Naser delivered a speech in which he said that "this historic day represents a turning point that will establish the Kingdom's position on the map of scientific research and consolidate its steps in the twenty-one century". "The university enjoys complete financial and administrative independence and its Board of Trustees is independent. The project covers an area of thirty six million square meters, including four major centers for research in the fields of advanced science. The project also includes academic and administrative complexes, an advanced network of information technology, supportive facilities and a residential neighborhood that accommodates more than ten thousand students, professors, researchers and their families," he said. Al-Naser also spoke in his speech about what has been achieved for KAUST in engineering, construction, academic and research fields. He thanked the people of Thuwal as well as the members of the International Advisory Committee for their efforts. "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, we have become partners and contributors to set up this scientific base that will move our development process to modern knowledge prospects. I am pleased, on my own behalf and on behalf of all my colleagues and all those who helped us in this project, to express deep pride in assigning Saudi Aramco to accomplish this project," he concluded. --More
