UN Intergovernmental AI Expert · IEEE Senior Member · AI Advisor to Governments
Associate Professor · Computer Engineering · Kuwait University | VP for Academic Support Services
| ✉dr.mutawa@ku.edu.kw | ✉dr.mutawa@gmail.com | ✉prof.mutawa@ieee.org | ☎+965 99641114 |
| 🌐dr-mutawa.com | inlinkedin: drmutawa | 🔬ORCID: 0000-0002-5707-2692 | X@drmutawa |
| 1,114Citations (ResearchGate) | 16H-Index (ResearchGate) | 20i10-Index | 30+Journal Papers | ~1M USDResearch Funding | IEEE SMSenior Member |
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Education
Ph.D. Computer Science Artificial Intelligence · Syracuse Univ. 1997–1999 · New York, USA M.Sc. Computer Science Syracuse University 1995–1996 · New York, USA B.Sc. Computer Engineering Kuwait University 1989–1994 · Kuwait Research Interests
Artificial IntelligenceDeep LearningMachine LearningRoboticsExpert SystemsSignal ProcessingNLPPattern RecognitionE-LearningDistance EducationQuantum ComputingFPGAEmbedded SystemsCybersecurityMOOCsDigital Transformation
Languages
Arabic (Native)
English (Fluent)
German (Proficient)
Programming
PythonC / C++JavaLISPPrologCLIPSPHPLUAHPFCOBOLPascal
Professional Societies
IEEE – Senior Member
IEEE RAS – Robotics & Automation
IEEE Computational Intelligence
ACM
AAAI
ARAIA – Board Member
MILSET Asia – President
Editorial Boards
PLOS ONE (JCR Q1) · 2023–present
J. Engineering Research (Q3) · 2019–2021
Peer Reviews
64+ reviews across 15 JCR journals including IEEE Access, Mathematics, Applied Sciences, EAAI, Pattern Recognition, Sensors. Sabbatical / Study Leaves
2024–2025 · Hamburg, Germany (Study)
2023–2024 · Hamburg, Germany
2019–2020 · Kuwait & Qatar
2015–2016 · Kuwait
2002–2003 · Kuwait & KSA
Student Evaluations
Average score: 91% across 18 course evaluations. |
Executive Summary
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutawa (Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor of Computer Engineering at Kuwait University (1999–present) and a globally recognized expert in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Educational Technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science (AI) from Syracuse University, USA (1999). As a UNESCO intergovernmental expert, Dr. Mutawa co-authored the first-ever global Ethics of AI agreement, adopted at the UN's 41st General Assembly (Paris, Nov 2021). He served as Senior AI Consultant to three successive Ministers of Education in Kuwait (2020–2024), leading national AI curriculum transformation for K-12. He is currently Vice President of Kuwait University for Academic Support Services (June 2025–present), President of MILSET Asia (Feb 2025–present), and holds the status of IEEE Senior Member. Dr. Mutawa has secured approximately ~1 Million USD in competitive research funding, published 30+ journal papers, and supervised 11 master's students. His citation count stands at 1,114 with an H-index of 16 (ResearchGate, May 2026).
