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Cisco and KAUST Launch AI Institute to Propel Artificial Intelligence Research and Talent in Saudi Arabia
October 31, 2025 – TechAfrica News
Cisco and KAUST start an AI Institute. The goal is to push AI research and train experts in Saudi Arabia. This work matches Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. ### A Close Partnership for AI Growth
The AI Institute opened at KAUST. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman was there. He leads the Energy Ministry and sits on the KAUST board. Cisco brings its skill in networks, security, and cloud AI systems. KAUST gives strong teaching and research labs.
Chuck Robbins, Cisco’s Chair and CEO, spoke at the event. He said the Institute helps workers gain new skills as AI changes fast. He spoke in clear short words. Cisco and KAUST have worked together for 25 years. Their plan is that many people in Saudi Arabia work with AI.
Research and Learning for the Future
The Institute will work on many AI tasks. It will include communication systems built for AI. It will work on smart factories, moving cars, and transit designs. The research will also look at water, power, food, and health steps.
Sir Edward Byrne, KAUST’s President, spoke next. He said the Institute helps students learn skills for new jobs. He pointed out that KAUST uses tech to improve how people work together. The work fits with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and builds on KAUST’s strong record in science and tech.
Building Tech and Skills
Cisco gives new tech to the Institute. One gift is the Cisco AI POD. This aid accelerates work on heavy AI tasks. It helps set up AI work fast and with good safety.
Cisco also helps digital training in Saudi Arabia. Cisco will train 500,000 local learners for free in five years. The courses cover AI, online security, data work, and coding. Over 480,000 Saudi learners have trained so far. Many women also join now.
A Strong Part of Saudi Digital Growth
The AI Institute is a lead step in Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program. This group has helped Saudi Arabia with digital work since 2016. The program has worked on 23 major plans in health, school, cities, and government. KAUST and Cisco will guide the Institute together.
This new Institute marks a strong step toward making Saudi Arabia a world hub for AI research. It will help grow a new group of experts to boost the Kingdom’s digital plans.
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