MenaML Winter School Empowers Students with AI Skills

The MenaML Winter School, co-hosted by QCRI and MenaML, trained 141 students and industry professionals in AI skills across six days. The program featured lectures on critical AI topics and hands-on workshops led by experts from top institutions. Participants benefitted from networking, mentorship, and a showcase of their research, contributing to the development of AI talent in the MENA region.

The 2025 Middle East and North Africa Machine Learning (MenaML) Winter School, organized by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and MenaML, successfully gathered 141 students and industry professionals over a six-day program aimed at enhancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills. The initiative was directed at developing critical competencies in AI among participants, including both local and international participants.

During the Winter School, attendees engaged in comprehensive lectures, practical workshops, and panel discussions focused on significant topics such as large language models, generative AI, and deep learning. These sessions also addressed the challenges and career possibilities available for young professionals in the Arab region, emphasizing the application of AI in sectors including education, genomics, biology, and healthcare, aligning with Qatar’s national initiatives for AI practitioners.

Experts from prominent institutions, including QCRI, Google DeepMind, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and InstaDeep, led discussions, providing valuable insights and contributing to the establishment of Qatar as an emerging knowledge hub in AI and computer science. Notably, Dr. Ahmed K Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, acknowledged the partnership with Google DeepMind, emphasizing the focus on evolving talent in AI that aligns with both national research priorities and a knowledge-based economy.

Participants enjoyed professional development opportunities, including mentorship, networking events, and a poster session that allowed them to present their research to industry representatives and peers. The event gained support from several esteemed companies, such as Google DeepMind, Dell, and Apple, facilitating direct engagement through booths, challenges, and feedback sessions.

The MenaML Winter School aims to cultivate future leaders in AI and establish a network of practitioners across the MENA region. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering new collaborations in research, and nurturing local AI talent, vital for future technological advancements.

The MenaML Winter School successfully brought together students and professionals to enhance their skills in Artificial Intelligence, featuring expert-led discussions and hands-on experiences. The collaboration with multiple prestigious organizations fosters a vibrant community centered on AI development. This event not only addresses national research priorities but also cultivates the next generation of AI leaders in the MENA region.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com