Current & Recent Positions
Vice President for Academic Support Services Kuwait University · Kuwait June 2025 – Present President, MILSET Asia MILSET – Int'l Movement for Leisure Activities in Science & Technology February 2025 – Present Leading regional STEM education, scientific culture, and innovation across Asia. Associate Professor, Computer Engineering Kuwait University, College of Engineering & Petroleum July 2011 – Present Visiting Professor University of Hamburg, Germany February 2023 – February 2025 Senior AI Consultant to the Minister of Education Ministry of Education, State of Kuwait 2020–2024 Led national AI curriculum K-12; chaired Ministerial Committee for AI Curriculum Development; represented Kuwait at UNESCO. Acting VP for Academic Support Services / AVP for IT Kuwait University July 2020 – January 2022 Intergovernmental Expert – Ethics of Artificial Intelligence UNESCO, United Nations · Paris 2020–2021 Co-authored the first-ever global Ethics of AI agreement, adopted at the 41st UN General Assembly, November 24, 2021. Director, Office of Engineering Education & E-Services College of Engineering & Petroleum, Kuwait University 2005–2012 · 2017–2019 Research Grants (Selected)
Quantum-Enhanced Early Detection for Advanced Lung Cancer Cure (RE05/24)Priority – Processing Kuwait University · PI · KD 84,800 / USD 274,269 Revolutionizing Diabetic Macular Edema Diagnosis via AI-Enhanced Imaging (RE02/24)Ongoing · Apr 2025–Apr 2028 Kuwait University · PI · KD 62,950 / USD 203,600 Classifying Dental Diseases Using Deep Learning (PN2313NR2019)Ongoing · May 2025–May 2027 KFAS · PI · KD 25,945 / USD 83,914 Diabetic Retinopathy Detection Using Machine Learning (EO04/18)Completed Kuwait University · PI · KD 25,800 / USD 83,445 · Apr 2022–Sep 2024 · 3 Journals, 2 Conferences, 2 Posters Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Distance Learning in a Pandemic (PN20-19TM15)Completed KFAS · PI · KD 15,325 / USD 45,975 · 2021–2023 · 1 Book, 1 Journal, 2 Conferences COVID-19 Genome Sequencing: A Machine Learning Approach (PN20-15QE-01)Completed KFAS · PI · KD 21,420 / USD 64,260 · 2021–2023 · 2 Journals, 1 Poster Arabic Text-to-Speech Synthesis Using Deep Learning (QE04/16)Completed Kuwait University · PI · KD 8,995 / USD 26,985 · 1 Journal, 1 Conference, 1 Poster Arabic Speech Enhancement Using Phase Ratio (1718SM05)Completed KFAS · PI · KD 8,400 / USD 25,200 · 2017–2019 · 1 Journal, 1 Conference, 2 Posters Journal Publications
2026 (New)N. Alkhaldi, M. Faisal, A.M. Mutawa (2026). "Utilizing Human-Robot Interaction in Autism Therapy to Enhance Children's Social Skills: Literature Review." ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction.
A.M. Mutawa et al. (2026). "Deep Learning Applications for Dental-Disease Classification Using Intraoral Photographic Images." AI (MDPI). Special Issue.
Q1 · IF 5.0NEW 2026 A.M. Mutawa et al. (2026). "A Review of Optimization Strategies for Deep and Machine Learning in Diabetic Macular Edema." Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence.
2025A.M. Mutawa, K. Sabti et al. (2025). "Explainable AI for Diabetic Retinopathy: Utilizing YOLO Model on a Novel Dataset." AI (MDPI), 6(12), 301.
Q1 · IF 5.0↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa, K. Sabti et al. (2025). "Bio-Inspired Optimization of Transfer Learning Models for Diabetic Macular Edema Classification." AI (MDPI), 6(10), 269.
Q1 · IF 5.0↗ DOI A. Eutamene, A.M. Mutawa et al. (2025). "Comparative Analysis of Quantum Encoding Techniques for Biomarker Classification." IEEE Access, 13, pp. 191230–191241.
Q2 · IF 3.6↗ DOI A. Alshaibani, A.M. Mutawa, L.A. Almatar (2025). "GANs for Satellite-Based Next-Frame Prediction of Dust." IEEE Access, 13, pp. 195401–195422.
Q2 · IF 3.6↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa* (2025). "Predicting ICU Admissions in COVID-19 Patients: An AI-Powered Machine Learning Approach." Big Data and Cognitive Computing, 9(1), 13.
Q1 · IF 3.7↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa* (2025). "Attention-Based Hybrid Deep Learning Models for Classifying COVID-19 Genome Sequences." AI (MDPI), 6(1), 4.
