Nestlé Saudi Arabia announced the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in the presence of high-level officials from the Ministry of Investment, Nestlé, and the University. The agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a joint framework for collaboration in the fields of packaging, agriculture, and food technology.  

The signing ceremony was attended by Yasser Abdul Malak, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa; Robert Helou, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Ian Campbell, Senior Vice President of the National Transformation Institute (NTI) at KAUST.  

The partnership seeks to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance public health, strengthen food safety standards, and support national efforts to localize knowledge and foster innovation within the food ecosystem.  

The collaboration focuses on advanced research in food and nutrition sciences, aiming to develop solutions that promote healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability, leveraging KAUST’s world-class research ecosystem — which includes scientists from more than 120 nationalities — and Nestlé’s global expertise in food technology.  

The agreement reflects Nestlé’s long-term commitment to investment in the Kingdom. In November 2022, the company signed an agreement with the Ministry of Investment to invest SAR 7 billion over 10 years, covering the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility and the launch of various research and development projects.  

Commenting on the importance of the agreement, Helou said: “This partnership builds on Nestlé’s long-standing investment in Saudi Arabia and contributes to improving quality of life and public health through research and solutions that support sustainable food supply chains and meet the evolving aspirations of the Saudi market, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”  

Speaking on behalf of KAUST and the NTI, Campbell said: “This agreement with Nestlé Saudi Arabia marks an important step in advancing national priorities through science and innovation. By combining [KAUST’s] research expertise with Nestlé’s industrial leadership, we aim to deliver solutions in food, health, and agriculture that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.” 

He added: “This partnership also reflects our shared commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through empowering national talent, enhancing food security, and driving long-term economic value.”  

In this context, Dr. Rania Abou Samra, Head of Research and Development and Innovation at Nestlé Middle East and North Africa, explained: “At Nestlé, we believe that innovation in food technology is the key to achieving a healthier and more sustainable food future. Our collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology opens new horizons for developing modern technologies that meet consumer needs and contribute to the well-being of society.”  

The MoU aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, addressing scientific challenges in food and health, supporting local agricultural production, improving crop efficiency, and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy that enhances quality of life.  

Both parties affirmed that this partnership reflects a shared understanding of the importance of combining investment, scientific research, and innovation — translating into tangible projects that support sustainable development and place human health at the core of their priorities.