In 1977, the Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology was established, with Prof. Rida M.S. Obaid being the president. This center was created as an independent scientific organization that is responsible for the promotion of science and technology in Saudi Arabia. However, the name was later changed into King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. In 1987, KACST has joined the International Council for Science as a National Member. In 1984, Abdul Rahman Al-Athel was named as the President of the city. In 2007, Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, who used to be the KACST vice president for research, became the president. HH Dr. Turki AL Saud is the KACST vice president.
Organization
Institutes
The research complex is divided into the following research institutes:
is a project that aims to provide high-quality Arabic contents in all disciplines. To achieve this goal, KACST started to work with the local and international organizations. For example:
Nature Arabic Edition: KACST has collaborated with the Macmillan Publishers to translate Nature journal into Arabic. The print issues are freely available to qualified subscribers. Also, the contents of this journal will be available online for free.
Wiki Arabi : This is another project initiated by King Abdullah's Initiative for Arabic Content. This project aims to improve the content of the Arabic Wikipedia by translating the high-quality articles from other languages of Wikipedia such as English, French and Hebrew Wikipedia. The first Wiki Arabi event was in 2010, where over 2000 articles were translated into Arabic. The second Wiki Arabi was in 2012.
Nuclear technology
In 1988, KACST starts planning to develop nuclear technology in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, KACST decided to open the Atomic Energy Research Institute. This Institute will help Saudi Arabia to develop the nuclear power along with King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. The AERI has four different departments: Radiation Protection Department, Industrial Applications, Nuclear Reactors and Safety, and a Materials Department
In 2006, KACST signed a collaboration agreement with CERN to participate in the construction of LINAC4 project. KACST engineers constructed a warm prototype of it. This prototype was then qualified at CERN. And now, KACST is working build up a high-energy physics community to participate in future CERN programs.
In September 30, 2008, KACST funded the science team of Gravity Probe B, helping them to complete the project.
In 2012, KACST announced the first electrostatic accelerator in Saudi Arabia. This accelerator has been designed by the National Center of Mathematics and Physics.
In April 2013, KACST announced the creation of WaferCatalyst, which is a Multi-project Wafer consolidation initiative which aims to promote Integrated circuit design and related technologies in Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions.
Information Technology Unit (ITU)
Information Technology requirements for research center and city staff is fulfilled by ITU section situated in building No. 1.
Internet proxy for Saudi Arabia
The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology operates the internet backbone in Saudi Arabia as well as the local registry address space. According to RIPE, "all Saudi Arabia web traffic will come from IP block" registered to KACST.
