Prince Sultan Center

 
Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water, and Desert, first established according to administrative order no. 12873 (25/10/1406H) 1986 as the Center for Desert Studies, is an independent administration affiliated with the President of King Saud University. Its establishment stems from the dedication of the government to creating specialized research centers to address vital issues such as the dry desert environment dominant in the Kingdom. The center aims to design and carry out scientific research relating to the development of the desert environment and combat desertification in the Peninsula, especially in Saudi Arabia.

Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water and Desert

In accordance with decision no. 1421/18/18 of 17/3/1421H of the Council of Higher Education, and the approval of its president the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Center for Desert Studies received its current name. This change has served and widened the Center’s scope of interests in vital and pressing issues such as water and environment.

Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water and Desert supports research and studies on desertification, preservation and regulation of natural and environmental resources, augmentation and protection of natural plants, woods, and rangeland and pastures. To promote research, the Center seeks continuously to develop its technical and research capabilities in various areas, including Remote Sensing technologies and Geographic Information Systems. Utilizing these technologies and cooperating with other specialized bodies, the Center executes applied and research projects on the desert environment in the kingdom.

The Center has issued many scholarly publications and advisory brochures, collected and authenticated desert-related scientific research that other specialized bodies of the University conducted, and is actively working on strengthening its ties and coordination with local, regional and international bodies involved in the study of aridity and desert. Its dynamic involvement is clear in its active participations in all local, regional, and international activities. It took parts in the University conferences and special days, provided material and proper assistance, served researchers and students, and convened conferences and seminars. Such activities stem from the Center’s keenness on the promotion of knowledge and exchange of expertise. Cooperation with local, Arab, and international government and private bodies has been one of its high priorities. In this respect, it conducted a number of scientific projects, and concluded cooperation agreements with some highly distinguished agencies of similar interests.

Being well-founded at the University, the Center started developing its objectives and widening its activities to reflect its new title. To its original interests the wider denomination of environment has been added. Another is water, including its supply, and conservation through the use of the most advanced technology at the least possible economic cost. It therefore executed a number of applied studies and projects such as King Fahad Project for collecting and storing rain water in the Kingdom. It also initiated the Prince Sultan International Water Prize. The Center houses the prize’s General Secretariat and the Center’s director is its Secretary General.

Director of Prince Sultan Research Center for Environment, Water and Desert
Dr. Abdul Malik bin Abdulrahman Al al-Shaikh.