Nanotechnology Development in Arab States

A growing number of initiatives on nanotechnology research, education and industry have been recently launched by several Arab States to quickly build scientific capacity and track the worldwide developments in nanotechnology. Some countries, namely the oil rich States, have allocated large funds to support these initiatives. This comprehensive commitment is intended to serve national interests in energy, water and food supply, medicine, and local industry. Other Arab States are also pursuing nanotechnology, however with fewer funds but with more human resources. This study assesses current status of nanotechnology in the Arab Republic of Egypt, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Kuwait, State of Qatar, and United Arab Emirates. The study is aimed at having an overview of the status of existing, underdevelopment, and planed educational and research programs relevant to nanotechnology. The overview also includes nanotechnology research focus areas, challenges, and opportunities.