NEOM, KAUST to set up center for scientific research

Saudi Arabia’s planned megacity NEOM and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed on Tuesday an agreement to establish a Center for Science Excellence specialized in NEOM’s project research, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The value of the new project was not disclosed.

The agreement aims to provide a center for research and education that will offer solutions that support the NEOM project.

Its targets also include contributing to national development in areas such as sustainable energy, city planning, agriculture, seismology, water desalination, artificial intelligence, mega data and sensors, the report said.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman announced last year the plans for the NEOM economic zone project at a total investment of $500 billion.

The megacity project, spanning 26,500 square meters in northwest Saudi Arabia, is being designed to focus on several investment sectors, including energy and water, mobility, biotechnology, food, advanced manufacturing, media, entertainment, technological and digital sciences.