The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by QCRI and MenaML, gathered 141 students and professionals to enhance their AI skills over six days. The event included lectures and discussions on key AI topics and applications across various fields. Numerous sponsors supported the initiative, emphasizing the development of local AI talent in the MENA region.
The 2025 Middle East and North Africa Machine Learning (MenaML) Winter School, co-hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and MenaML, successfully attracted 141 students and industry professionals for a six-day immersive program focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The event provided participants with essential skills through comprehensive lectures, practical sessions, and panel discussions on emerging AI topics such as large language models, generative AI, and deep learning.
The curriculum emphasized the utilization of AI across various sectors including education, genomics, biology, and healthcare, aligning with Qatar’s national challenges aimed at transforming these industries. Esteemed experts from institutions like QCRI, Google DeepMind, and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar led valuable discussions that enriched the attendees’ understanding of the AI landscape.
Dr. Ahmed K Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, noted the importance of developing local talent in AI. He remarked, “Like our partners at Google DeepMind, QCRI focuses on stakeholders’ current and future needs in the field of computing. This natural partnership enabled us to help develop talent in AI based in Qatar and throughout the region.”
Participants benefitted from additional professional development opportunities, including mentorship sessions, networking events, and a poster session showcasing their research to industry leaders. The MenaML Winter School received sponsorship from several prominent organizations, such as Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, and Apple, all of which actively engaged with the students throughout the event.
The initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of AI professionals and create a collaborative network of AI practitioners within the MENA region, promoting knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and local talent growth.
In summary, the MenaML Winter School serves as a significant platform for fostering AI skills and networking among students and professionals in the MENA region. By providing practical training and facilitating discussions on critical AI topics, the initiative strengthens Qatar’s position as a growing knowledge hub in the field of artificial intelligence.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
