Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed and Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi also participated in the function.
The project, envisioned by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, aims at the comprehensive development of Thuwal, where KAUST is located. It includes generation of employment opportunities for the local people apart from protection of environment, ecology and heritage of the region.
In his inaugural address Prince Khaled stressed the role of the university to speed up social and economic development.
“I wrote in an earlier article about KAUST that the university should not become an island isolated from the society. It should go beyond the campus walls and help the society. Although we are taking a small step now, its implications are great. With this development project with the participation of the university, KAUST has transcended the walls to reach
out to the society,” said the governor.
He hoped that the project would be of great benefit to the people and transform the entire village.
Prince Khaled also noted that KAUST, which completed its first academic year, has been turned into a global center of learning which is a matter of pride to the Kingdom.
Al-Naimi, who is also the chairman of the board of trustees of KAUST, said the development plan for Thuwal included a special project for a fishing harbor and beachfront development in addition to the establishment of schools, and launching cultural and health establishments.
Al-Naimi said over the past two months many Saudi and foreign scientists participated in a 50-day Red Sea expedition to explore the secrets of the sea and conduct research studies. The studies will help to develop ways to improve the environment for the growth of fish in the Red Sea.
