In a move reflecting the radical transformation Saudi Arabia is undergoing towards building a knowledge-based economy, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) achieved a series of historic milestones in 2025, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a key player on the global innovation map. These significant advancements are the culmination of strategic efforts aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which has established research and development as a fundamental pillar of economic diversification.
A historic achievement: A Nobel Prize in Chemistry with a Saudi touch
The year 2025 witnessed an exceptional event in the history of Arab and Saudi science: Professor Omar Yaghi, advisor to the president of KAUST, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This unprecedented achievement for a Saudi scientist represents international recognition of the efficiency of the research system within the Kingdom and conclusive proof of the success of the city's strategies for attracting talent and providing a stimulating research environment.
Strategic partnerships to boost the national economy
KACST did not limit itself to theoretical research, but focused its efforts on transforming innovation into a tangible economic driver. This was clearly demonstrated by the launch of the Electric Vehicle Innovation Center , the first of its kind in the Middle East, in partnership with the Lucid Group. This initiative not only supports the sustainable transportation sector but also strengthens local supply chains and creates quality job opportunities for national talent.
In the mining sector, which is the third pillar of Saudi industry, the city launched the Advanced Knowledge Laboratory for Mineral Resources in cooperation with Ma’aden, with the aim of maximizing the benefit from the Kingdom’s natural resources using the latest technologies.
Leadership in deep technologies and digital sovereignty
The Kingdom has strengthened its technological sovereignty through bold steps in the field of deep technologies, where “KACST” has succeeded in:
- “Wadi Al-Qam” was established in partnership with Aramco to operate the first quantum computer in the Kingdom.
- Manufacturing 30 specialized electronic chips, thus reducing reliance on imports in this vital sector.
- The Saudi internet exchange has joined the “terabyte club,” becoming the first exchange in the region to exceed this capacity, thus enhancing the digital infrastructure.
Environmental sustainability and food security
In response to global and local environmental challenges, the city has achieved significant scientific breakthroughs, including the creation of the first Arabian leopard genome to protect it from extinction, and the development of innovative agricultural techniques to produce saffron in just 10 days. It also launched a joint Food Security Center of Excellence with Wageningen University in the Netherlands to provide sustainable solutions to food system challenges in arid regions.
Figures reflecting growth
These efforts translated into record-breaking figures, with the city's total number of registered patents rising to 757, and 46 startups graduating in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence through the King VPN program. The city also strengthened its international presence by hosting the World Research Council meeting for the first time in the Middle East, underscoring Riyadh's role as a hub for scientific decision-making in the region.
As the Kingdom looks forward to 2026, KAUST continues its journey to empower researchers and entrepreneurs, turning challenges into promising opportunities that serve humanity and support a sustainable national economy.
