Intel Corporation has signed a major pact with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to launch its first Middle East research centre for developing more energy efficient solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Named the Middle East Energy Efficiency Research Center (MER), the new facility will leverage off Intel's global research expertise and will also benefit from KACST's extensive research capabilities and tap into the abundant talent pool in the Kingdom and region's leading universities.

The center will play a pivotal role in the region's efforts to promote more efficient use of energy in technology devices through conducting and sharing research with leading universities across the Middle East.

The MER agreement is the third joint initiative between Intel and KACST, following landmark projects focusing on wireless mobile services and nano-manufacturing applications.'

The deal was signed at KACST's headquarters in Riyadh in the presence of Andrew A. Chien, Intel vice president, Intel Labs and director of Future Technologies Research, and KACST president Dr. Mohammed Ibn Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel.

'Our aim is to ensure that we leverage off the work of global leaders such as Intel for the benefit of Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf,' said Dr Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al Saud, vice president for Research Institutes, KACST.

'For KACST and Saudi Arabia, the Middle East Energy Efficiency Research Center agreement is particularly poignant as we look to develop hardware and software solutions that consume less energy and promote energy efficiency. We at KACST are aware of Saudi Arabia's environmental obligations and we're delighted to be working with Intel on such an important goal,' he added.

The largest technology-focused research establishment in the Middle East, KACST works with key global leaders in the fields of R&D and technology and is tasked with developing Saudi Arabia's national science and technology sectors to facilitate the Kingdom's transformation into a knowledge economy.

Abdulaziz Al-Noghaither, Intel General Manager for Saudi Arabia said the KACST has played a significant role in promoting technology research not just in Saudi Arabia but across the wider Middle East region.

'We share their vision for a digital future for the region, and we are committed to ensuring that KACST and other educational establishments have access to Intel's global knowledge and expertise,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service