Saudi Crown Prince Launches National Biotechnology Strategy

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Launches National Biotechnology Strategy

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has launched the National Biotechnology Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap designed to enhance the Kingdom's position as a leader in the sector.

The strategy is a key enabler that will strengthen national health resilience and promote growth in the fast-growing biotechnology sector. A document was released that outlines the vision for what is possible with the power of biotechnology and the steps that will be taken to harness its potential.
The National Biotechnology Strategy works to address challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly growing sector, serving as a roadmap for becoming a global leader in biotechnology by 2040. The strategy focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of Saudi citizens, stimulating economic growth, creating skilled job opportunities, and attracting investments to foster new industries, all while promoting a sustainable environment and contributing to Vision 2030.
With the ambition of becoming the biotechnology leader in the MENA region by 2030 and a major international biotechnology hub by 2040, the National Biotechnology Strategy will build on the Kingdom’s existing strengths including access to robust capital, large market, government commitment and a unique gene pool, to advance its capabilities across four strategic plays: vaccines, bio-manufacturing & localization, genomics, and plant optimization.
The Kingdom recognizes the importance of vaccines and is committed to developing innovative vaccine technologies. By localizing vaccine manufacturing, the strategy aims to increase the Kingdom's self-sufficiency and ensure timely access to vaccines for its citizens. Localization and biomanufacturing play a vital role in driving the strategy forward, as Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as the primary biotechnology hub in the MENA region.

Developing advanced biopharma manufacturing capabilities and establishing a cutting-edge local end-to-end bio-manufacturing platform are crucial steps. These endeavors contribute to the availability of life-saving treatments, strengthen the domestic biotechnology industry, and solidify the Kingdom's position as a significant player in the global biotechnology landscape.

Genomics is a disruptive field and the next frontier of medicine, and the Kingdom aspires to become the leading genomics player in MENA, driving innovation and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for its citizens and beyond.

The National Biotechnology Strategy also contributes to strengthening food security and sustainable agricultural productivity through plant optimization. By leveraging biotechnology, the strategy aims to reduce reliance on food imports and enhance domestic production, ensuring a more sustainable and self-sufficient food supply.
The evolution of a mature and functional biotechnology ecosystem in Saudi Arabia will be enabled by a set of initiatives that systematically address barriers across talent, regulation, funding, and infrastructure.

With a robust pipeline of programs and initiatives, the strategy will catalyze the growth of Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector and unify efforts in the ecosystem, creating high quality jobs by 2030, and exciting opportunities for investors and biotechnology talent.

This strategy marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in becoming a major player in the regional and global biotechnology sector. It aims to contribute 3% of non-oil real GDP by 2040, thereby helping to deliver economic diversification. Through the successful implementation of this strategy, the Kingdom will establish a leading biotechnology hub that drives innovation, job creation, and economic growth.



Saudi-British Business Council to Turn Sustainability, Green Finance Deals into Reality

A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
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Saudi-British Business Council to Turn Sustainability, Green Finance Deals into Reality

A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)
A previous meeting between the Saudi Minister of Commerce, Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, and the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade in Riyadh (SPA)

The Saudi-British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) has revealed ongoing efforts to translate agreements aimed at advancing sustainability, clean energy, and green financing into tangible projects.

This comes alongside the development of new initiatives in artificial intelligence and defense technology, as part of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Cordelia Begbie, UK Executive Director of the SBJBC, stated that the council is currently exploring new sectoral opportunities as part of its 2025-2026 program, while also hosting a series of events aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two kingdoms.

SBJBC is set to support its new research unit through upcoming events that will focus on producing both independent and collaborative research papers, revealed Begbie.

These papers will address regulatory changes, sector insights, and opportunities for development, as well as highlight government initiatives designed to assist businesses in these areas.

According to Begbie, the council's activities are centered on clean technology projects, linking investors with emerging clean tech companies from both Saudi Arabia and the UK.

These initiatives also support specialized task forces that discuss policy developments and long-term opportunities in these sectors, with active participation from both public and private sector stakeholders.

The Saudi-British cooperation plan has made notable strides in investment, economic, and commercial projects, particularly through the “Saudi-British Vision 2030” partnership.

This initiative has significantly strengthened ties between the two nations in key areas such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and defense.

Additionally, the Saudi Public Investment Fund has made substantial investments in British projects, particularly in clean energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure.

The two countries have also deepened their collaboration in renewable energy, with British companies playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s large-scale solar and wind energy projects.

Begbie expressed strong optimism about the future of Saudi-British cooperation in climate, clean technology, hydrogen, and ammonia. The collaboration is seen as highly promising, driven by shared goals to address climate change and diversify the economy, with both nations committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

While the UK aims to reach this target by 2050, Saudi Arabia is set to achieve it by 2060, creating significant potential for bilateral cooperation.

Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in hydrogen production, with vast opportunities for collaboration with the UK, which has extensive expertise in hydrogen policies and technology. Geopolitical and economic ties also enhance this cooperation, as Saudi Arabia’s strategic location serves as an energy hub for Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Moreover, the UK’s environmental policy goals align with Saudi Arabia’s climate objectives, further strengthening the partnership.

Bilateral agreements, such as the Saudi-British Vision 2030 partnership, are expected to boost investments in clean technologies and sustainability.

The SBJBC continues to work with stakeholders to expand its reach and influence within Saudi Arabia. The council also oversees the ongoing growth of the Saudi-British Technology Center, an integral part of the SBJBC since its launch in 2022.

The SBJBC remains committed to enhancing private sector contributions and developing stronger commercial ties between the two nations, offering a range of services and providing access to high-level networks from both the public and private sectors in both countries.