DAMMAM: INTEL Corporation has announced it will open an innovative research facility in Saudi Arabia. As part of its Digital Transformation Initiative for the Mideast, the company will inaugurate the Intel Energy Competency Laboratory at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran in May this year.
This was announced by Dr. Khaled S. Al-Sultan, Rector of KFUPM, and Richard Wirt, Vice President and General Manager of Intel s Software and Solutions Group.
Located in the university s research center, the lab will use the latest Intel software and hardware. It will offer significant computer power for students and academic staff alike to run projects, research and development.
More importantly, the new facility will provide KFUPM early access to pre-production Intel technologies and access to Intel technology as it is being developed.
The Intel Energy Competency Laboratory will also host training on Intel s software tools, libraries, and optimization techniques. This will allow KFUPM students and the industry to gain valuable hands-on experience and serve as a platform for companies looking to optimize and test solutions using Intel technologies.
Dr. Al-Sultan said: The Intel laboratory will be an excellent addition to the university s research infrastructure and a special opportunity for Saudi industry that will allow the Kingdom s most gifted students to work at the forefront of technology development. The Intel Energy Competency Lab will be an excellent tool to develop local competencies, and ultimately valuable technological solutions for the needs of local and regional industry.
Intel s Richard Wirt said: The Intel Energy Competency Laboratory is a prestigious project and we hope its success will be replicated across the region. KFUPM is an ideal environment to further Intel s technology leadership. In addition, the university s academic reputation and relationships with local industry will be enhanced by out joint research and development partnership.
In October 2005, Intel announced its Digital Transformation Initiative for the Mideast, which encompasses programs tailored to improve digital accessibility, education, entrepreneurship, and specialized competencies.
On a visit to Saudi Arabia last November, Intel Chairman Craig Barrett announced a $50 million Intel capital fund to invest in technology ventures aimed at developing innovative hardware, software and services in Intel s Mideast and Turkey markets. As part of the initiative, Intel will offer internships at its top facilities around the world for KFUPM s most promising science and engineering students.
The Saudi Gazette 2006
