10 March, 2026
Dear KAUST community,
With Eid just around the corner, I hope many of you are looking forward to a well-deserved break with family and friends. While the situation in the Kingdom remains stable and operations at KAUST continue as normal, the current period of regional tension, makes it prudent to share a few practical reminders before you head off. Nothing alarming, just sensible steps worth keeping in mind. Please see the checklist below.
Keep copies of your passport, Iqama, KAUST ID, and health insurance details, both physical and digital/cloud backups.
Before you travel, verify your Iqama and exit/re-entry visa expiry dates. You remain personally responsible for monitoring these while outside the Kingdom. If there is an issue, contact Government Affairs immediately at +966 54 470 1111 (available 24/7).
The KAUST School will continue face-to-face as normal through until this Thursday, March 12, and university will continue face-to-face as normal through until Wednesday, March 18. Both will resume in person as planned on March 29.
Out of an abundance of caution, separate communications will be sent to KAUST School parents and University students with guidance on preparing for possible remote learning, should any unexpected disruption arise. This is purely precautionary planning to ensure continuity of learning should travel disruptions occur during the Eid period. We do not anticipate this, but with many in our community travelling over Eid, we want to ensure everyone is ready if needed.
Before you leave, ensure VPN is installed and working on all your devices. Test it prior to your flight.
Ensure DUO authentication or other required access credentials are functioning so you can connect remotely if needed.
For information visit https://it.kaust.edu.sa/training-it/user-guides
If you have a KAUST-provided business phone number, please contact the KAUST IT helpdesk to activate your roaming options. Roaming is limited to Mobily's coverage areas. Please review your coverage and data options before traveling.
Travel remains a personal decision, as flights are operating and no official departure orders or restrictions apply. However, any inability to return due to changed circumstances while KAUST is operating normally is your responsibility to manage.
Please note that some flight routes in the region are experiencing occasional disruptions or rerouting. Travelers should monitor airline updates closely.
Keep your Line Manager informed to arrange remote work or leave if needed. Students, please keep your PI informed.
If your return is disrupted, staff should contact HR and students should contact the Registrar's Office.
If you have not already done so, please register with your government's travel advisory service. This allows embassies to communicate directly with citizens during periods of regional tension or travel disruption.
We recognize that regional events can create uncertainty or anxiety for some members of our community. Counseling and support services remain available to students, faculty, and staff who may wish to speak with someone.
Government Affairs (24/7): +966 54 470 1111
Student travel emergency (24/7): +966 54 470 1348
HR Helpdesk: hrhelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa | +966 12 808 2055
Student Helpdesk: schelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa | +966 12 808 3412
Download the KAUSTCentral app and log in with your KAUST credentials.
Enable Critical Alerts and emergency notifications in your iOS or Android settings, so alerts reach you even when your phone is muted.
Monitor only verified sources: Saudi government announcements, your home country's travel advisories, and official KAUST communications.
Full FAQs: https://emergency.kaust.edu.sa/faqs
I hope the break brings rest, connection, and a chance to recharge.
Eid Mubarak.
Samer Samman
Senior Vice President and CAO