KAUST and KAU join forces for research in cancer

Donal Bradley, KAUST vice president for research, and Yusuf Al-Turki, KAU vice president for graduate studies and scientific research, signed the MoU during a ceremony at KAU.
Updated 13 October 2019
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KAUST and KAU join forces for research in cancer

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate and fund scientific research in areas that are strategically instrumental to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The areas of collaboration include cancer research, energy harvesting and storage, solar technology, CO2 valorization, renewable energy and desert agriculture.

Donal Bradley, KAUST vice president for research, and Yusuf Al-Turki, KAU vice president for graduate studies and scientific research, signed the MoU during a ceremony at KAU on Sunday, attended by KAUST President Tony Chan and KAU President Abdulrahman AI-Youbi.

“KAUST and KAU are long-standing partners whose missions complement each other,” said Chan. “Today’s MoU cements an ongoing collaboration between the two universities, which has been designed to support the Kingdom, particularly in these transformative times. The collaborative research efforts shared by KAUST and KAU will help drive innovation for a better future,” he added.

Bradley explained that this agreement provides the best opportunity to develop effective and impactful research projects.

“Today’s MoU reflects ongoing collaboration with one of Saudi Arabia’s leading universities,” he said. “It offers both institutions the opportunity to develop impactful projects that are both broader and deeper in scope. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this interaction grow over time.” 

AI-Youbi said the agreement is a continuation of KAU’s strategy to expand its partnerships and exchange expertise and that it will provide an opportunity to benefit from the vast research experience of faculty members at KAU and KAUST.


iCAUR V27 conquers city roads with new energy technology

Updated 23 February 2026
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iCAUR V27 conquers city roads with new energy technology

A media test drive event focused on premium on-road driving was held in Jeddah. On Feb. 5, iCAUR invited representatives from media outlets, including leading automotive outlet Motory, to take part in an in-depth driving experience featuring the all-round hybrid SUV V27 across urban roads and intercity highways.
Guests gathered at Jeddah’s premium landmark, Millionaire Restaurant, where the iCAUR Saudi Arabia team introduced the V27’s design philosophy and key technologies. Open discussions followed, helping members of the media gain a clearer understanding of iCAUR’s brand vision and the V27’s core strengths ahead of the test drive.
The test drive route covered urban roads in Jeddah as well as inter-city highways leading to King Abdullah Economic City, providing an ideal setting to evaluate the V27’s on-road performance across varied conditions. During long-distance highway driving, range and power remain key considerations, and the iCAUR V27 demonstrated solid on-road performance. As the brand’s first mass-production model equipped with the Golden REEV system, the V27 features a dedicated 1.5T range-extender engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.79 percent. It generates 3.71 kWh of electricity per liter of fuel and delivers a combined range of over 1,000 km, effectively addressing long-distance travel concerns.
On city streets with moderate traffic, the V27 impressed with its smooth and quiet ride. The electric motors deliver responsive, linear acceleration, with seamless start-stop performance that keeps driving relaxed even in traffic. Once on open intercity highways, pressing the accelerator fully unleashes 455 hp from the dual motors, propelling the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in about five seconds. Overtaking and lane changes feel effortless, with no hint of lag at any point.
Even more impressive, this five-meter-long SUV, with a chassis tuned by the internationally renowned racing team Prodive and equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system, maintained precise handling at high-speed corners. The steering felt responsive and refined, while the suspension offered solid support, completely defying the typical perception of large SUVs as cumbersome. “I didn’t expect such a large SUV to handle so nimbly — it was enjoyable to drive from start to finish,” one media guest remarked after the test drive. “The intelligent cockpit exceeded all expectations, making long-distance driving both comfortable and enjoyable!”
During the test drive, several media representatives praised the V27’s Stellar Cockpit. The 15.4-inch 3K HD touchscreen delivers crisp, detailed visuals, while the smart infotainment system powered by the 8155 chip ensures smooth operation comparable to a premium tablet, with seamless swiping and no lag. Meanwhile, a temperature-controlled armrest compartment, along with ventilated and heated seats precisely calibrated to the driver’s comfort, kept the driving experience enjoyable throughout the long-distance journey.
Previous test drives at Riyadh’s Edge of the World demonstrated the V27’s off-road capabilities under challenging conditions. The Jeddah media test drive, however, offered a first-hand experience of the V27’s impressive performance in city commuting and intercity highway scenarios. It not only overcomes the typical trade-off between power and range found in conventional new energy vehicles but also seamlessly combines intelligent technology with precise handling, meeting the key expectations of Saudi drivers for on-road performance.
As a model tailored for the Middle East market, the iCAUR V27 made its global debut in the UAE on Feb. 8, followed by a launch in Bahrain on Feb. 10. The arrival of the V27 is expected to bring fresh energy and new possibilities to the region’s premium new energy mobility segment.