Nestlé Saudi Arabia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to strengthen collaboration in food, agriculture, and packaging research. The agreement was formalized in the presence of senior representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Nestlé, and KAUST.
The initiative aims to advance applied research and innovation in food and nutrition sciences, improve food safety standards, and support efforts to localize knowledge in the Kingdom. Areas of focus include healthy diets, sustainable agriculture, and packaging technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability and economic diversification goals.
Yasser Abdul Malak, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa; Robert Helou, CEO of Nestlé Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Ian Campbell, Senior Vice President of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST, were present at the ceremony.
“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,” said Helou.
Dr. Campbell added, “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.”
The MoU complements Nestlé’s SAR 7 billion investment plan announced in 2022, which includes establishing a manufacturing facility and launching R&D initiatives. The agreement supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, including food security, national talent development, and the growth of a knowledge-based economy.