The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to launch three specialized industrial and mining academic programs that contribute to the development of human capabilities, foster innovation and research in the industrial and mining sectors and enhance the alignment of KAUST outputs with future jobs in these fields.  

The agreement includes implementing the following programs: 

Additionally, the MoU outlines a plan to facilitate the admission of national talents to prestigious global universities in disciplines supporting industry and mining—particularly in science, technology, and engineering. This initiative seeks to promote the inclusion of these talents in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program. 

The memorandum was signed during the visit of the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef to KAUST. During the visit, he met with KAUST President Prof. Sir Edward Byrne AC to discuss enhancing collaboration between the two parties in human capital development, supporting industrial innovation and research, and adopting scientific and technological solutions to serve the national economy. The meeting also explored joint efforts to drive industrial development in Saudi Arabia and realize the aspirations of Vision 2030. 

His Excellency also met with faculty members at KAUST and listened to an overview of the university's academic disciplines and programs. Some professors gave research presentations on the latest developments in areas including AI for material manufacturing, autonomous and robotic systems, renewable energy and storage technologies, nanotechnology, lithium extraction techniques, and Earth sciences. These presentations included innovative solutions for producing ultra-strong materials for industrial applications. 

Minister Alkhorayef also engaged with KAUST students and expressed his pride in them, noting the country's keenness to invest in its youth, educate them, and develop their potential, and gave an extensive explanation of the national strategy for industry and mining. 

Furthermore, the minister visited the KAUST Science Exhibition, where he met with researchers and innovators and reviewed their projects, which focus on four key areas: environmental sustainability, clean energy, future economies, and smart health. 

This visit to KAUST, a global leader in innovation and research, marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the industrial and academic sectors to achieve shared goals and enhance the Kingdom's standing as a global hub for innovation and scientific research. Minister Alkhorayef was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Ahmari, Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development.