RIYADH: The King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology will be launched on Nov. 11, 2011, 11/11/11, at a cost of SR97 million, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Othman, president of King Saud University, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette Sunday. Al-Othman's confirmation came while he signed an agreement here to set up a building for the Institute, which will be located in Riyadh Techno Valley and has full funding thanks to a donation by Muhammad Bin Hussein Al-Amoudi. “We've started the practical steps on the ground in the construction of one of the most important edifices of knowledge in this pioneering university, thanks to the success from Allah and the support of our government under the leadership of King Abdullah,” Al-Othman said. The Institute has more than nine patent rights, 70 research articles published in well-established scientific journals and it has started marketing some of its products, Al-Othman said. He pointed out that setting up the Institute is a key part of achieving the King's vision of Saudi universities taking a leadership position in the field of nanotechnology. There is a need to develop nano research, technology and related industries, and consolidate the partnership between the school and related sectors to help build a knowledge-based economy, he said. Al-Othman expressed thanks to Al-Amoudi, a businessman whose donation is the latest in a series of large donations to the school, including gifts to fund six research seats. Al-Othman signed the agreement with ABV Rock Group Limited, which was represented by Eng. Sa'doun Barghash Al-Sa'doun, executive director of the company, in the presence of Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, vice president of the University for Post-graduate Studies and Scientific Research; Eng. Khalid Al-Shiddi, adviser to the school's president for strategic projects; Dr. Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Rakyan, dean of the King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology; and Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Dowsari, executive director of Riyadh Techno Valley.
