to cultivate essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and promote growth within the MENA region.
The program included detailed lectures, practical sessions, and panel discussions on pivotal themes such as large language models, generative AI, and deep learning, addressing both challenges and career pathways for emerging professionals in the Arab world. Participants also examined AI applications across various sectors, including education, genomics, biology, and healthcare, aligning with Qatar’s national objectives to innovate.
Esteemed experts from institutions including QCRI, Google DeepMind, and Carnegie Mellon University led sessions, providing invaluable insights and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a burgeoning knowledge center in AI and computer science. Dr. Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, emphasized the importance of partnership in developing local AI talent to address national research needs.
The event offered numerous professional growth opportunities, such as mentorship sessions, networking events, and a poster session for participants to present their research to peers and industry professionals. It received support from prominent sponsors like Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, and Apple, among others, who actively engaged with students through challenges and feedback sessions.
Ultimately, the MenaML Winter School aspires to foster future AI leaders and build a robust community of AI practitioners in the MENA region, promoting the sharing of knowledge, instigating research collaborations, and developing local talent in AI.
The MenaML Winter School represents a significant step in equipping students and professionals with essential AI skills. Through its diverse program and collaboration with industry experts and sponsors, the initiative aims to enhance Qatar’s knowledge economy and produce the next generation of AI leaders. The event not only addresses current educational needs but also builds a lasting network of AI practitioners in the MENA region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
