Jeddah — October 10, 2025:
Deloitte Middle East and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The collaboration unites Deloitte’s AI Institute with KAUST’s world-class research ecosystem, aiming to turn cutting-edge AI research into practical, scalable business and societal solutions.
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
The partnership seeks to create a shared platform where scientific breakthroughs in AI meet real-world business applications — ensuring that advanced research translates into innovation across industries including healthcare, finance, energy, and logistics.
Through joint projects, Deloitte and KAUST will focus on solving complex AI challenges, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of technology leadership, sustainability, and human capital development.
Developing Saudi Arabia’s AI Talent Pipeline
Beyond research, the initiative emphasizes AI education and knowledge exchange, offering lectures, workshops, internships, and talent exchange programs to prepare the next generation of Saudi AI professionals.
Both organizations will also collaborate on policy and governance, addressing the ethical, societal, and regulatory dimensions of AI, and promoting responsible innovation.
Leaders’ Insights
“Artificial Intelligence is not only reshaping industries but redefining the future of work, education, and society,” said Sultanbek Khunkaev, Partner at Deloitte Middle East. “By partnering with KAUST, we are combining global expertise with local knowledge to accelerate innovation in Saudi Arabia. This MoU is the first of many collaborations focused on delivering tangible societal and economic outcomes.”
Professor Gianluca Setti, Dean of the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division at KAUST, added:
“This agreement with Deloitte reflects KAUST’s commitment to extending the reach of our research and innovation. Together, we aim to accelerate responsible AI development and create opportunities for knowledge and talent exchange that strengthen Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI.”
Driving Vision 2030 Through AI
The collaboration will build industry-specific AI solutions, create benchmarks for best practices, and develop commercial models for new AI intellectual property emerging from the projects.
By localizing Deloitte’s global AI Institute model, the partnership aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which positions technology and innovation as key drivers of economic diversification and national competitiveness.
This MoU marks a significant step in bringing academic research, business innovation, and public policy together to build a thriving, responsible, and AI-enabled economy in the Kingdom.
