The signatories to the agreement were Turki Al-Saud, vice president of Research Institutes of KACST, and Dennis Muilenburg, president and chief executive of Boeing Defense, Space and Security.

When the DSC opens in late 2011, its advanced tools will help users explore proposed systems and architectures in a real-time, interactive environment so that they can make well-informed decisions on the support, modernization and interoperability of aerospace platforms.

"The DSC project will further enhance the KACST's long-standing relationship with The Boeing Company," Al-Saud said following the signing ceremony held at the KACST headquarters in Riyadh . "It will combine local talents and capabilities with Boeing's experience and cutting-edge technology to support customer decision-making. "The proposed center will contribute to the integration of national cadres and capabilities with Boeing's expertise and advanced technologies to support decision-making process among the beneficiaries of the center", Al-Saud noted.

"The Kingdom has been one of Boeing's most important and strategic partners for the past 65 years," Muilenburg said, pointing out that the DSC will be a key tool for innovation within the Kingdom.

"Boeing also is committed to continued partnership with other organizations in Saudi Arabia in their plans to develop research and technology infrastructure and capabilities here."

Khaled Al-Hasaan, manager of National Programs of KACST explained that the capacity of analysis and comparison at the new center would help understand the future and explore alternative solutions to reduce cost and time consumption.

"KACST is a strategic partner in the region for Boeing and we aim to continue solidifying this relationship," said Ahmed Al-Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia. "We are also committed to continue partnering with other Saudi organizations in their long-term plans to develop research and technology infrastructure and capabilities in the Kingdom."