Rabat, September 11, 2025 — The Europe Today: Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) and Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University (PMU) have signed an agreement to establish the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Chair for Artificial Intelligence Applications at AUI.
According to a statement from AUI, the agreement was signed by AUI President Amine Bensaid and PMU President Issa Al Ansari. The newly created Chair will focus on applied research in artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions addressing societal needs, while also supporting Moroccan talents in the field.
The initiative underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to advance cooperation in AI as a driver of socio-economic development in Morocco and Saudi Arabia. It also seeks to strengthen academic excellence and contribute to national priorities in both countries through the use of advanced technologies.
Bensaid highlighted that the partnership will reinforce Al Akhawayn’s mission to combine academic excellence with technological innovation. He emphasized that the Chair will help equip students with advanced AI skills to serve humanity and protect citizens from risk.
“By hosting this initiative, we also affirm the role of Al Akhawayn and Morocco as pioneering actors in this field in Africa and in the region,” he added.
For his part, Al Ansari expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, noting that it aligns with PMU’s efforts to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places artificial intelligence at the heart of economic and social transformation. He reaffirmed his university’s commitment to working closely with AUI to address future challenges and train a new generation of talents capable of shaping the future.
The agreement builds on AUI’s broader efforts to promote responsible and ethical use of AI. Earlier this year, in April, AUI signed a partnership with the American University of Sharjah to expand cooperation in research and teaching, enabling Moroccan and Emirati students to engage with AI while preserving their cultural identity.
The initiative also reflects Morocco’s growing ambition to integrate AI into its education sector. In January, Secretary General of Education Younes Shimi underscored the country’s commitment to making artificial intelligence effective, adaptable, and accessible to meet the specific needs of Moroccans and the wider Arab world.
