Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) partnered with MenaML to co-host the 2025 MENA Machine Learning (MenaML) Winter School. The event brought together 141 university students from local and international backgrounds and industry professionals for a six-day program focused on developing essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI).
The Winter School featured in-depth lectures, hands-on practical sessions and panel discussions that explored critical topics - including large language models, generative AI, deep learning, and more - as well as challenges and career opportunities for young professionals within the Arab world. It also explored the application of AI in diverse fields, including education, genomics, biology, and health, matching Qatar’s national challenge for AI practitioners to revolutionize these fields.
Distinguished experts from QCRI, Google DeepMind, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, InstaDeep, and other regional organizations led these sessions, lending invaluable insights to the attendees and contributing to Qatar’s growing knowledge hub in AI and computer science.
Commenting on the success of the Winter School, Dr. Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Executive Director, QCRI, said: “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, which in turn addresses national research priorities and contributes to the country’s knowledge-based economy.”
Participants also received opportunities for professional development, including mentorship sessions, networking gatherings, and a poster session where they could showcase their research to their peers and industry representatives.
MenaML was sponsored by several prestigious companies, including Google DeepMind, Google Cloud, Google.org, Malomatia, Dell, PhazeRO, Scale, InstaDeep, Apple, and Qeen.AI, many of which hosted booths and engaged directly with students. Additional interactions included challenges, mentorship sessions, and a poster feedback session. MoroccoAI and inzva also supported the event as community partners.
The MenaML Winter School aims to cultivate the next generation of AI leaders, build a network of AI professionals in the MENA region, and promote knowledge exchange, new research collaborations, and the development of local AI talent.
