FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem, chief executive of the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority

Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem
Updated 06 September 2018
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FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem, chief executive of the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority

Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem is the chief executive of the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority.

Al-Swailem received Peter Mehravari, who serves as the US intellectual property (IP) attache for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, on Wednesday in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of collaboration in the field of intellectual property and ways of developing and enhancing them.

Al-Swailem holds a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield, UK in biotechnology and genetic engineering. He has carried out research in genomics, peritomics, biosafety and genetic modification.

He served as an adviser at the World Intellectual Property Organization, as well as at UNESCO. 

He has been vice president for Scientific Research Support at King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology since 2009. He served as a supervisor at the Institute of Natural Resources and Environmental Research for 10 years.

He chaired the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (UNESCO) during 2009-2011; he also chaired the National Bioethics Committee (NCBE) as well as the supervisory committee for the preparation of the strategic plan for traffic safety.

Al-Swailem was on the board of directors at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, and on the board of directors of the Communications and Information Technology Commission. 


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.