Join us for the documentary Desert Seas, which was created for National Geographic by Saudi Aramco and renowned Icon Films, as it showcases the dazzling Red Sea and the wondrous Arabian Gulf. Staff from our very own Red Sea Research Center participated in the development of this stunning film. Also showing will be Guardians of the Red Sea, which was filmed in the fall of 2009, and is the story of the first-ever joint research project between the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 

This screening of Desert Seas is presented by Dr. Michael Berumen, Professor of Marine Science and Engineering at KAUST. Professor Berumen served as one of the scientific advisors during the creation and production of the film. Graduate Affairs is pleased to sponsor the presentation of this film during Orientation 2019.

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The industrialization that has occurred in the oceans over the last century mirrors the events that have triggered mass extinctions on land. Industrial scale fishing, habitat destruction, species loss and pollution have placed the world’s oceans in peril. The very nature of the sea is being irretrievably altered. BLUE is a journey into the ocean realm, witnessing this critical moment in time when the marine world is on a precipice.

This film showing is sponsored by Graduate Affairs; BLUE will be presented as part of Orientation 2019. 

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Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. Chasing Coral depicts the story of divers, photographers and scientists who set out on an ocean adventure to reveal the underwater mystery to the world and discover why the reefs are disappearing.

This film showing is sponsored by Graduate Affairs; Chasing Coral will be presented as part of Orientation 2019. 

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Arabia reveals a unique culture, a history full of adventure, an environment of extreme challenges, and a people of strong faith. This landmark film combines historical recreations and contemporary scenes of everyday life in following the story of Saudi Arabian film student, Hamzah Jamjoom, as he returns home from Chicago's De Paul University to explore his native culture. As Hamzah discovers the roots of his people's ancient traditions, he reveals how Saudi Arabian society developed through history into what it is today. Arabia reveals a visually striking world of fascinating heritage. This screening is part of Orientation 2019 and is sponsored by Graduate Affairs.

The Orientation Expo and Festival will include over 60 booths of graduate student groups, professional associations, and a wide selection of KAUST offices and services. There will be a “Taste of KAUST” section with booths from most of our retail and food outlets. At 7:00 pm, there will be live music and entertainment on the Student Plaza, in front of the Student Center.

This is an event not to be missed!  It is now established as one of the largest events representing all groups and services offered on campus. Both the Orientation Expo & Festival are open to the entire KAUST community. The Expo & Festival are part of Orientation 2019 and are organized by Graduate Affairs.