New York — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited Columbia University in the United States on Wednesday as part of his official tour aimed at developing industrial and mining cooperation and attracting quality investments to Saudi Arabia. Columbia University, founded in 1754, is the oldest university in New York State and is ranked 34th in the QS World University Rankings for 2025.

During his visit, Alkhorayef was briefed on the latest academic programs supporting the industrial and mining sectors. He also held discussions with faculty members and interacted with Saudi, American, and international students from various parts of the world.

In an interactive session with academics and students, Alkhorayef discussed the Kingdom's ongoing industrial and mining transformation, focusing on the promising sectors being developed and localized under the national industrial strategy. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global industrial power, diversify income sources, and increase the contribution of industrial and mining sectors to the national GDP.

Alkhorayef stressed the importance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Scholarship Program and the Human Capacity Development Program as essential initiatives for developing national talents. He emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in its citizens, equipping them with the skills needed to compete globally, and building a strong foundation for Saudi Arabia’s future through education and capacity building.

The Kingdom relies on its citizens and invests in them to shape the future, Alkhorayef said. He further emphasized the importance of the scholarship program as a significant cultural bridge that fosters civilizational communication among nations.

The minister also spoke about the industrial and mineral resources ecosystem's efforts to engage with Saudi scholarship students abroad, helping them explore future opportunities in the Kingdom's industrial and mining sectors through various programs and initiatives. He expressed the government's commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that the skills acquired abroad are effectively utilized to contribute to the country's industrial development.

Columbia University, one of the world’s top research institutions, has produced numerous scholars and inspirational figures, including Nobel Prize winners. Its role as a global hub of academic excellence and its commitment to developing future leaders align with Saudi Arabia’s goals to advance its industrial and mining sectors.

Alkhorayef’s visit to Columbia University is part of his broader tour of the United States, which runs until September 28. The tour covers key states, including New York, California, and Nevada, and is focused on strengthening ties in the industrial and mining sectors, exploring investment opportunities, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s presence in advanced industrial sectors, including technology and innovation.

This visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships with global academic institutions, furthering the Kingdom’s industrial goals as part of Vision 2030. Through collaboration with educational and research institutions like Columbia University, the Kingdom aims to drive innovation and foster sustainable growth in the industrial and mining sectors.