Saudi national center inspires young researchers with sustainable agriculture innovations

The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture — Estidamah — hosted 94 students from the Mawhiba Research Enrichment Program for a full-day visit that showcased the centre’s applied research and technologies in sustainable farming, food security and natural resource conservation. The programme was organised by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology through Academy 32, in partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, and formed part of Estidamah’s outreach to engage young Saudi researchers and support academic development aligned with national goals such as Saudi Vision 2030.

"The centre was proud of the students’ promising research potential," said Khalid Al-Rohily, Estidamah Director General. "We welcome young Saudi talent and are committed to making our research facilities and expertise available to support their academic development and innovative projects." He added the initiative reflected the centre’s efforts to transfer knowledge and technology, promote innovation, and develop a new generation of researchers capable of creating sustainable agricultural solutions for the Kingdom.

The visit provided participants with hands-on exposure to Estidamah’s laboratories and field facilities, where researchers demonstrated projects designed to improve productivity and increase resource efficiency under Saudi environmental conditions. Students observed applications of modern technologies in water resource management and sustainable agricultural systems, and took part in interactive discussions with specialists on developing practical solutions for farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

• Number of participants: 94 students from the Mawhiba Research Enrichment Program
• Hosts and partners: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Academy 32) and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity
• Main focus areas showcased: sustainable farming, food security, natural resource conservation, and water resource management

Estidamah’s research priorities, as underlined during the visit, include adapting modern agricultural technologies to the Kingdom’s environmental conditions, improving agricultural productivity, and increasing resource efficiency. The centre’s work aims to produce practical, field-ready solutions that can be adopted by farmers and agribusinesses, with a view to strengthening national food security. Interactive sessions during the tour emphasised multidisciplinary approaches, combining agronomy, engineering and data-driven management techniques to optimise water use and crop yields.

Representatives of the King Abdulaziz foundation highlighted that its enrichment programmes are designed to identify and develop gifted students by providing research-based learning opportunities and access to scientific institutions, laboratories and specialists. The Mawhiba Research Enrichment Program forms part of that effort, offering talented students direct engagement with national research centres to cultivate scientific skills and research literacy.

Looking ahead, Estidamah intends to continue leveraging its facilities and expertise to nurture emerging researchers and translate research outcomes into scalable agricultural practices. By opening its doors to initiatives such as the Mawhiba programme, the centre seeks to accelerate knowledge transfer, foster innovation among youth, and help develop a pipeline of researchers equipped to address Saudi Arabia’s agricultural and environmental challenges in support of wider national objectives including Vision 2030.