MenaML Winter School Empowers Students with Artificial Intelligence Skills
The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by HBKU and MenaML, provided 141 students and professionals with crucial AI skills over six days. Featuring lectures and hands-on training, topics included generative AI and deep learning. Sponsored by major companies, the event aimed to develop local AI talent, strengthen professional networks, and address national research priorities.
The 2025 MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute and MenaML, attracted 141 students and industry professionals in Doha. This six-day program was specifically tailored to enhance critical artificial intelligence (AI) skills, featuring comprehensive lectures, practical sessions, and panel discussions on topics such as large language models, generative AI, and deep learning.
Participants delved into the practical applications of AI in various sectors, including education, genomics, biology, and health. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s national goal of revolutionizing these fields through AI expertise. Various distinguished experts from organizations like QCRI and Google DeepMind guided the attendees, enriching Qatar’s strategic role as a knowledge center in AI and computer science.
Dr. Ahmed K Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, expressed the significance of the partnership with Google DeepMind, emphasizing a focus on future computing needs. He noted this collaboration aims to cultivate local AI talent, addressing national research priorities and advancing Qatar’s economy.
Participants benefited from professional development opportunities, mentorship, networking events, and a poster session for showcasing their research. Renowned companies such as Google DeepMind, Dell, and Apple sponsored the event, providing direct engagement with students through challenges and feedback sessions.
The MenaML Winter School is committed to fostering the next generation of AI leaders, facilitating knowledge exchange, and nurturing local talent within the MENA region, thereby encouraging future research collaborations and a robust community of AI practitioners.
The MenaML Winter School successfully equipped participants with critical AI skills while promoting collaboration and professional development. Through expert guidance and industry engagement, attendees were prepared to tackle national challenges in AI, thus contributing to the growth of local talent in Qatar’s knowledge-based economy. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of artificial intelligence in the MENA region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
