HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Visits KFUPM

During his visit to the University on Sunday (February 23, 2020), His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, stressed the importance of making a major qualitative shift for the university in the near future. This shift is necessary to keep pace with the aspirations of the Saudi Vision 2030, he said.

The university officials, students and professors will participate in making this shift by building distinguished academic programs, and attracting and retaining distinguished faculty members. In addition, we need to develop a stimulating work environment that helps to exploit and employ their capabilities and provide them with all means to foster creativity and excellence.

He pointed out that this shift makes KFUPM the first choice for gifted students for its attractive interactive environment and advanced academic programs.

With the new university system, KFUPM was given the necessary means to make this shift; it was given sufficient flexibility to exploit its resources and achieve comprehensive excellence.

Prince Abdulaziz pointed to the importance of joint work to achieve the University's future vision and aspirations.

During the visit, His Highness met with a group of students, and shared with them his experience while studying at the university (undergraduate level), noted the differences between the past and the present and the challenges he faced then, listened to their suggestions for the development of the university, and answered their questions related to study and working life.

His Royal Highness also gave students some advice related to their studies and post-graduation.

He pointed out that students must have a greater goal than only obtaining a job; he needs to seek out excellence and professionalism in his field which will open all doors for his success.

His Royal Highness also visited some KFUPM facilities during a tour of student housing. On the visit, he met with University officials and a group of faculty members, discussed with them the University’s vision and future aspirations, and listened to their suggestions in the research and academic fields.

His Royal Highness stressed the importance of striking a balance between basic research work and obtaining patents that mesh with the industrial requirements, and which have a direct impact on the development of the economy and society.

His Royal Highness also visited Dhahran Techno Valley for Technology and was briefed on the qualitative shift witnessed by the valley, such as attracting more advanced research centers for the largest energy, oil and gas companies in the world, its distinguished and innovative system that place it in fourth place for patents granted by the USPTO, and establishing sustainable mechanisms for technology transfer, licensing and commercialization.