Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The appointment aims to advance KAUST’s role in Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, particularly in energy and sustainability. KAUST's President, Sir Edward Byrne, stated that Prince Abdulaziz's vision will accelerate KAUST's impact and strengthen its role in linking research with economic development. Why it matters: The appointment signals Saudi Arabia's continued focus on leveraging KAUST for achieving Vision 2030 goals related to energy transition, sustainability, and technological advancement.
KAUST celebrated its largest graduating class, the Class of 2025, with HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in attendance. Prince Abdulaziz shared a message reflecting Saudi Arabia's focus on meritocracy and talent. The graduating class represents over 45 countries and various fields including energy, AI, and sustainability. Why it matters: The event highlights KAUST's role in developing talent and contributing to Saudi Arabia's focus on technology and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, visited KAUST to review its academic and research programs. He attended a presentation on KAUST’s institutional strategy, which aims to strengthen the university’s global leadership in research, development, and innovation while advancing Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development goals under Vision 2030. Prince Abdulaziz also met with KAUST leadership, students, and researchers to discuss key recommendations and development initiatives. Why it matters: The visit underscores KAUST's importance in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and become a hub for science and technology.
KAUST hosted Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, and U.S. counterpart Mr. Chris Wright to discuss bilateral cooperation. The delegation was briefed on KAUST’s research, development, and innovation efforts, and explored KAUST’s technologies in various fields. Prince Abdulaziz affirmed that KAUST reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in scientific research and accelerating innovation in the energy and renewable energy sectors. Why it matters: The visit highlights the importance of KAUST as a hub for energy research and innovation in Saudi Arabia and its role in international scientific partnerships.
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 hosted the inaugural Space 2101 STEAM camp, bringing together 200 Saudi youth aged 12-15 with world-renowned educators and five astronauts. In partnership with the Saudi Space Commission, the camp challenged students with STEAM tools to design habitats for space or Mars. Prince Sultan ibn Salman Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, the first Saudi in space, motivated participants and highlighted the Kingdom's focus on reclaiming its scientific leadership. Why it matters: The event aligns with Vision 2030 and underscores the growing emphasis on STEAM education and space exploration in Saudi Arabia.