KAUST Signs MoUs with Chinese Academic Institutions and Innovation Centers

A view of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). (KAUST)
A view of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). (KAUST)
TT

KAUST Signs MoUs with Chinese Academic Institutions and Innovation Centers

A view of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). (KAUST)
A view of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). (KAUST)

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed on Saturday various memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with prestigious academic institutions and leading global innovation centers in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.

The MoUs aim to boost collaboration in the fields of industrial innovation, technology transfer, research, talent exchange, training programs, and entrepreneurship.

The agreements were signed during a visit by a Chinese delegation, headed by Mayor of Shenzhen city Qin Weizhong, to the KAUST on Saturday.

The delegation included 50 representatives from various institutions, including Tsinghua University, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS), Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen (RITS), Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), Shenzhen InnoX Academy, and Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data (SRIBD).

Such partnerships represent a significant step in supporting the economic transformation efforts in Saudi Arabia, aiming to prepare a new generation of scientific research and innovation leaders while bolstering the higher education system in the Kingdom to unprecedented levels.

Partnerships with the Chinese city of Shenzhen are a pivotal component of KAUST’s new strategy, which was announced last month.

One of the strategy's goals is to solidify scientific collaboration between KAUST and renowned academic institutions and innovation centers worldwide. It also seeks to forge scientific alliances to promote the adoption of promising technologies and encourage research commercialization, thereby raising the Kingdom's economic competitiveness.

Shenzhen city is recognized as one of the world's foremost hubs for technological advancement and is the third-most economically and technologically advanced city in China, following Shanghai and Beijing.

It serves as a significant strategic partner in bolstering the innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom and further facilitates collaboration with leading companies, academics, and experts in the field of innovation in Shenzhen. This will in turn solidify KAUST’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation.

President of KAUST Dr. Tony Chan said the university's distinguished partnerships with prestigious institutions in Shenzhen will support KAUST's core objectives.

“These objectives include strengthening the promotion of its global research partnerships, nurturing exceptional talent, and delivering tangible benefits for the Kingdom,” he said.



Cold Wave Hits Gulf Countries, Temperatures Reach Freezing Point

The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
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Cold Wave Hits Gulf Countries, Temperatures Reach Freezing Point

The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)
The strongest cold wave ever recorded in Saudi Arabia lasted for seven consecutive days (SPA)

A cold wave is affecting the Gulf countries, bringing temperatures close to freezing in several areas, with frost expected in some regions.

Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said the winter weather report shows a generally mild season, despite temperatures dropping to as low as minus 3°C in some places.

“We are nearing the end of the first quarter of winter, and cold waves usually come from the north, with the northern regions of Saudi Arabia being the first to feel the impact,” said Al-Qahtani.

“Cities like Al-Qurayyat, Turaif, Sakaka, and the northern border areas are the coldest, followed by the eastern and central regions,” he added.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Qahtani said there are two months of winter remaining, with cold waves expected to bring rain to northern, western, and central Saudi Arabia, ranging from moderate to heavy.

He also mentioned that while there is a chance of snowfall on Mount Al-Lawz in the Tabuk region, it is not very likely. The NCM is closely monitoring the situation and will issue warnings if necessary.

He added that snowfall in neighboring northern countries could affect northern Saudi areas, particularly the Tabuk highlands.

On Thursday, the NCM shared details of the strongest cold wave in Saudi Arabia’s history, which occurred 33 years ago. In January 1992, the Hail station recorded a low of minus 9.3°C, with the cold wave lasting seven days.

Al-Qahtani said a repeat of the 1992 cold wave is unlikely this season. He noted that while temperatures may drop to minus 3°C, this winter is expected to be milder overall, and such low temperatures are not expected to last as long as the seven days in 1992.