Today (Sunday), Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz of the Eastern Province welcomed Dr. Khalid bin Bani Al-Harbi, President of Hafr Al-Batin University, in his office at the Emirate's Diwan. The meeting was attended by the university's Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Badr bin Jumaan Al-Shaari, along with several university leaders. The winners of the 2026 Geneva International Exhibition for Inventions were also present, including Dr. Najoud bint Mohammed Badiwi, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Darbash Al-Zahrani, and student Salman bin Haif Al-Mutairi.
Prince Saud bin Naif emphasized the leadership's support for innovation and the enhancement of its environment, noting that the achievements of national competencies reflect the level of progress witnessed in the education and scientific research system. He explained that these accomplishments contribute to establishing a culture of creativity and developing quality solutions across various fields.
Event Details
Prince Saud bin Naif congratulated the winners on their achievement, praising their honorable work that reflects the excellence of the nation's sons and daughters and their ability to compete on international platforms. The university president also presented an overview of the university's efforts in supporting the research and innovation system, along with its quality programs.
Prince Saud bin Naif received the final report of the Sustainable Energy Conference and Future Empowerment, which included its main outcomes and recommendations that contribute to supporting sustainability fields and enhancing the empowerment of national competencies.
Background & Context
This visit comes as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance innovation and scientific research, as the government seeks to support educational and research institutions to be at the forefront of countries in research and development fields. In recent years, there has been increasing interest from the leadership in providing a stimulating environment for innovation, which has contributed to achieving numerous scientific accomplishments.
Hafr Al-Batin University is considered one of the leading educational institutions in the Kingdom, striving to develop its academic and research programs, reflecting its commitment to achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Impact & Consequences
The support of the Prince of the Eastern Province for innovation and scientific research reflects the Kingdom's general direction towards enhancing the knowledge economy, which contributes to improving the quality of education and increasing job opportunities. These efforts also enhance the Kingdom's ability to compete in the global market.
The achievements of the winners at the Geneva International Exhibition for Inventions serve as evidence of the Saudi youth's capacity for innovation and creativity, contributing to enhancing the Kingdom's image on the international stage.
Regional Significance
These initiatives serve as a model for the Arab region, inspiring other countries to enhance their investments in education and scientific research. Developing an innovation environment in Arab countries can contribute to achieving sustainable development and improving living standards.
In conclusion, this visit reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting innovation and enhancing scientific research, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing the Kingdom's international standing.