The MenaML Winter School was a six-day event gathered 141 students and professionals to enhance AI skills, featuring lectures and practical sessions on key AI topics. It aimed to align AI applications with Qatar’s national goals and promote collaboration among local talents. Sponsored by leading organizations, it provided mentorship and networking opportunities for future AI leaders in the region.
The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute and MenaML, gathered 141 students and industry professionals for an intensive six-day program focused on artificial intelligence (AI) skills development. Attendees engaged in lectures, practical sessions, and panel discussions that highlighted major topics such as large language models, generative AI, deep learning, and career opportunities in the Arab world.
Participants explored how AI can be applied across various sectors, including education, genomics, biology, and health, aligning with Qatar’s national goals to enhance these industries. Experts from institutions such as QCRI, Google DeepMind, and Carnegie Mellon University provided valuable insights to enrich the learning experience and support Qatar’s ambition to become a hub for AI and computer science.
Dr. Ahmed K Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in AI talent development. He stated that partnerships with organizations like Google DeepMind enable local growth in AI skills, aligning with national research priorities and bolstering the knowledge-based economy.
The program also offered mentorship opportunities, networking events, and poster sessions for participants to present their research to peers and industry leaders. Major sponsors and supporters included Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, Apple, and many others, who also engaged with participants through challenges and feedback sessions.
The MenaML Winter School aims to cultivate the next generation of AI leaders and create a solid network of AI practitioners within the MENA region, fostering knowledge exchange and local talent development for future innovations in AI.
The MenaML Winter School successfully equipped attendees with vital AI skills through lectures, practical sessions, and professional networking. Supported by prominent organizations, the program aligns with Qatar’s national goals for AI development while fostering local talent and collaboration among participants. This initiative positions the region for future advancements in artificial intelligence, reinforcing its role in the global tech landscape.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
