The Qatar Computing Research Institute, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, successfully hosted the MenaML Winter School on Machine Learning for 2025. This event attracted 141 local and international university students, alongside specialists in the field, to participate in a six-day intensive program aimed at equipping them with essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI).

Participants engaged in deep lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and discussions that addressed significant topics, including large language models, generative AI, and deep learning. The program also covered the career challenges and opportunities for young professionals in the Arab world, focusing on AI applications across various fields such as education, genomics, biology, and healthcare. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s national challenge to revolutionize these sectors through AI technologies.

Renowned experts from the Qatar Computing Research Institute, Google DeepMind, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and InstaDeep led the sessions, providing valuable insights to attendees while enhancing Qatar’s growing knowledge centers in AI and computer science. Dr. Ahmed Al-Maqrami, Executive Director of the Qatar Computing Research Institute, emphasized that their collaboration with Google DeepMind addresses the current and future needs of stakeholders in computing. He noted that this partnership contributes to developing AI talent in Qatar and the region, which is essential for solving national research priorities and advancing the knowledge-based economy.

Participants also had opportunities for professional development, including mentorship sessions and dedicated groups to facilitate networking. A poster session was organized, allowing attendees to present their research to peers and industry representatives.

The MenaML Winter School received support and sponsorship from several prominent global companies, including Google DeepMind, Google, Google Cloud, Informatique, Dell, PhazeRo, Selec, InstaDeep, Apple, and Qeenai. Many of these companies set up informational booths and engaged directly with students by organizing challenges and guidance sessions, as well as evaluating poster presentations. “MoroccoAI” and “inzva” served as social partners for the event.

The MenaML Winter School aims to nurture the next generation of AI leaders and create a network for AI professionals in the region. This initiative fosters knowledge exchange, establishes new research collaboration relationships, and develops local talent in the field of artificial intelligence.

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University: Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a leading institution focused on innovation, committed to developing education and research that addresses major challenges in Qatar and the wider world. The university aims to cultivate interdisciplinary academic programs and strengthen national research capabilities while collaborating with leading global institutions.

About the Qatar Computing Research Institute: The Qatar Computing Research Institute is a national research institute that supports Qatar in building its research and technological capabilities by tackling major computing challenges related to national priorities that directly impact daily life. The institute focuses on fulfilling the needs of Qatar, the Arab region, and the world, conducting advanced interdisciplinary applied research in four key areas: Arabic language technologies, social computing, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

About the MenaML Winter School: The MenaML Winter School is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing AI research and development in the Middle East and North Africa. It hosts an annual winter school designed to prepare the next generation of AI leaders, offering a unique blend of keynote speeches, lectures, and hands-on sessions delivered by local and international AI experts from leading institutions like Google DeepMind, the Qatar Computing Research Institute, and InstaDeep.