This is a very well written analytical article about the efforts conducted by Gulf states in developing cutting edge research and innovation practices. The article is originally published by Science Devnet   By: Waleed Al-Shobakky Farouk El-Baz routinely shifts between two views of the Gulf countries. One day the Egyptian-American geologist will be in his Boston office poring over detailed... [read more]

Press release   King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the Saudi Arabian national research and development organisation announced it is establishing a Nanotechnology Centre of Excellence, in association with IBM Research, to seek key innovations, and explore and develop breakthroughs in applying molecular-scale engineering to critical energy and sustainable resource issues. The agreement... [read more]

For a long time ex-situ and genetic resources conservation efforts were not considered as a high priority in the Arab World although the region contains a lot of the global wealth of plant genetic diversity. One impressive breakthrough was announced a few days ago with the creation of the "first" gene bank in Africa and the Arab World in Tunisia. I am not really certain whether this is really the... [read more]

There is a glimpse at the end of the tunnel of scientific darkness in the Arab World. More good news are emerging from Arab countries which highlight new thinking towards more investment and innovations in science policies and applications. This is a report from Seed Magazine with impressive optimistic thrust   by Saira Jesani   In 2005, UNESCO's Science Report identified the Arab region... [read more]

This post includes figures and facts that are not good for our collective morals and psychological health. However, a good and honest diagnosis is always the first step to remediation. The world’s 1.5 billion Muslims produce barely 1% of the world's scientific literature; R&D expenditure in the 57 member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) lags way behind that of... [read more]