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The College of Engineering at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Autonomous Technologies for Industry, on Monday, September 16, 2024, to enhance joint cooperation between both parties in the engineering sector, in addition to collaborating on establishing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing facility. The MoU was signed during the launch ceremony of the “Rafid” Program, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources at its headquarters in Riyadh. The signing took place in the presence of Her Excellency the President of the University, Dr. Enas bint Sulaiman Al-Issa, and His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, as part of a package of agreements between several Saudi universities and specialized companies in advanced manufacturing. This initiative supports the Rafid Program, which aims to develop effective partnerships with academic institutions to enhance the utilization of research and innovation in advanced manufacturing, particularly in promising sectors targeted by the National Industrial Strategy. The areas of cooperation include training female students, delivering workshops, identifying development and scientific research areas related to engineering and artificial intelligence, participating in exhibitions, and presenting autonomous technologies such as robots and unmanned aerial vehicles. The agreement also includes offering a package of specialized competitions and challenges focused on solving engineering problems, in addition to supporting and empowering research activities and scientific participation in local and international conferences. The College of Engineering was represented in signing the MoU by the Dean of the College, Dr. Hanan bint Abdullah bin Munqash, while Autonomous Technologies for Industry was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ahmed bin Tawfiq Al-Qusair. The signing of this MoU aligns with the strategic direction of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to strengthen partnerships with the private sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and to achieve shared objectives aimed at preparing highly qualified female engineering professionals with advanced knowledge, skills, and competencies, addressing industrial sector challenges, creating employment opportunities in autonomous technologies and their applications, and contributing to the development of the knowledge-based economy.
