RIYADH: A high-profile nanotechnology conference was opened in Riyadh yesterday by acting Minister of Higher Education Mutlab Al-Nafeesa. The event is organized by the King Abdullah Institute of Nanotechnology (KAIN), an affiliate of the King Saud University.

Al-Nafeesa commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his support to set up nanotechnology research centers. The king has approved three nanotechnology research centers in the Kingdom, including one at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

Al-Nafeesa said the event would shed light on nanotechnology, which would boost the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve sustained progress, diversify resources and create more jobs for Saudis.

The conference will be addressed by experts from many countries. Prominent scientists from the Kingdom and other Arab countries are also participating.

Suleiman Al-Rakban, KAIN’s dean, said the conference would contribute to enriching scientific research. He noted that the conference would review issues pertaining to nanotechnology, including means for treating water, and issues pertaining to the environment and energy. More than 300 delegates are attending the event.

Abdullah Al-Othman, KSU rector, commended King Abdullah’s personal interest in nanotechnology. “King Abdullah has been giving utmost attention to nanotechnology because it has a direct impact on economy” he said.

Chinli Bia, deputy executive president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the conference would provide a good opportunity to get acquainted with advances in nanotechnology in this part of the world. He noted that nanoscience is one of the promising ways for the development of technology in the 21st century.

Al-Nafeesa later inaugurated an exhibition organized on the sidelines of the conference.