Knowledge Economic City (KEC) will be unveiling project offerings in the first phase of the city's development at a major business forum to be held at the Jeddah Hilton on Sunday (Dec.13). The forum, hosted by KEC, with the support of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), will be an opportune time for investors to witness the progress in the development of the unique attributes of KEC aimed at placing the Kingdom on the international pedestals in the field of knowledge-based industries. The one-day event will also provide SAGIA the chance to set out a range of investment strategies. Moreover, the forum will provide delegates with a first-hand opportunity to meet with KEC directors, senior management, heads of departments, procurement directors and chief technical officers and discuss issues related to the project. Delegates will have a further opportunity to network with other stakeholders at the accompanying exhibition. Launched in June 2006, Knowledge Economic City is one of four economic cities being developed in the Kingdom and has special significance because of its proximity to the Holy Mosque in Al-Madinah. Its development is intended to be the catalyst for economic growth in knowledge-based industries, ushering in transformation to a knowledge society. Al-Madinah has been a leading city in digital economy initiatives and the presence of a number of well-established institutions offering higher education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (SMET) and religious knowledge provides a major pool of talent, ideally suited to fulfilling KEC's development objectives. On the occasion, Tahir Bawazir, CEO of Knowledge Economic City, said “I am extremely proud of the progress of the development in KEC, considering its unique attributes. KEC differs from other economic cities as it will concentrate on the development of knowledge-based industries.” “Moreover, as the future hub for Islamic research and knowledger, the project offerings mark a significant milestone in KEC's drive to provide a positive learning environment hereafter,” Bawazir pointed out. Essam A. Bukhamseen, VP, Economic Cities Development, SAGIA, said “the diversity of the city's main components as well as its focus on the development of knowledge-based industries promise to make the project a landmark for Muslims worldwide and provide investors with sound return on investment opportunities.” Tasked with managing the investment environment in the Kingdom, SAGIA strives to achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth by creating a pro-business environment, providing comprehensive services to investors and fostering investment opportunities in key sectors of the economy, including ICT and knowledge-based industries. “The project has been a massive undertaking given what needed to be built. The pace in the initial phase of KEC project has been a success in achieving all of this as scheduled and the result is certainly worthy of commendation,” Bukhamseen added.
