The General Authority for Defense Development signed an agreement to join the Industrial Collaboration Program at (KAUST). This membership aims to enhance research and knowledge collaboration and develop technical and innovative capabilities in defense development. 

KAUST’s Industrial Collaboration Program is a specialized platform that fosters partnerships between government institutions, the private sector, and academia. It also provides access to an advanced research ecosystem that includes leading scientists and specialists, world-class research and development laboratories, and the university’s technologies, intellectual property, and startup community. 

GADD’s membership in the program will allow it to benefit from several advantages, including direct exposure to the latest research, technologies, and future scientific trends, participation in scientific seminars and major events, and opportunities for joint research and development programs with the university and other program members. 

H.E. the Governor of GADD explained that this step comes within the Authority's efforts to strengthen partnerships with national universities in the field of defense development, on one hand, and to bridge the gap between universities, research centers, and military industries, on the other hand, thus contributing to building an integrated national system for development and innovation in the defense sector. 

H.E. emphasized that (KAUST) represents a leading model in research, development, and innovation, given its advanced scientific and research capabilities and infrastructure. He noted that cooperation with KAUST will contribute to supporting the Authority's objectives of enhancing the Kingdom's position in advanced defense technologies and building national human and research capabilities.