Q2 · IF 3.1↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, A. Alrumaih (2025). "Determining the Meter of Classical Arabic Poetry Using Deep Learning." Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, vol. 8.
Q2 · IF 3.0↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, A. Alshaibani, L.A. Almatar (2025). "A Comprehensive Review of Dust Storm Detection and Prediction Techniques." IEEE Access.
Q2 · IF 3.4↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa* et al. (2025). "Randomization-Driven Hybrid Deep Learning for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection." IEEE Access.
Q2 · IF 3.4 A.M. Mutawa* et al. (2025). "Using AI to Predict the Next Deceptive Movement: Cricket Player Case Study." Journal of Engineering Research, 13(4), 3176–3190.
Q2 · IF 2.3↗ DOI 2024A.M. Mutawa*, Aya Hassouneh (2024). "Multimodal Real-Time Patient Emotion Recognition Using Facial Expressions and EEG." Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, vol. 91, 105942.
Q1 · IF 4.9↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, K. Al-Sabti et al. (2024). "A Deep Learning Model for Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy Stages with Discrete Wavelet Transform." Applied Sciences, 14(11), 4428.
Q1 · IF 2.5↗ DOI J.E. Martis, Sannidhan MS, A.M. Mutawa*, M. Murugappan (2024). "Novel Hybrid Quantum Architecture-Based Lung Cancer Detection." Bioengineering, 11(8), 799.
Q2 · IF 3.8↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, M.Y. Allaho, M. Al-Hajeri (2024). "Machine Learning Approach for Arabic Handwritten Recognition." Applied Sciences, 14(19):9020.
Q1 · IF 2.5↗ DOI 2023A.M. Mutawa*, S. Alnajdi, S. Sruthi (2023). "Transfer Learning for Diabetic Retinopathy Detection." Applied Sciences, 13(9), 5685.
Q1 · IF 2.5↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, S. Sruthi (2023). "Enhancing HCI in Online Education: ML for Predicting Student Emotion and Satisfaction." Int. Journal of Human–Computer Interaction.
Q2 · IF 3.4↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa* et al. (2023). "Augmenting Mobile App with NAO Robot for Autism Education." Machines, 11(8), 833.
Q2 · IF 2.1↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa*, J.A.K. Al Muttawa, S. Sruthi (2023). "Effectiveness of Using H5P in Asynchronous Distance Learning." Applied Sciences, 13(8):4983.
Q1 · IF 2.5↗ DOI A. Abdullah, A.M. Mutawa* (2023). "Invitation Model Protocol for the Bitcoin Asymmetric Lightning Network." Symmetry, 15(6), 1273.
Q2↗ DOI 2019–2022 (Selected)A.M. Mutawa*, M.A. Alzuwawi (2019). "Multilayered Rule-Based Expert System for Diagnosing Uveitis." Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, vol. 99.
Q1 · IF 6.1↗ DOI Aya Hassouneh, A.M. Mutawa, M. Murugappan (2020). "Real-Time Emotion Recognition Using Facial Expressions and EEG." Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, vol. 20.
Scopus · IF 8.0↗ DOI M. Murugappan, A.M. Mutawa (2021). "Facial Geometric Feature Extraction Based Emotional Expression Classification." PLOS ONE, 16(2).
Q1 · IF 2.9↗ DOI A.M. Mutawa* (2017). "It is Time to MOOC and SPOC in the Gulf Region." Education and Information Technologies, 22, 1651–1671.
Q1 · IF 4.8↗ DOI S. Singh, A.M. Mutawa* (2016). "Wavelet-Based Transform Method for Quality Improvement in Noisy Arabic Speech." Int. Journal of Speech Technology, 19, 677–685.
