RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the chairman of the board of trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology by royal order.

The order was issued by King Salman at the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reflects KAUST’s strategic role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Under Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership, KAUST is poised to further its mission as a global hub for scientific excellence and transformative innovation, SPA said.

Prince Abdulaziz has extensive expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, having played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that drive the transition toward clean energy and foster innovation in this field.

His appointment represents a strategic step in advancing KAUST’s “Accelerating Impact” strategy, which aims to fast-track scientific research and bridge its outcomes with industrial and technological applications in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, SPA said.

The appointment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing research efforts aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges, enhancing the adoption of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions through the university’s research initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC said: “We are honored to have Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s journey.

“His vision and deep expertise in energy and sustainability will accelerate KAUST’s impact and strengthen its role in linking scientific research with economic and technological development. We look forward to achieving further milestones, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators.”

More than 6 million passengers have used the public bus network in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province since its introduction in 2022.

Comprising 10 routes and 279 stops, the service operates 85 buses for 18 hours a day. During the recent Eid Al-Fitr holiday, it was used by about 12,500 passengers per day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to the municipal government, a new phase will be introduced soon that will see a fleet of environmentally buses running on seven routes in Dammam, Alkhobar, Qatif and Al-Bayda. The expansion is part of a wider plan to improve urban infrastructure, promote sustainable transport and support tourism in the region, the report said.

With tickets priced from SR3.45 (92 US cents) more than 90 percent of passengers surveyed in the first quarter of this year said they were satisfied with the service.

The country’s public transport networks have been expanded significantly in recent years as part of the government’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve quality of life for people living in cities.

The six-line Riyadh Metro, which opened in December and covers about 176 km, carried more than 18 million passengers in its first two months of operation.

A key component of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport and Saudi Vision 2030, the system is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers a day. It has driverless trains, air-conditioned cabins and designated seating for different passenger groups.

Riyadh also has an extensive bus network, which spans more than 1,900 km, has more than 2,860 stops and a daily capacity of 500,000 passengers.