KAUST Partnership | The Royal Commission for AlUla

Research and Innovation

RCU and KAUST have cultivated a collaborative alliance focusing on research, innovation, and data modelling across various domains, including saltwater desalination, agriculture, native plant cultivation, and smart city development. By leveraging this partnership, RCU aims to implement KAUST’s state-of-the-art technologies in AlUla, enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, and differentiation while exploring new market opportunities through innovation. The partnership also enables KAUST to commercialise its cutting-edge solutions in AlUla, extend pilot projects, and expand research and development initiatives in alignment with AlUla’s development goals.

Our Progress

Under the joint leadership of RCU’s Innovation and Agriculture departments, notable progress has been made by identifying crucial areas for agri-tech collaboration with KAUST, specifically in water management, pest control, and disease management. The partnership has yielded promising results, such as advanced composting technology that converts agricultural waste into nutrient-rich compost soil with high water-retention capabilities, as well as innovative pest-detection methods using fibre optics to identify early stages of red palm weevil larvae infestation. Through these collaborative efforts, RCU and KAUST aim to set new global standards in sustainable farming practices while supporting the preservation of AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.

Phased Approach

The partnership is divided into two phases. The first phase focuses on driving innovation in agricultural technology within AlUla by exploring R&D opportunities, promoting competitiveness, deploying agri-tech solutions, and testing and applying new technologies.

The second phase builds upon this foundation, implementing programmes across multiple sectors through scientific and technical evaluation, technology consulting, research and development support, capacity building, and conducting scientific testing. By collaborating across various domains, RCU and KAUST aim to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable development in AlUla, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.

Industry Collaboration Program

RCU has also joined the KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP), actively participating in its annual meeting in November 2022. As a member, we aim to capitalise on KAUST’s faculty expertise, access a world-class talent pool, and leverage their technology commercialisation capabilities to drive innovation and foster economic development in AlUla. The alliance between RCU and KAUST exemplifies a remarkable collaboration, leveraging their unique strengths and expertise. It paves the way for transformative advancements and breakthroughs in research, innovation, and sustainable development in AlUla.