In celebration of HRH Prince Hassan's 60th birthday, His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday launched El Hassan Science City, which is expected to open the way for a new era in scientific research and development in the country.

Established under the slogan “for continuity, innovation and change,” the city will work to provide Arab scientists, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs and students with the means to promote knowledge-based development through education and innovation.

The El Hassan Science City campus will host the Higher Council for Science and Technology, the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) and the Princess Sumaya University for Technology.

The city will build on the strong performance of the constituent institutions to become a centre of excellence in research and development for the Kingdom and the region.

During the ceremony, several speakers, including Royal family members, politicians and intellectuals, paid tribute to the achievements and vision of Prince Hassan.

Among the speakers were HRH Princess Basma, HRH Prince Rashid, Abdul Salam Majali, the first RSS president, and the Kuwaiti poet Sheikha Suad Al Sabah.

Prince Hassan's grandson, Tariq Nasser Judeh and his granddaughter, Zein Al Sharaf Nasser Judeh, highlighted his achievements on the international level and the awards presented to him in recognition of his various accomplishments.

Prince Hassan has established several local and international institutions and has been awarded more than 30 honorary doctorates from universities around the world.

To commemorate the event, HRH Princess Sumaya, president of the RSS, presented the King with an automated system for accurate analysis of election results.

Also during the event, King Abdullah and Prince Hassan planted a tree to celebrate the launch of a new era of scientific development.

The ceremony also marked the 37th anniversary of the RSS, which is the largest national applied research institution and consultation and technical service provider in the country.

The Jordan Times