JCR↗ DOI Books & Chapters
Edited BooksA.M. Mutawa (Ed.) (2025). Impacts of Generative AI on the Future of Research and Education. IGI Global. 622 pp. ISBN: 9798369308844. ↗ DOI
A.M. Mutawa (2023). Distance Learning in a Pandemic: Challenges, Opportunities, and Assessment Strategies. Eliva Press SRL. ISBN: 9994988581. ↗ Link
A.M. Mutawa, M. Sarhan (2011). Blended E-Learning and its Effect on Students' Academic and Critical Thinking. Academic Publication Council, Kuwait University. ISBN: 978-99906-1-164-9.
Book ChaptersA.M. Mutawa (2025). "Enforcing the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Education: To Prevent or Brace AI Tools in the Educational System." In Impacts of Generative AI on the Future of Research and Education, A.M. Mutawa (Ed.), pp. 143–168. IGI Global. ↗ DOI
A.M. Mutawa and S. Sruthi (2025). "UNESCO's AI Competency Framework: Challenges and Opportunities in Educational Settings." In Impacts of Generative AI on the Future of Research and Education, A.M. Mutawa (Ed.), pp. 75–96. IGI Global. ↗ DOI
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "The Arabian States of the Gulf Council Cooperation in the Global Cybersecurity Index." In GCC Reports 2024 – Special Issue. Gulf Study Center, Kuwait University.
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "ChatGPT and the Future of Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence in the Gulf Countries." Gulf Study Center, Kuwait University.
A.M. Mutawa (2023). "Government Digital Transformation: A Road Map." Gulf Study Center, Kuwait University.
A.M. Mutawa (2023). "Perspective Chapter: MOOCs at Higher Education – Current State and Future Trends." In Massive Open Online Courses – Current Practice and Future Trends, Dr. Sam G. (Ed.), IntechOpen. ↗ DOI
Conference Publications (2017–2026)
2026A.M. Mutawa, S. Alsubaihi, S. Sruthi (2026). "The Effect of Generative AI Use on Programming Self-Efficacy in Computer Engineering Students." IEEE-ICASET (Hybrid), Al-Shorouk Academy, Egypt, April 21–23, 2026. Accepted
2025A.M. Mutawa, Y. Altarakemah, K. Thirupathy (2025). "Ensemble Deep Learning for Dental Disease Classification Using DenseNet121 and Inception V3 with Explainable AI." IEEE/ICCA 2025 (Hybrid), Arab Open University, Bahrain, Dec. 22–24, 2025.
A.M. Mutawa, R.R. Ahmad, S. Sruthi (2025). "Ant Colony-Based Optimization for Lung Cancer Image Classification: Towards Efficient Medical AI." IEEE ICABME 2025, Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 9–10, 2025. DOI: 10.1109/ICABME66883.2025.11211583
2024A.M. Mutawa, K. Alsabti, S. Raizada, S. Sruthi (2024). "A Pre-Trained Symmetric Model with an Attention Mechanism to Detecting Diabetic Retinopathy Stages." COMCONF 2024 – Int'l Conf. on Computing in Natural Sciences, Biomedicine & Engineering, Shanghai, China, Aug. 9–12, 2024.
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "Aligning Aeronautical Engineering with AI Competencies: An Analysis Based on the UNESCO Framework for AI Education." 1st Int'l Conf. on Aviation Sciences & 7th Conf. on Robotics & AI Engineering (I-CARE), Amman, Jordan, May 28–29, 2024.
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "Enhancing Digital Competencies in K-12 Kuwait Education: A SWOT Analysis of Kuwait's AI Integration Initiative." UNESCO Regional Seminar on Digital Competencies for Teachers & Students – Arab States G77+China, April 2024. (Nominated by the Minister of Education to represent Kuwait)
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "Prospects and Opportunities for Investment in Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait." Future 10X – 1st AI Investment Webinar, Kuwait, May 2024. (Keynote Speaker)
A.M. Mutawa (2024). "Gulf Cooperation Council Countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index." Conference on Development Indicators in the State of Kuwait and Arab Gulf States, April 2024.
