Riyadh: The King Salman Center for Disability Research organized a strategic workshop titled ‘An Ambitious Vision for the Future: the King Salman Center for Disability Research Strategy 2026-2030,’ with broad national participation from relevant entities.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the workshop underscored the importance of integration and national partnership in shaping the future of research and innovation in the field of disability, while reinforcing the scientific and social impact the center has delivered since its establishment.
The workshop began with a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, during which strengths were analyzed and opportunities and challenges explored, paving the way to define priorities for the upcoming phase. Interactive sessions featured structured brainstorming that helped unify participants’ perspectives as they discussed ways to strengthen scientific excellence and expand impactful partnerships at the local and international levels, thereby enhancing the quality of research and applied outcomes in the field of disability.
The workshop witnessed wide attendance from leading national entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; the Ministry of Education; the Saudi Food and Drug Authority; the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities; the Education and Training Evaluation Commission; the National Authority for Research, Development and Innovation; the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology; the Saudi National Institute of Health (Saudi NIH); the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (Sadeem); King Saud University; Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University; King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center; the Gulf Health Council; the Association for Children with Disabilities; the Autism Families Charity Association; and representatives from the private sector, persons with disabilities, and several of the center’s founding members.
At the conclusion of the workshop, outcomes were consolidated and the strategic framework for 2026-2030 was developed, reinforcing the center’s direction toward advancing scientific excellence and achieving a sustainable impact that benefits persons with disabilities. The center emphasized that these outcomes form the foundation for an ambitious implementation phase aimed at fostering national integration and accelerating the research and innovation ecosystem to enhance quality of life and empower persons with disabilities across various fields.
King Salman Center for Disability Research Executive Director Dr. Bader bin Saad Al-Hajhouj stated that developing the center’s 2026-2030 strategy represents a pivotal milestone in its journey toward promoting applied scientific research and empowering persons with disabilities. Through the effort, the center seeks to strengthen effective partnerships and unify national efforts in alignment with the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and Vision 2030, moving toward an inclusive society that empowers everyone.
