Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched a project on Monday to build the kingdom’s first nuclear reactor.
Described as a low-energy nuclear research reactor by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, the project is among seven other strategic developments which the prince launched during a visit to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, a government research facility in Riyadh.
Saudi officials say they plan to build 16 nuclear facilities over the next 20 years at an estimated cost of $80 billion (Dh294 billion).
The crown prince also laid the foundation stone for an aircraft research centre at King Khalid International Airport.
The other projects will be directed towards renewable energy, water desalination, and genetic medicine.
The projects form part of the crown prince’s Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to rebrand the kingdom as a modern economy, diversifying away from a reliance on oil revenue.
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