DHAHRAN, 16 January 2008 — King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Sunday with GE. The agreement marks KAUST’s first private-sector alliance and establishes a cooperative relationship in research and program development. It follows similar agreements that KAUST signed in 2007 with leading universities and research institutions around the world.
KAUST is a new world-class, graduate-level research institution currently under development in Saudi Arabia. KAUST Interim President Nadhmi A. Al-Nasr and John Rice, vice chairman of GE and president and CEO of GE Infrastructure, signed the MOU to explore research opportunities and information exchange in mutually beneficial areas. This will support KAUST’s mission of generating research and discovery to benefit Saudi Arabia, the region and the world. “GE has been a global leader in the field of technology innovation for many years. We are delighted to work with this accomplished company, and we value their expertise as we build KAUST’s capacity,” said Dr. Mohamed E. Samaha, KAUST interim vice president for research.
“KAUST and GE will explore collaboration opportunities in several areas, including: design, construction and initial operation of KAUST’s research centers and lab facilities.
“Collaborative research programs conducted at GE Global Research Center and/or KAUST exchange of scientific, technical and administrative staff as needed exchange of information on research and engineering topics of mutual interest — GE’s collaboration with KAUST represents our commitment to find the best partnerships around the world,” Rice said.
“We look forward to working with KAUST leaders, as they continue with plans to establish a world-class research institution in Saudi Arabia,” he added.