Dear KAUST community,

I hope you are all having a wonderful Eid break with your families and loved ones. You have earned this rest, and I hope the break has given you time to recharge and reconnect with the people who matter most to you. Like many of you, I have also traveled abroad during the break, and I will be making my way back from Europe.

As we prepare to come back together, I want to share an update on campus operations and offer some reassurance for the weeks ahead.

Resuming normal operations

KAUST will resume in-person work and university activities on Sunday, March 29, with The KAUST School returning to full in-person schooling on the same date. The campus remains safe and is operating normally, and I look forward to seeing our community come together again.

Acknowledging the wider context

I recognize that regional tensions are ongoing, and I know that weighs on many of us. What I can tell you is that KAUST has robust plans and the right support around us. We continue to receive regular guidance from national authorities, whose advice we follow closely, and we are confident in the measures we have in place. You have my commitment that we will communicate openly and promptly should the situation change in any material way.

Air travel via Jeddah

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah continues to operate largely as normal for international routes. We are aware that some domestic and regional routes are experiencing minor delays, but the airport in Jeddah remains safe and operational. Please check directly with your airline for the latest information.

Your wellbeing matters

We understand that some of you, and your families, may be feeling anxious. That is entirely understandable. Please know that support is available, and you do not need to navigate any concerns alone. Staff can reach out to HR and our Employee Assistance Program, and students are encouraged to connect with Student Affairs and counseling services.

For information about support services, as well as ongoing updates, guidance, and FAQs, please visit our emergency website at emergency.kaust.edu.sa.

Please feel confident in reassuring family and friends that KAUST is a safe, well-supported, and thriving community. The University continues to show resilience and good spirit despite the regional situation, and I am grateful for that. There is important and exciting work ahead, and I look forward to continuing it together on March 29.

Sir Edward Byrne AC FMedSci

President, KAUST