KAUST celebrated its 15th commencement ceremony in 2024 with a record number of Saudi graduates, comprising nearly 44% of the total 465 graduates. The graduating class also set a new benchmark with the highest number of Saudi females graduating, a 29% increase compared to 2023. Several outstanding graduates were highlighted, including Walla Basylman, who will join the chemistry department faculty at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Why it matters: This milestone underscores KAUST's increasing role in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, particularly in STEM fields.
KAUST held its 14th commencement ceremony, graduating 433 students, with a record 43% being Saudi nationals. President Tony Chan emphasized KAUST's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting partnerships with giga-projects like NEOM and the National Transformation Institute. He also spotlighted KAUST's projects like the world’s largest coral nursery and the acquisition of Shaheen III supercomputer. Why it matters: The event underscores KAUST's increasing role in Saudi Arabia's national development agenda and its commitment to fostering local talent in science and technology.
KAUST held its 11th commencement and first virtual graduation ceremony, celebrating the class of 2020. The ceremony honored 149 master's and 95 Ph.D. graduates, with 87 graduates from Saudi Arabia. President Tony Chan acknowledged the graduates' resilience and contributions to KAUST's first decade of research excellence. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing local talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's future, especially in light of the Kingdom's focus on technological advancement and human capital development.
KAUST held its 16th commencement ceremony, graduating 593 students, its largest class ever. The ceremony was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chair of the KAUST Board of Trustees. Graduates are contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 in areas like AI-powered water monitoring and drought-resilient crops. Why it matters: The growth in KAUST graduates, especially in AI, signals increasing capacity for Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals and contribute to global scientific advancement.
KAUST held its 10th Commencement ceremony, celebrating 196 Ph.D. and master's graduates. President Tony Chan noted the university's rise from the sands of Thuwal to a globally recognized institution in its first decade. Founding President Choon Fong Shih highlighted KAUST's transformation into a state-of-the-art university and the planting of the seed of the House of Wisdom. Why it matters: The anniversary underscores KAUST's growing role as a hub for science and engineering in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.