Riyadh, March 28, 2024, The inaugural financial package of SAR312 million, initiated by the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), marks a significant step towards bolstering research laboratories across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aligned with the national research priorities delineated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Research, Development, and Innovation, the package is geared towards enhancing the Kingdom's research infrastructure.
Thirty entities, comprising universities, laboratories, hospitals, and private organizations spanning various scientific domains, have been designated as beneficiaries of this funding. Notably, the distribution of funding reflects a strategic allocation: 41% directed towards human health, 27% towards environmental sustainability and basic needs, 19% towards leadership in energy and industry, and 13% towards future economics.
At the heart of this initiative is the unveiling of a national open access portal, hosted at Openaccess.rdia.gov.sa, aimed at facilitating seamless accessibility to the Kingdom's funded research facilities. This portal not only seeks to expedite access for innovators and creators but also fosters an environment of open collaboration.
Key figures present at the launch event included Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the RDIA Board of Directors, Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, Dr. Mohammed bin Oweid Al-Otaibi, RDIA General Supervisor, along with esteemed dignitaries, university heads, and research leaders.
