Saudi Crown Prince Announces Establishment of World's 1st Non-Profit City

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Announces Establishment of World's 1st Non-Profit City

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz announced on Sunday the establishment of the first non-profit city in the world.

The Crown Prince, who is also the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation, said the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Non Profit City will be a model for the development of the non-profit sector globally.

“This will be the first non-profit city of its kind which will contribute to achieving the goals of Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and qualifying future leaders by defining non-profit work in its internal operational concept and in terms of opportunities and youth training programs it will provide. In addition, the project will provide services that contribute to creating an attractive environment for all beneficiaries of the city’s offerings,” said the Crown Prince.

The city, “which implements the Digital Twin model, will host academies, colleges, ‘Misk Schools’, a conference center, a science museum, a creative center offering a space to support the ambitions of innovators in sciences and new generation technology such as AI, IOT and Robotics," he said.

He added that “it will also feature an arts academy and arts gallery, performing art theater, play area, cooking academy and integrated residential complex. In addition, the city will host venture capital firms and investors to support and incubate innovative enterprises to drive community contributions from around the world.”

The city is located on a land dedicated by the Crown Prince, in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on an area of around 3.4 square kilometers. The city's masterplan embodies a human-centered, advanced digital metropolis designed to be sustainable, pedestrian-friendly, and will allocate more than 44 percent of the total area for green open spaces to promoting sustainable development.

Sunday’s announcement is the result of a goal to create a vibrant Saudi youth talent system to shape the future of the Kingdom and the world, by encouraging learning and developing leadership skills among youth.

Details surrounding development phases and progress of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Non Profit City will be announced in the coming months.



Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

A Royal Order has been issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud based on the recommendation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appointing Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The appointment reflects KAUST’s strategic role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, particularly in areas critical to the Kingdom’s future, such as energy, sustainability, and technological advancement. Under Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership, KAUST is poised to further its mission as a global hub for scientific excellence and transformative innovation.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman brings extensive expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, having played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that drive the transition towards clean energy and foster innovation in this field. His appointment represents a strategic step in advancing KAUST's "Accelerating Impact" strategy, which aims to fast-track scientific research and bridge its outcomes with industrial and technological applications in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The appointment also underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing research efforts aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges, enhancing the adoption of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions through the university's pioneering research initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC stated: “We are honored to have Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university's journey.”

“His vision and deep expertise in energy and sustainability will accelerate KAUST's impact and strengthen its role in linking scientific research with economic and technological development. We look forward to achieving further milestones, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators,” he added.