Saudi Arabia Establishes Research Centers to Advance Biotech Strategy

A Saudi student is seen at the Analytical Chemistry Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (KAUST)
A Saudi student is seen at the Analytical Chemistry Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (KAUST)
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Saudi Arabia Establishes Research Centers to Advance Biotech Strategy

A Saudi student is seen at the Analytical Chemistry Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (KAUST)
A Saudi student is seen at the Analytical Chemistry Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (KAUST)

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the biotechnology sector following the launch of its national strategy in early 2024, aiming to position itself as a leading global hub in the field.

The Kingdom has witnessed rapid developments in regulatory frameworks and infrastructure, facilitating the establishment of research centers and specialized laboratories that drive progress toward the strategy’s goals.

Biotechnology is a broad scientific and technological discipline involving the use of microorganisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products and applications that benefit various industries. It is considered a key tool for fostering development and enhancing societal well-being.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, launched the National Biotechnology Strategy in January last year, aiming to make the sector contribute 3% to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP by 2040, with a total economic impact of 130 billion riyals ($35 billion).

The strategy is expected to drive the expansion of the biotechnology industry while creating high-quality jobs in the coming years, with more than 11,000 positions projected by 2030.

The global biotechnology market was valued at around $1.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2030, according to a report by consultancy firm Arthur D. Little last year.

The forecast underscores the sector’s rapid growth, positioning biotechnology not only as a driver of scientific advancement but also as a major economic opportunity.

Saudi Arabia has established specialized research centers and advanced laboratories while localizing key industries such as insulin and vaccine production. At the same time, the Kingdom has strengthened collaboration with global institutions, accelerating innovation and enhancing self-sufficiency.

Saudi Bio, the Kingdom’s first biotechnology firm focused on technology transfer and localizing biotech industries, has made significant strides in this effort.

Dr. Khaled Al-Mosa, the company’s founder and vice chairman, highlighted the Kingdom’s progress, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s transformation is not limited to infrastructure development but also includes building a supportive regulatory environment that has made it an attractive destination for biotech companies.

“Saudi Arabia has undergone a major shift since launching its biotechnology strategy,” Al-Mosa told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The Kingdom has achieved several milestones, including establishing specialized research centers, advanced laboratories, and leading national companies in the biotech field,” he remarked.

Collaboration with leading global research and development institutions has been a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s progress in biotechnology, helping to develop new technologies and scientific breakthroughs, according to Al-Mosa.

He noted that the Kingdom has successfully localized several critical industries, including insulin and vaccine production, boosting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports.

Saudi Arabia’s supportive regulatory framework has also facilitated the growth of biotech firms, Al-Mosa said. The national strategy has streamlined licensing procedures and introduced financial and customs incentives to attract local and foreign investment.

The Kingdom has further strengthened its research and training capabilities by establishing specialized training centers and offering research grants for scientists, accelerating innovation and production. These initiatives, he added, have positioned Saudi Arabia as a preferred destination for biotechnology companies.

Looking ahead, Al-Mosa expressed optimism about the sector’s growth, driven by continued investment in research, development, and training. He expects an increase in biotech startups and new projects, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness.



Oil Prices Rise on US Attack on Houthis and China Economic Hopes

FILE PHOTO: An oil pumpjack is pictured in the Permian basin, Loco Hills regions, New Mexico, US, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Liz Hampton/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An oil pumpjack is pictured in the Permian basin, Loco Hills regions, New Mexico, US, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Liz Hampton/File Photo
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Oil Prices Rise on US Attack on Houthis and China Economic Hopes

FILE PHOTO: An oil pumpjack is pictured in the Permian basin, Loco Hills regions, New Mexico, US, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Liz Hampton/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An oil pumpjack is pictured in the Permian basin, Loco Hills regions, New Mexico, US, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Liz Hampton/File Photo

Oil traded higher on Monday after the United States vowed to keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until the Iran-aligned group ends its assaults on shipping while Chinese economic data fueled hopes for higher demand.
US President Donald Trump launched military strikes against the Houthis on Saturday over the group's attacks against Red Sea shipping. One US official told Reuters the campaign might continue for weeks.
Brent futures rose 63 cents, or 0.9%, to $71.21 a barrel by 1017 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 62 cents, or 0.9%, to $67.80, Reuters reported.
Chinese economic data also supported prices. Retail sales growth quickened over January-February in a welcome sign for policymakers seeking to boost domestic consumption, though unemployment rose and factory output eased.
"Oil prices are benefiting from better than expected Chinese economic data, more potential stimulus measures in China and renewed tensions in the Middle East, although so far there are still no supply disruptions," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
The oil market has a "comparatively healthy physical backdrop," said Tamas Varga of broker PVM, citing the premium at which near-term oil contracts are trading over those for later delivery, a structure known as backwardation.
"Dips remain attractive, albeit short-term buying opportunities in an otherwise eerie macroeconomic environment," he said.
Oil rose slightly last week, though Brent is still down almost 5% this year on concern over a global economic slowdown driven by escalating trade tensions between the US and other nations.
OPEC+ oil producers' plan to raise oil output from April has also pressured prices. However, the prospect of tighter US sanctions against Iran more than offsets the gradual OPEC+ production increase, said Saxo Bank's Ole Hansen.
"China's plans to boost consumption and fresh Red Sea risks" are supporting the market on Monday, he added.
The prospect of peace in Ukraine has also weighed on prices. US President Donald Trump said he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss how to end the Ukraine war.