Dow Chemical Company has announced the launch of its newly-built innovation centre located within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) premises in Jeddah.

Located in Kaust’s Research and Technology Park, the Dow Innovation Centre will support the company’s ramped-up research efforts to address critical needs in the kingdom and the region including increasing energy efficiency and minimising environmental footprint.

The hi-tech facility was inaugurated at a grand ceremony in the presence of Dow’s executive leadership, the Kaust board of grustees, university leadership, and special invited guests from Saudi Arabia. 

The 13,500-sq-m space, which is designed to achieve Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), will house Dow’s research and development facilities and the newly-established Dow Digital Marketplace Center for the region. State-of-the-art labs, research areas and offices will provide application development and technical service focused on oil and gas technology solutions, sustainable coating and construction solutions, and industrial chemicals for a variety of applications relevant to Saudi Arabia and the region.

The centre’s completion marks a significant stage in the growth of the Kaust Research and  Technology Park, which is home to leading companies from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Nesma and Partners Contracting Company was the official contractor for the building, while architectural firms HOK and Kirksey Architects had designed the exterior and interior of the centre along with Vanderweil Engineers delivering the MEP engineering.

HOK also designed the original 5.5-million-sq-ft Kaust campus.

Dow Saudi Arabia President Chuck Swartz said the new Dow Innovation Centre marks the culmination of a decade-long journey to have a dedicated facility focused on innovation and talent development to support the growth in the kingdom.