Dear colleagues, students, and community, 

Many of the expatriate members of our community have been contacted by family and friends concerned for our well-being given regional events. Allow me to share some thoughts, which you may wish to pass along to loved ones. 

For our Saudi community, I recognize these regional events are close and personal. Both expat and Saudi experiences are real, and both deserve our understanding and care. 

My wife Melissa and I have adult children and friends around the world who have been checking in on us. Those calls and messages mean a great deal. They also remind me how hard it is to reassure the people we love when they are worried and watching the news from afar. Their concern becomes ours and can stay with us long after the conversation ends. 

As global media coverage of the region increases, people far from here are seeing more of the situation through the lens of their national media outlets. A more personal experience may help them understand how safe we are at KAUST. 

Senior leadership constantly monitors the situation, considers contingencies, and maintains regular contact with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom.  

We have emergency response plans in place for a range of scenarios, including potential disruptions to campus operations and airports. These arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure we are prepared to respond should circumstances change. You have my commitment that we will inform you promptly of any developments. 

As we approach the end of the year, I understand that many of you may be concerned about disruptions to your travel plans to visit family abroad. Please know that we have plans in place to support people who need to leave. 

I also ask you to be gentle with one another. Each of us processes uncertainty in our own way and at our own pace. While some people find comfort in talking openly, others may become quieter and keep to themselves. Please notice the people around you, whether a colleague, a classmate, or a neighbor, and reach out to ask how they are. Often, the most helpful thing we can offer is the time to listen, without needing to have the answers. 

If you need support or simply someone to talk to, please reach out to your manager, a friend, or a colleague. 

Thank you for the kindness you continue to show each other. It is what makes KAUST a community, and it matters most at times like this. 

Sir Edward Byrne AC FMedSci
President, KAUST