Strategic Agreement” between the King Salman Center for Disability Research and Alinma Bank to support the “National Newborn Whole-Genome Sequencing Program” project

His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Nonprofit Foundation, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, signed a cooperation agreement with Dr. Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alinma Bank, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Bandar bin Abdulmohsen Al-Knawy, President of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. The agreement aims to support the “National Whole Genome Sequencing Program for Newborns”, a qualitative step to strengthen national efforts in genetic health and early prevention. 

This strategic partnership reinforces the role of the King Salman Center for Disability Research and Alinma Bank in serving society, advancing sustainability and social responsibility goals, and supporting research and national initiatives focused on prevention, awareness, and the development of research methods and studies related to disability. 

In his remarks on this occasion, Prince Sultan bin Salman valued this joint cooperation, extending his gratitude and appreciation first and foremost to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz — may God protect him — for his continuous support of disability-related causes. He also praised the attention that Saudi Vision 2030, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, gives to quality of life and to empowering individuals and society through an integrated environment that promotes participation and inclusion across all aspects of life in a balanced way. 

Prince Sultan also expressed his thanks to Dr. Abdulmalik Al-Hogail and Alinma Bank officials for supporting the project, affirming that the King Salman Center for Disability Research is working diligently to build strategic and scientific partnerships with national research centers and financial institutions. These partnerships aim to provide innovative solutions to disability-related issues while drawing on local expertise. 

During the meeting, His Royal Highness also welcomed Alinma Bank’s joining the Center’s Founding Membership, which will contribute to supporting impactful research and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and society. 

For his part, Dr. Al-Hogail thanked Prince Sultan bin Salman and the Center’s leadership for this collaboration, noting that it embodies the principle of national integration. He stressed that this project, dedicated to supporting “Baby Genome”, harnesses the resources of both parties to lay the foundations for genetic prevention from birth. 

This opens new horizons for early healthcare and preventive interventions and strengthens the Kingdom’s position among the leading nations in applying human genome technologies in modern medicine. He further affirmed Alinma Bank’s commitment to activating its community role in line with its vision of promoting values of growth and sustainability, with the conviction that investing in scientific research is an investment in the future of society. 

This cooperation aligns with the Bank’s objectives of fostering a culture of institutional giving and strengthening social responsibility through impactful and effective partnerships. It is worth noting that this project is being supervised and implemented by King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences as one of the activated initiatives under the memorandum of understanding signed between the Center and the University. The initiative supports advanced medical research and develops national programs related to the health and safety of newborns, particularly those at risk of disability.