King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) opened in September 2009
as an international, graduate research university dedicated to inspiring a
new age of scientific achievement in Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.
The KAUST community is situated on the Red Sea near the fishing village of
Thuwal, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Jeddah.
The total area of the self-contained community spans more than 36 million square
meters (nearly 9,000 acres).
- This includes 4,602 square meters (two acres) of classroom space, 97,281 square
meters (24 acres) of laboratory space, and a 5,000 square meter (two acre) unique
coral reef ecosystem.
- 320,000,000 meters (1,049,868,766 feet) of electric power cables, 25,000 (82,081
feet) meters of chilled water pipe, 53,000 meters (173,884 feet) potable water line,
63,000 meters (206,693 feet) irrigation network, 911,323 cubic meters (32,183,068
cubic feet) of concrete, and 555,000 square meters (137 acres) of hollow core slab,
110,000 tons steel reinforcement, and 83,551 trees and shrubs were used during campus
construction.
Sustainable development has been integrated
into the design of the entire community. The self-contained campus will be operated
to preserve the environment and conserve resources, and KAUST's campus has been
awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC).
- The University's rooftop solar power plant will feature 4,134 square meters (one
acre) of solar thermal panels for hot water production and 16,567 square meters
(four acres) of photovoltaic arrays, producing 4 megawatts of energy annually.
- The KAUST campus and community will utilize alternative transportation methods
to reduce the community's carbon footprint by featuring 100 electric vehicles and
charging stations, a campus-wide bus system, and a bicycle sharing program.
KAUST is more than just a world-class research university.
It is also the vibrant home to an international community of students, faculty and
staff, researchers, and families.
- Each of the University’s three residential districts offers first-rate housing
options to eligible students, faculty, and staff.
- These options include 1,137 houses, 951 townhouses, and 1,046 apartments.
- Members of the faculty, staff and student body and their families are offered
free access to extensive athletic facilities:
- 3 swimming pavilions
- A rock climbing wall
- 4 exercise facilities
- 21 tennis and 7 squash courts
- 4 racquetball courts
- An 18-lane bowling alley complex
- 2 soccer fields
- 1 baseball field
- 3 basketball courts
- A 9-hole golf course
- The University's
Harbor District offers multiple dining and entertainment options:
- 7 restaurants and 8 cafes
- 48 retail stores
- A supermarket and 12 food services shops
- A gas station, post office, and bank
- A theater, public library, and galleria
- 125 Marina slips