2023A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi, S. Almutawa, S. Almadeed (2023). "Predicting Diabetic Retinopathy Using Deep Learning Transformer Model." 2nd Scientific Research Conference, Kuwait University, March 14–15, 2023. 🏆 1st Prize Best Poster
A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi (2023). "Arabic Text-to-Speech Synthesis Using Machine Learning." 2nd Scientific Research Conference, Kuwait University, March 14–15, 2023.
A.M. Mutawa (2022). "A New Novel Approach for Single-Channel Arabic Speech Enhancement Using Phase Ratio." KFAS E-Poster Day, Kuwait, Nov. 22, 2022.
2022A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi (2022). "Diabetic Retinopathy Classification Using Vision Transformer." 6th European Conf. on Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (ELECS 2022), Bern, Switzerland, Dec. 21–23, 2022.
Sai Sruthi, A.M. Mutawa (2022). "Diabetic Retinopathy Using Transfer Learning." 1st Int'l Conf. on AI in Health Sciences Education & Healthcare Applications, Kuwait, Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 2022.
Mariam Almutawa, R. Al-Sahhar, B. Alshatti, S. Sruthi, A.M. Mutawa (2022). "Using Machine Learning to Predict COVID Patients that will Need ICU Treatment." 1st Int'l Conf. on AI in Health Sciences & Healthcare Applications, Kuwait, Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 2022.
A.M. Mutawa (2022). "Voice to Braille Using Mindstorm Robot Kit." Int'l Conf. on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics (ICISR-22), Zurich, Switzerland, May 13, 2022.
2021A.M. Mutawa (2021). "A Deep Learning Model for Arabic Text-to-Speech System." 31st Meeting of Computational Linguistics in The Netherlands (CLIN 31), Netherlands, July 9, 2021.
A.M. Mutawa (2021). "Machine Learning for Arabic Text-to-Speech Synthesis: A Tacotron Approach." 5th Int'l Conf. on Computational Linguistics and Intelligent Systems (COLINS'2021), pp. 56–63, Ukraine, April 22–23, 2021.
A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi (2021). "Online Proctoring and Assessment in Distance Learning During COVID-19." EDULEARN21 Conf., July 5–6, 2021.
2020M. Murugappan, A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi, A. Hassouneh, A. Abdulsalam, S. Jerritta, R. Ranjana (2020). "Facial Expression Classification Using KNN and Decision Tree Classifiers." 4th Int'l Conf. on Computer, Communication and Signal Processing (ICCCSP), India, Sept. 28–29, 2020. ↗ DOI
A.M. Mutawa (2020). "Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Distance Education During a Worldwide Epidemic." EDULEARN20 Proceedings, pp. 7510–7515, Spain, July 6–8, 2020. ↗ DOI
O. Elgawi, A.M. Mutawa (2020). "Low Power Deep-Learning Architecture for Mobile IoT Intelligence." IEEE Int'l Conf. on Informatics, IoT, and Enabling Technologies (ICIoT), Doha, Qatar, Feb. 2–5, 2020.
M. Murugappan, V. Maruthapillai, W. Khairunizam, A.M. Mutawa, S. Sruthi, C.W. Yean (2020). "Virtual Markers Based Facial Emotion Recognition Using ELM and PNN Classifiers." 16th IEEE Colloquium on Signal Processing (CSPA2020), Malaysia, Feb. 28–29, 2020. ↗ DOI
2019O. Elgawi, A.M. Mutawa, A. Ahmad (2019). "Energy-Efficient Embedded Inference of SVMs on FPGA." IEEE Computer Society Annual Symposium on VLSI (ISVLSI), Miami, FL, USA, July 15–17, 2019.
A.M. Mutawa (2019). "PSD-Based Phase Spectrum Compensation Procedure for Arabic Speech Enhancement." 2nd Int'l Conf. on Signal Processing and Information Security (ICSPIS), Dubai, Oct. 30–31, 2019. ↗ DOI
Ali Hussein, A.M. Mutawa (2019). "PID Approach for Single Sensor Line Follower." 1st Italian Conf. on Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Rome, Italy, Feb. 18–20, 2019.
