Saudi ministry, KAUST sign strategic partnership to accelerate environmental sustainability

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology on Saturday signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate innovation and sustainability in environmental and agricultural science in the Kingdom.

The deal seeks to strengthen the integration between the two entities, aligning KAUST’s research efforts with the ministry’s strategic plan.

It also aims to advance environmental protection efforts and leverage expertise, as well as contribute to sustainable food and agriculture security in Saudi Arabia.

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The agreement was signed during a visit to KAUST by Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadli.

Al-Fadli toured the second phase of the KAUST-MEWA Algal Biotechnology Development and Aquaculture Facility in the university’s Research and Technology Park.

The facility is set to transform food production to meet the Kingdom’s animal-feed demand and create thousands of local job opportunities.

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Al-Fadli said his ministry’s research and innovation executive plan focuses on embracing technology and innovation to address challenges in the sector.

He highlighted the project’s goal of establishing the algae industry and related technologies within the Kingdom, creating employment prospects and mitigating the impact of carbon emissions.

KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan said: “Not only are we introducing cutting-edge technology, but we are also nurturing the next generation of Saudi algae farmers.”

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He added: “Through training programs, we equip them with the knowledge and skills to cultivate, produce, harvest and process algae — fostering a homegrown aquaculture industry marked by expertise and innovation.”

KAUST also signed a range of agreements with other parties during the visit.