The Deanship of Scientific Research is hosting a conference 'The Impact of Research and Development Initiatives on Research in Saudi Universities and Economic Development' conference from 20 to 21 Rajab 1440H (27 to 28 March 2019). The conference was organized under the tutelage of His Royal Highness, Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Asir Region. The purpose of the conference is to discuss strategies for using enhanced scientific research methods and advanced technology for national development initiatives under Vision 2030 and its appendant documents.

The Rector first thanked His Royal Highness for his patronage of the conference and continued support for King Khalid University. He then thanked all of the organizers and participants who made the conference possible. The Rector stated that 'a primary goal of the conference is to establish partnerships and exchange programs with other experts in a variety of scientific disciplines. These mutually beneficial exchanges will help increase our core research competencies and enhance the academic qualifications of our degree programs'.

Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Conference, Dr. Saad Al-Amri, said that the Ministry of Education launched a series of research and development initiatives to promote scientific research in Saudi universities. This conference comports with the objectives of the Ministry’s objectives. The Ministry has the full backing of national leadership as evidenced by the 6 billion Riyal budget for program activities. About a year ago the Ministry of Education launched an 'International Cooperation Initiative' in Riyadh. This program was designed to promote and provide funding for partnerships between Saudi universities and international research centers in various scientific fields. These efforts strengthen international cooperation and supports scientific research strategies that are critical to Vision 2030 milestones and ultimate objectives.

The Dean of Scientific Research and the Chairman of the Scientific Committee, Dr. Hamid bin Majdoua Al-Qarni, explained that the conference aims to highlight research and development capabilities in Saudi universities and develop research, developmental priorities, and implementation strategies. In addition, the conference evaluates best practices in research and implements same to existing and future projects in order to make domestic scientific research more efficient and effective. The Dean also stressed the importance of the strategic partnerships as encouraged under the Ministry of Education’s programs to raise the level of scientific research and development in the Kingdom. He further explained that these efforts will ultimately reap socioeconomic benefits for the entire nation. Having cutting edge research projects will grow domestic industry and allow government operations to become more efficient.