Decree approving memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia in science, technology, and innovation

Ali Al-Khalidi: Decree No. 170 of the year 2026 has been issued approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, which was signed in Riyadh on November 10, 2025, with its text attached to this decree. The decree stipulates that the Government of Kuwait, represented by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, based on the distinguished relations between them and their conviction that developing bilateral relations in the fields of science, technology, and innovation benefits both countries, and recognizing that this cooperation will enhance the development of the existing friendly relations between them and serve their common interests, in accordance with the systems, laws, and regulations in force in both countries and according to available resources, have agreed as follows:

Article One: The two parties shall contribute to developing scientific, technical, and innovative cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, in accordance with the provisions of this Memorandum and the national systems and regulations of each party.

Article Two: The two parties shall work to encourage cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation through the following:

1. Organizing and exchanging visits among scientists, researchers, officials, experts, and technicians.

2. Organizing joint scientific research projects in the field of technological development and exchanging their results.

3. Exchanging scientific and technical information and documents.

4. Organizing joint activities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, such as meetings, conferences, seminars, working sessions, courses, exhibitions, and participation therein.

5. Utilizing the research and development facilities and scientific equipment available to both parties in implementing joint projects.

6. Any other field of cooperation agreed upon by the two parties.

Article Three states that each party shall bear the costs of implementing its respective areas of cooperation outlined in this Memorandum, according to available resources, unless the two parties agree otherwise.

Article Four stipulates that intellectual property rights arising from the areas of cooperation in this Memorandum shall be jointly owned by both parties and protected in accordance with the systems and laws of both countries.

Article Five emphasizes that the announcement, publication, and commercial exploitation of scientific, technical, and innovative results and those arising from the areas of cooperation outlined in this Memorandum shall be subject to the prior written agreement of both parties.

According to Article Six, each party shall take, in accordance with its systems and laws, all necessary measures to ensure the best possible conditions for implementing the cooperation activities outlined in this Memorandum.

Article Seven stresses that both parties shall commit to using the information and documents exchanged between them solely for the purposes specified in this Memorandum, and that such information and documents shall not be transferred to a third party without the written consent of the party that provided them. The provisions of this article shall remain in effect even after the termination or expiration of this Memorandum.

Article Eight calls for the establishment of a joint working group by the two parties to follow up on the implementation of cooperation areas outlined in this Memorandum, with the group convening whenever necessary.

Article Nine emphasizes that any disputes arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Memorandum shall be settled amicably through consultations between the two parties via diplomatic channels, and shall not be submitted to any court or body for settlement.

Article Ten confirms that this Memorandum shall not affect or impair the authority or implementation of any obligations arising from other international treaties or memoranda concluded by the two parties or in which either party is a signatory.

Article 17 stipulates the following:

1. This Memorandum shall enter into force on the date of the latest mutual notification exchanged between the two Parties – through diplomatic channels – confirming the completion of the requisite internal procedures for its entry into force.

2. The duration of this Memorandum shall be five (5) years, and it shall be automatically renewed for similar or successive periods, unless either Party notifies the other in writing – through diplomatic channels – of its intention to terminate it or not renew it at least six (6) months prior to the specified expiration date.

3. This Memorandum may be amended by mutual agreement of the two Parties, and any amendment shall enter into force on the date of the latest mutual notification exchanged between them – through diplomatic channels – confirming the completion of the necessary procedures.

4. In the event of termination or expiration of this Memorandum, its provisions shall continue to apply with respect to projects and programs established under its auspices.