��������

Nestlé �������� has announced the signing of a strategic MoU with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in the presence of high-level officials from the Ministry of Investment, Nestlé and KAUST. The agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a joint framework for collaboration in the fields of packaging, agriculture, and food technology. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Yasser Abdul Malak, chairman and chief executive of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa; Robert Helou, chief executive of Nestlé ��������; and Dr. Ian Campbell, senior vice president of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST. The partnership seeks to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance public health, strengthen food safety standards, and support national efforts to localize knowledge and foster innovation within the food ecosystem. 

The collaboration focuses on advanced research in food and nutrition sciences, aiming to develop solutions that promote healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability, leveraging KAUST’s world-class research ecosystem — which includes scientists from more than 120 nationalities — and Nestlé’s global expertise in food technology. 

The agreement reflects Nestlé’s long-term commitment to investment in the Kingdom. In November 2022, the company signed an agreement with the Ministry of Investment to invest SR7 billion ($1.86 billion) over 10 years, covering the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility and the launch of various research and development projects. 

Commenting on the importance of the agreement, Helou said: “This partnership builds on Nestlé’s long-standing investment in �������� 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, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.” 

Campbell added: “This agreement with Nestlé �������� marks an important step in advancing national priorities through science and innovation. By combining King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’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. This partnership also reflects our shared commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through empowering national talent, enhancing food security, and driving long-term economic value.” 

Dr. Rania Abou Samra, head of research and development and innovation at Nestlé Middle East and North Africa, said: “At Nestlé, we believe that innovation in food technology is the key to achieving a healthier and more sustainable food future. Our collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology opens new horizons for developing modern technologies that meet consumer needs and contribute to the well-being of society.” 

The MoU aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, addressing scientific challenges in food and health, supporting local agricultural production, improving crop efficiency, and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy that enhances quality of life.

Both parties affirmed that this partnership reflects a shared understanding of the importance of combining investment, scientific research, and innovation — translating into tangible projects that support sustainable development and place human health at the core of their priorities. 

Laticrete, a global leader in tile and stone installation systems, has officially opened its first manufacturing plant in Jeddah. This milestone investment strengthens the Kingdom’s local production capabilities, accelerates delivery schedules, and ensures greater product accessibility for contractors, developers, and the wider trade network.

Established in 1956, Laticrete is a family-run enterprise with operations in over 100 countries. Its innovative solutions have been used in iconic projects worldwide. For more than 40 years, the company has partnered with distributors in ��������, contributing to the development of the nation’s modern construction sector.

David A. Rothberg, chairman, said: “We began as a small family business in the US when my father, of blessed memory, pioneered a breakthrough in tile installation. Over the decades, we learned that localization is critical: each market has its own regulations, preferences, and construction pace. By establishing local production, we can provide faster delivery and ensure products meet regional requirements.

“The Saudi market has long been important to us. With ceramic tile usage here among the highest globally, we saw the opportunity to expand our presence and better serve customers directly in the Kingdom.”

Patrick Millot, CEO, said: “Since our founding, innovation has been the heart of Laticrete. Our founder Henry M. Rothberg revolutionized the industry with the invention of thin-set adhesive. Today, we continue that legacy by introducing new solutions every year, ensuring our customers have access to cutting-edge technology.

“In ��������, we are committed to bringing not only standard products but also our most advanced technologies from Day 1. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and world-class infrastructure development.”

Ritesh Singh, regional director, said: “The Jeddah plant reflects our strong commitment to Vision 2030, which encourages local manufacturing and greater participation in the Saudi economy. Laticrete has been present in the Kingdom for over 40 years, supplying materials for iconic projects. Now, with local manufacturing, we will serve the full spectrum of the market — from retail and mid-size residential projects to major commercial and hospitality developments.

“This facility is one of the most advanced within the Laticrete global network, capable of producing 99 percent of our product portfolio locally. By manufacturing in the Kingdom, we reduce import dependency, shorten lead times, and bring the latest global practices to the Saudi market.”

Khalid Khan, general manager, BINEX, said: “BINEX is proud to partner with Laticrete in this new chapter. For decades, we have worked together to supply high-quality solutions to projects across �������� — from Yanbu to KAUST, Aramco, the Red Sea, and beyond.

“As one of the oldest registered companies in the Kingdom, BINEX has witnessed ��������’s construction transformation firsthand. With this new facility, Laticrete will strengthen its position as the market leader in premium installation systems while expanding accessibility across the entire construction ecosystem.”

The Jeddah plant will create new employment opportunities for Saudi talent while providing training and skills development. By adopting eco-friendly practices, efficient processes, and responsibly sourced raw materials, Laticrete reinforces its dedication to sustainability and its alignment with ��������’s industrial and environmental objectives.