Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority to hold the International Knowledge Forum in Al-Madinah

The Forum will bring together elite scientists, intellectuals and investors. NOOR in its first assembly in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah will be held under the title "Knowledge-Based Investment" and will focus on healthcare and information and communications technology (ICT).

HE the Governor of Sagia expressed his gratefulness and appreciation on behalf of the participants to King Abdullah for attending the Forum, and for his continuous support and encouragement for knowledge-based investments, saying that the support of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan has materialized in the launch of the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) in Madinah.

He also expressed his thanks to HRH Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Majed the Governor of Madinah Province for his generous support of the Forum, and to the company that is developing KEC for its exclusive sponsorship of the Forum. He added that the forum will attract investors, scientists and pioneering firms to KEC as an overseas investment destination.

The Chairman of the Forum's executive committee and SAGIA's Head of Marketing and Media Sector Mr. Fahd Hamidaddin affirmed that SAGIA is continually implementing a marketing strategy that focuses on the organization of international forums as a major mechanism in attracting investments in strategic sectors, and mainly in knowledge-based investments.

He added that 60% of forums fail to reach their targets because they could not identify and provide success factors. Hamidaddin mentioned five success factors: speakers' expertise; the richness of papers and materials submitted; level of coordination between the organizers and participants; clear and distinct recommendations that can be easily implemented; and finally, side discussions and meetings that enrich the total output of the forum.

He added that SAGIA has appointed a group of local and international firms in various fields to contribute professionally to the organization efforts of the Forum in order to optimize the overall output. One of these firms is Publicis Live, the world's biggest conference management company. Publicis Live was once responsible for managing the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, and many times a winner of global awards in event management industry. Mr. Hamidaddin pointed out that the list of the Forum's media partners include big local, regional and global names such as Al-Arabuyah Channels as a TV sponsor, and SRPC.

From his side, Dr. Salem Al-Malik, Head of the Forum's Scientific Committee reviewed the list of scientists participating in the event, and explained that Day One will be dedicated for healthcare issues; and Day Two for information communications technology (ICT) with the participation of prominent specialists worldwide.

Dr. Al-Malik said that the scientific committee commenced its objectives ten months ago. Both the sector of knowledge-based industries and the company responsible for the development of Knowledge Economic City in Madinah did their duties by promoting the Forum and defining its objective in global conferences and events. While hundreds of scientists showed their eagerness to participate, only 100 papers were selected from which only a few will be discussed in the sessions of the Forum while the remaining papers will be distributed among attendees, making them available for side meetings and discussions.

Dr. Al-Malik expressed his gratitude to the scientific committee and its members of professors and specialists in healthcare and ICT fields. He said that they all dedicated their time and efforts to support the Forum, in which they have a strong belief that it will become a knowledge landmark and light emitting from Al-Madinah that will serve humanity, mankind and culture and provide sound benefits to scientist and investors.

He added that "Noor" Forum is a product of the knowledge-based industry sector, one strategic sector that SAGIA established in 2005. Other sectors are transportation and energy. The KBI sector aims at the activation of the role of knowledge as a major participant to the Saudi economy, and initiated ties of cooperation with the Stanford University research center to draft a comprehensive strategy for knowledge-based investments. The sector will then implement this strategy with relevant government bodies. It is worth mentioning that KEC was established by Royal Decree in June 2006. It is located a short distance from the Holy Mosque in Madinah.

Construction started last month after finishing all feasibility studies and approving the detailed site maps. It is one of four integrated economic cities planned to be constructed in KSA, a volume of investment of which will exceed SR 30 billion. It has special importance to all Muslims around the world due to its distinguished location 5 kilometers only from the Holy Mosque and 7 kilometers from Madinah airport. The project is established by the King Abdullah Foundation for Development Housing, and will become the nucleus of establishing a knowledge-based society in Al-Madinah.

The project includes the following:
-Educational district: with technical and management institute
-A center for medical sciences and biotechnology
-Advanced technology park for knowledge-based industries
-Research centers and scientific developments
-A commercial quarter with 1200 world-class shops to serve Al-Madinah province
-A retail complex that imitates old markets in Madinah

The medical science and biotechnology center will employ a smart infrastructure in Madinah such as medical simulation technologies and remote therapy technologies. This center will provide medical services to Al-Madinah inhabitants and visitors, and will provide a rehabilitation complex for Muslims who can benefit from spiritual recuperation in Al-Madinah.

The project also includes a commercial station with smart infrastructure; technological, entertainment and educational parks; and a special park with the latest laser multimedia and digital technologies to promote Islamic culture among global communities. The project also includes residential complexes of villas, high-rise and low-rise buildings, furnished apartments and vast green areas.