Details of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Law

Logo of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)

The Cabinet approved the Law of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), which stipulates that the city should have a public legal personality, as well as financial and administrative independence.

In addition, the city, headquartered in Riyadh, shall be organizationally linked to the Prime Minister.

KACST is a center of national laboratories in the scientific, technical and research fields. It is also a reference for exclusive technology as well as its transfer, localization and development, to be part of the development of local content. Further, the city is a bridge for the gap between scientific research and industrial application of technology, as well as the delivery of related services and works in accordance with the best international practices.

Under the law, published on Feb. 24 on the Official Gazette Umm Al Qura, the city shall implement basic, applied and developmental scientific research programs in accordance with the national strategy for research, development and innovation.

In addition, KACST shall develop its research infrastructure as per the best international practices and specifications.

It shall also cooperate and conclude agreements and partnerships with research, development and innovation entities inside and outside the Kingdom, including the regional and international institutions, bodies, organizations and research houses to exchange scientific and technical expertise and knowledge.

In addition, the city shall invest in and establish non-profit entities, which contributes to achieving its objectives, in accordance with the applicable legal mechanisms and procedures.