King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and NEOM have agreed to establish a center of excellence for NEOM research at KAUST.
Both parties intend to cooperate in developing and establishing a world-class research and educational center.
Together they will search for solutions in some of the most important and demanding future technologies such as sustainable energy production, efficient energy use and energy distribution, urban planning, sustainable agriculture, seismology, environment-friendly water desalination, artificial intelligence, big data and sensors.
NEOM and KAUST understand this cooperation as a first, but decisive step to further substantial contributions for the future development of the Kingdom as well as for the future of global green and human-oriented technologies.
This far-reaching cooperation is open to be joined by other leading research and development institutions.
“This collaboration is yet another milestone for the nation,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, interim president of KAUST.
“Much is expected of organizations with the intellectual capital and ambition of KAUST and NEOM in this time of national transformation, and this partnership represents an important avenue for exploring our joint potential and inevitable impact.”
“In less than 10 years, KAUST has become a driving force for research, technology, innovation and progress in Saudi Arabia and well beyond.
“KAUST and NEOM both are united in the vision to create breakthroughs in areas that are most important to the country and the world and deliver solutions to some of the most pressing questions of a future world,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, CEO of NEOM.
KAUST and NEOM signed the official research collaboration agreement in a ceremony in Riyadh.
KAUST and NEOM to establish center of excellence for NEOM research
KAUST and NEOM to establish center of excellence for NEOM research
Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation
Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.
The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.
With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.
In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.
Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”
The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.
