Saudi Arabia is not only the Middle East’s largest regional market for pharmaceuticals and vaccines, but also has been strategically investing in biotechnology-related sectors. The country’s genetic diversity and geographical climate provide ideal conditions for conducting complex studies and research.
It has also been clear that the Kingdom is committed to developing and training national talent in biotech research, development and innovation, while enabling a competitive and digital infrastructure.
The new National Biotechnology Strategy, unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week, is the latest shot in the arm for such fields as biomanufacturing, food, genomics, vaccine industries and plant optimization. Localizing vaccine manufacturing and improving the health of Saudi citizens are among the key goals of the strategy. But that is just for a start.
The initiative aims to safeguard the environment, achieve food and water security, and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in the sector, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Welcoming the announcement, Rabia Yasmeen, a senior consultant at Dubai-based strategic market research company Euromonitor International, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia continues to seek new areas of economic diversification as part of its Vision 2030 plan, which is now only six years away, and biotechnology can bring immense value across various pillars for the Kingdom.