2017–2018O. Elgawi, A.M. Mutawa (2018). "Embedded Vision System with Hardware Acceleration." IEEE Conf. on Evolving Adaptive Intelligent Systems (EAIS 2018), Rhodes, Greece, May 25–27, 2018.
O. Elgawi, A.M. Mutawa (2018). "Parameterised Architecture of Mechatronics System Implementation in SoC." 12th France-Japan / 10th Europe-Asia Congress on Mecatronics, Mie, Japan, Sept. 10–12, 2018.
S. Singh, A.M. Mutawa, M. Gupta, M. Tripathy, R.S. Anand (2017). "Phase-Based Single-Channel Speech Enhancement Using Phase Ratio." 6th Int'l Conf. on Computer Applications in Electrical Engineering-Recent Advances (CERA), India, Oct. 5–7, 2017.
A.M. Mutawa, I. Alrashed (2017). "Using Mobile Application for Teaching Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students." 6th Int'l Conf. on ICT and Accessibility (ICTA), Muscat, Oman, Dec. 19–21, 2017.
Earlier SelectedS. Sachin, A.M. Mutawa (2016). "Speech Intelligibility Improvement Using Single-Channel Noise-Reduction Algorithms for Arabic Speech." 2nd Int'l Conf. on Communication, Information Technology and Robotics (CICR), Dubai, 2016.
A.M. Mutawa (2016). "Effectiveness of Robotic Remote Laboratories in Engineering Education." 4th Arab Conf. on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Qatar, 2016.
Ibtesam AlRashed, A.M. Mutawa (2013). "E-Learning and Deaf Students: Implementation of an Interactive Multimedia Learning Application for Deaf Children." 1st Int'l Conf. on Technology Helping People with Special Needs (ICTHP), Riyadh, KSA, Feb. 18–19, 2013.
Courses Taught (Selected)
Average student evaluation score: 91% across 18 course surveys. Honors & Awards
Chairman – Ministry of Education AI Curriculum Committee (K-12), Kuwait 2024 Second Prize Best Poster – Kuwait 3rd Scientific Research Conference (300 posters) 2024 · Kuwait University First Prize Best Poster – Kuwait 2nd Scientific Research Conference (300 posters) 2023 · Kuwait University UNESCO Recognition – Ethics of AI Global Agreement (UN, Paris) October 2021 🏆 Recipient of the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Award for Informatics
2021 · State of Kuwait — Field: Academic Excellence in Artificial Intelligence
This prestigious award is granted annually to the most distinguished personalities in the Arab world in the field of informatics, evaluated by a panel of former ministers and heads of information technology. Notable past recipients include Bill Gates (2015).
GCC Award of Excellence – Best E-Course Design (Digital Logic) 2015 · Gulf Cooperation Council Top 50 Best Mobile Applications Worldwide – Entertainment Division 2014 · World Summit Award Mobile GCC Award of Excellence – Best E-Course Design (C++) 2013 · Gulf Cooperation Council First Prize – World Summit Award Best E-Content & Creativity (E-Learning) – i-Tarteel 2010 · United Nations GAID First Prize – Kuwait International Prize for the Holy Quran (Electronic Application) 2011 · Kuwait First Prize – IEEE Kuwait Student Branch Best Student Competition 1993 Key International & Advisory Roles
Educational Consultant & Executive Board Member MILSET World Organization 2022–Present Co-developed five-year strategic plan; led integration of AI & 4IR into global STEM education. Head of the Secretariat – E-Learning Directors Committee Universities of Arab Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) 2020–2022 Head of the Secretariat – Deanship of Community Service Committee Arab Gulf Cooperation Council Countries 2020–2022 Board Member – Arab Robotics & AI Association (ARAIA) Kuwait Representative 2016–Present Founder & CEO – ROBOTEC Consultations in IT & Technologies Kuwait 2016–Present |