Chemical giant signs up for Saudi research centre

RESEARCH BOOST: The Dow Company has joined up with KAUST to set up a new research centre. (Getty Images)

Global chemical giant The Dow Chemical Company on Wednesday announced plans to set up a research centre at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

Substantial completion of the proposed state-of-the-art centre is expected by the end of 2010, the company said in a statement.

Initial research at the Dow Middle East R&D Centre at KAUST will focus on water and water treatment technologies, eventually expanding its scope to oil and gas, processes research and development, and infrastructure materials.

Dow’s plans for an R&D Centre at KAUST come on the heels of Dow’s June announcement that it would become a Founding Member of the University’s Industrial Collaboration Programme (KICP), which aims to enrich the research experience at the university while promoting economic development in Saudi Arabia.

Dow’s plans include an initial annual minimum funding commitment of $1m to support multi-year R&D sponsored projects and initiatives.

“By establishing the Dow Middle East R&D Center at KAUST, Dow has taken the lead among a group of distinguished multinational companies to partner with the leading representation of King Abdullah’s vision for KAUST,” said Andrew Liveris, chairman and chief executive officer, The Dow Chemical Company.

“This is a memorable and promising day in Dow’s history, as we strive to invest for growth in fast-paced and high-potential economies like that of Saudi Arabia, and as we strive to ensure that our growth is sustainable and that our contributions to the world help address global challenges and provide for everyday, human needs.”

With sales of $58 billion in 2008 and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company.

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