The Beacon is the 60m high ‘Breakwater Beacon’ centerpiece of KAUST. It stands at the entry point to KAUST harbor, overlooking the Red Sea. 

The design draws inspiration from local maritime traditions, Arabic artwork and architecture to create a modern interpretation of a lighthouse from pre-cast concrete blocks rising out of the sea in an elliptical spire.

The Beacon was built in 2009 as a physical representation of the vision of King Abdullah's famous speech.

"KAUST shall be a beacon for peace, hope and reconciliation, and shall serve the people of the Kingdom and the world."

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 1924 – 2015
(See Map)