King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Abdulrahman Nasser Alagil Sons Foundation (Jarir Investment) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an endowment (Waqf) that will support training programs in artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics. The KAUST Academy offers these programs for undergraduate students across various regions in Saudi Arabia.    

The agreement was signed by Dr. Omar Knio, Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs at KAUST, and Eng. Muhammed bin Abdulrahman Alagil, representing the Abdulrahman Nasser Alagil Sons Foundation (Jarir Investment), in the presence of KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne, AC.  

Eng. Muhammed Alagil highlighted the importance of this endowment in contributing to curriculum development, resource provision, and expanding training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. He further emphasized that the endowment would enable KAUST to manage and sustain these programs in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on advancing research and development, promoting innovation, and building national human capacities.   

Dr. Sultan Albarakati, Executive Director of the KAUST Academy, expressed his gratitude to Abdulrahman Nasser Alagil Sons Foundation for its commitment to supporting education and scientific research. He noted that this partnership builds on the existing collaboration between the foundation and KAUST, aimed at nurturing national competencies and equipping Saudi youth with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the rapidly evolving digital age.   

This collaboration underscores the shared vision of KAUST and Abdulrahman Nasser Alagil Sons Foundation to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, contributing to the Kingdom’s growth and development in AI, bioinformatics, and beyond.