Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Boeing Convene Global Leaders to Advance Safe and Sustainable AI

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] brought together leading researchers and industry experts at the 2026 Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium, held at Carnegie Mellon University in Doha on February 8-9. This year’s event focused on safe and sustainable artificial intelligence (AI), examining how advanced AI systems can scale responsibly while minimizing environmental and energy impact.

The symposium, held since 2014, connects academic research with real-world business needs. The gathering featured presentations from leading AI researchers from Canada, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK and US. Sessions addressed safe AI systems, green data centers and AI infrastructure, sustainable methods for fine-tuning large-scale AI models, lifecycle carbon-footprint measurement for AI systems, policy and governance frameworks for sustainable AI and other topics.

Dr. Ahmed K. Elmagarmid, Executive Director, QCRI, emphasized: “AI is entering a phase where performance alone is no longer the measure of progress. Through our collaboration with Boeing, QCRI is advancing AI-driven applications for smart automation and decision-making systems with a strong focus on safety and reliability. Together, we are strengthening HBKU’s research leadership while supporting Qatar’s position as a global hub for advanced AI and data science.”

Dragos Margineantu, Boeing Senior Technical Fellow, Artificial Intelligence Chief Technologist and co-founder of MLDAS, said: “The Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium strengthens Boeing’s research partnership with Qatar and the region, accelerating science-based and responsible innovation in AI methods and machine learning that benefit the industry and communities in Qatar, the Middle East and globally”.

Since 2012, the Boeing–QCRI partnership has produced leading research in machine learning and computer vision for autonomy. Collaborative projects have improved understanding of correlations in aerospace data and enhanced early detection of small objects to support safer landings. Boeing and QCRI remain committed to advancing innovation, expanding local technical capabilities and developing local talent in Qatar.

More information about the symposium is available here.