Fueling Discovery. Powering the Future.
Saudi Arabia is redefining itself as a global engine for scientific discovery and breakthrough innovation.
Zone 3 showcases the nation’s rapidly growing research landscape, where pioneering science, public-private collaboration, and next-generation talent come together to address the world’s most pressing health challenges.
This zone is a window into the Kingdom’s deep and growing commitment to building a vibrant knowledge economy backed by world-class research institutions, visionary funding bodies, and a national mandate to lead in biotech, genomics, digital health, and beyond.
A Platform for Global Collaboration and Impact
In Saudi Arabia, research is no longer confined to laboratories, it is a core national driver of transformation, investment, and global engagement. With billions of dollars in funding, an integrated network of research institutions, and strategic support for commercialization, Saudi is building a platform where ideas move quickly from concept to market.
Key enablers include:
Global partnerships with academia, pharma, and industry
National priorities aligned with global health and biotech frontiers
State-of-the-art R&D campuses and infrastructure
Strong incentives for technology transfer and commercialization
Whether you're a university, startup, research institute, or investor, Zone 3 connects you to the people and platforms shaping the Kingdom’s innovation future.
The Institutions Driving Saudi’s Research Revolution
Each organization featured in this zone plays a distinct leadership role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s innovation capacity. From foundational research and national strategy to translational science and global collaboration.
National RDI Policy Architect: Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA)
The RDIA sets the strategic direction for Saudi Arabia’s national R&D priorities. It leads the implementation of the Kingdom’s ambitious RDI strategy and serves as a key orchestrator across ministries, academia, and the private sector.
RDIA’s leadership includes:
Defining and funding national research and innovation priorities
Coordinating sectoral R&D policies and alignment with Vision 2030
Fostering a connected, high-impact innovation ecosystem
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Innovation-Driven City Builder: Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
RCRC integrates innovation and R&D ecosystems into Riyadh’s urban fabric by designing districts and infrastructure that support the full innovation lifecycle, from research clusters to startup hubs and incubators.
RCRC is enabling:
Urban development of science parks and tech districts
Integrated spaces that support research, living, and collaboration
Infrastructure planning that empowers universities, hospitals, and companies
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National Biomedical Research Leader: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC)
KAIMRC is a world-class research institution focused on biomedical sciences, clinical trials, genomics, and regenerative medicine. It is a key partner in translating scientific discoveries into applied solutions for healthcare.
KAIMRC’s focus areas include:
Multidisciplinary research in cancer, immunology, and infectious diseases
Clinical trial networks and partnerships with global pharma
Integration of research with the National Guard Health Affairs hospitals
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Powerhouse for Research, Development, and Innovation: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
(KACST) serves as a key enabler of scientific progress and technical advancement. It leads efforts to localize emerging technologies, accelerate innovation, and build national capabilities through cutting-edge research across health, sustainability, energy, and future economies. By providing world-class labs, innovation hubs, and startup support, KACST transforms ideas into impactful solutions that drive sustainable development and elevate Saudi Arabia's global scientific standing.
KACST delivers:
A national research backbone through advanced labs driving frontier scientific discovery
Science policy and foresight to shape strategies for future technologies
Capacity building focused on developing next-generation scientific talent
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Innovation-Driven Research University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
KAUST is a globally renowned research university with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary science, entrepreneurship, and translational innovation. With a unique coastal campus and world-class faculty, it acts as a magnet for talent and investment.
KAUST’s impact includes:
Research excellence in biosciences, bioengineering, and computational biology
Technology commercialization and venture acceleration platforms
International research collaborations and PhD talent pipelines
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Clinical Innovation Engine: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC)
KFSH&RC stands at the intersection of care excellence and scientific advancement. As one of the region’s most advanced academic medical centers, it plays a pivotal role in translating research into real-world health impact – leading on genomics, rare diseases, oncology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine.
KFSH&RC’s innovation model is anchored in three pillars:
World-Class Infrastructure for Research and Care
AI-Powered Real-World Evidence and Digital Integration
A Hub for Global Partnerships and Clinical Breakthroughs
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A Zone Built for Innovators
Zone 3 embodies Saudi Arabia’s determination to become a global force in science and technology. For biotech innovators, it offers:
Direct access to research funding and infrastructure
Opportunities to co-develop with top-tier institutions
Strategic entry points into one of the world’s fastest-growing RDI ecosystems
Whether you're an academic, entrepreneur, VC, or global partner, Zone 3 invites you to discover how Saudi Arabia is turning ambition into innovation and research into real-world impact.
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Saudi Arabia: The Global Biotech Hub
Discover a high-demand market powered by regulatory reform, national R&D strength, and strategic investment. Explore how infrastructure and data platforms are unlocking new opportunities across the biotech value chain.
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Multinationals: Launchpad for Innovation
Accelerate trials, scale manufacturing, and unlock new markets. With speed to approval, real-world evidence, and built-in localization support, Saudi Arabia is where biotech goes further, faster.
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MoH x BioLabs Accelerator Program
Bringing world-class startup acceleration to Saudi Arabia through BioLabs’ first program in the MENA region. This initiative supports Saudi innovators and reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to unlocking homegrown scientific talent.