On September 18, KAUST celebrated the completion of the Harbor Buildings Rectification Project, marking a significant milestone seven years after it began on the same date in 2017. This project enhances the campus and provides modern accommodations for incoming students.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Vice President of Campus and Community provided a detailed project overview. “The Harbor Buildings Rectification Project has been a transformative endeavor,” he stated. “Our goal was to create a welcoming and functional living environment that meets the needs of our growing student body. The upgrades include modernized facilities and additional bed capacity, sustainable design elements and improved community spaces.”

Said Albader, Director of Facilities Management, added, “This project exemplifies our commitment to providing a top tier living experience for our students. We’ve integrated sustainable practices and innovative design to ensure that our campus remains a vibrant and supportive place for academic and personal growth.”

President Sir Edward Byrne also took a moment to express his gratitude and commendation for the teams involved. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to this project. Your hard work and dedication have not only enhanced the beauty of our campus but have also significantly improved the quality of life for our students.” During the ceremony, Sir Byrne toured one of the newly renovated apartments and was impressed by the thoughtful details and welcoming atmosphere designed for new students.

From left to right: Amr Atiah, VP Campus and Community; Samer Samman, CAO; Sir Edward Byrne, President KAUST; Murat Giray, Saudi Arabian Baytur CEO; Said Albader, Director of Facilities Management

The Campus and Community Department acknowledged the exceptional collaboration of various teams, including Facilities Management, Planning, Design, Engineering and Construction (PDE&C), Health and Safety, Procurement, IT, Global Branding Communications and others, along with their partner, Baytur. The Vice President remarked on the staff’s dedication to creating a thriving environment for students.

With the project now complete, KAUST is equipped to accommodate over 2,000 students and their families, fostering a strong sense of community and academic excellence. This initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality in student housing.