KAUST

The Inauguration

On September 23, 2009, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosted more than 3,000 guests, including prominent Saudis, foreign leaders, and Nobel laureates, at the KAUST Inauguration Ceremony. The two-day celebration also included an Inauguration Symposium, entitled Sustainability in a Changing Climate, on September 24.

Watch the Inauguration Ceremony Event Webcast

Event Program

The KAUST Inauguration Ceremony featured an interactive exhibition area that presented all aspects of KAUST as well as milestones in the history of Arabic, Islamic and world science. Following the exhibition, the event program included speeches by King Abdullah and senior leaders of the University.

View the KAUST Inauguration Ceremony schedule of events

Speeches

The KAUST Inauguration speakers are individuals who have made the University a reality in less than 1,000 days. They represent every aspect of this noble endeavor from vision, to planning, leadership, and management.

Learn more about the KAUST Inauguration Ceremony speakers and speeches

Inaugural Exhibition

The Inaugural Exhibition was held adjacent to the Inaugural Theater. It featured a scale model of the University and interactive kiosks displaying King Abdullah's vision and the areas of research at KAUST.

Learn more about the KAUST Inaugural Exhibition

Press Conference

The Inauguration Press Conference was held in the KAUST Library. It featured senior leaders of the University who laid out how His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision was realized in less than 1,000 days. Also on the agenda was an overview of KAUST’s facilities, partnerships, faculty, students, and research programs.

Learn more about the KAUST Inauguration Press Conference

Inaugural Symposium

The Inaugural Symposium will be held on September 24, and will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions with KAUST Senior Leaders and distinguished scientists.

Learn more about the KAUST Inaugural Symposium