The National Center for Science and Technology established by Royal Decree No. (M/61) dated 20/12/1405 AH shall be transformed into a scientific city named (King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology).

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology shall have an independent legal personality, be administratively affiliated to the President of the Council of Ministers, have its main headquarters in the city of Riyadh, and branches may be established for it in other cities of the Kingdom.

• King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology supports and encourages scientific research for applied purposes and coordinates the activities of scientific research institutions and centers in this field in a manner consistent with the development requirements in the Kingdom. It cooperates with the relevant authorities to determine priorities and national policies in the field of science and technology, in order to build a scientific and technological base to serve development in agricultural, industrial, mining, and other fields. It works on developing national scientific competencies and attracting highly capable competencies to work in the city in developing and adapting modern technology to serve development in the Kingdom. This city includes the requirements of scientific research such as laboratories, communication means, and information sources, as well as all necessary facilities for the city’s workers. To achieve its purposes without limiting its competencies, it may undertake the following:

  • 1- Propose the national policy for the development of science and technology and establish the strategy and plan necessary for its implementation.
    2- Implement applied scientific research programs to serve development in the Kingdom.
    3- Assist the private sector in developing research on agricultural and industrial products conducted through it.
    4- Support joint research programs between the Kingdom and international scientific institutions to keep pace with global scientific development, whether through grants or by conducting joint research.
    5- Provide scholarships and training grants to develop the necessary competencies to prepare and implement scientific research programs, and provide grants to individuals and scientific institutions to conduct applied scientific research.
    6- Coordinate with government agencies, scientific institutions, and research centers in the Kingdom in the field of research, exchange of information and expertise, and prevention of duplication in their efforts. To achieve this, coordination committees are formed consisting of experts from the agencies and government institutions whose work is related to the city’s activities.

• The Supreme Authority of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is the governing authority over the city's affairs and management, and it has the power to take all necessary decisions to achieve its objectives within the provisions of this law. Specifically, the Authority has the following:

  • A- Approving the draft national policy for the development of science and technology, the strategy, and the necessary plan for its implementation, in preparation for submitting it to the Council of Ministers.
    B- Approving the work programs and projects that the city undertakes to implement.
    C- Issuing the financial and administrative regulations governing the city and the regulations organizing the affairs of its personnel after preparation by the city in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the National Economy, and the General Bureau of Civil Service.
    D- Reviewing periodic reports submitted on the progress of work in the city.
    E- Forming the coordination committees stipulated in paragraph (6) of Article Three and defining their tasks.
    F- Approving the draft annual budget of the city.
    The Supreme Authority may form permanent or temporary committees from among its members or others to study the matters assigned to them.

The Supreme Commission of the City convenes under the chairmanship of the President, his deputy, or his delegate. The meeting of the Commission is not considered valid unless a majority of the members are present. Decisions are issued by the approval of the majority of those present, and in the event of a tie, the side that the President voted for shall prevail.

The city shall have a mayor appointed by royal decree, and he shall have one or more deputies appointed by a decision of the Council of Ministers.

The Mayor is the executive official responsible for managing the city within the limits prescribed by this Law and as determined by the Higher Authority. The Mayor also undertakes other competencies assigned to him in this Law or in the decisions of the Higher Authority.

A- The civil service regulations and rules apply to the employees of the city in matters that are not organized by the regulations issued in accordance with paragraph (C) of Article Five of this Law.
B- In all cases, Saudi city employees are subject to the Civil Retirement Law, while city workers are subject to the Labor and Workers Law and the Social Insurance Law.

• The city shall have an independent annual budget, and the city may prepare a budget for its programs that exceeds one year in duration according to the estimated period required to implement those programs. The city's funds shall consist of:

  • 1- The appropriations allocated to it in the state budget.
    2- The income generated by the city from practicing activities within its jurisdiction.
    3- Gifts, grants, donations, and bequests accepted by the city in accordance with the rules established by the Higher Authority.
    4- Other resources that the Higher Authority decides to add to the city's funds.
    The city's funds shall be placed in a separate account, and disbursements shall be made from it in accordance with the city's financial regulation.