Dec 31, 2024
A Look Back at 2024
As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on a year full of extraordinary achievements, recognition, and growth for us at KFUPM. Here are just some of the many highlights:
Rankings & Recognitions
We achieved a remarkable leap in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, securing the top spot in the Middle East and Africa. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, we secured first place among Arab universities and ranked 101st globally, reinforcing our position as a leader in higher education. Additionally, we were ranked 81st in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, reflecting our success in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Our engineering programs were a particular highlight this year. Petroleum Engineering was ranked 2nd globally, while Mining Engineering took 8th place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Additionally, all of our engineering disciplines ranked among the top 62 universities worldwide. On the global innovation front, we placed 4th in the National Academy of Inventors’ Patents Rankings, recognizing our significant contributions to research and development.
Partnerships
We have strengthened our ties with both the public and private sectors, Signing over 40 partnership agreements with key industry and government organizations. These partnerships are designed to align our educational programs and research initiatives with Saudi Arabia’s strategic development priorities in critical sectors such as energy, water, manufacturing, and technology. Notable collaborations include our partnership with the Ministry of Defense to develop talent in the defense sector through the SEED sponsorship program, international internships, research, and more.
Throughout the year, we welcomed 35 delegations from prestigious universities like the University of Manchester. These engagements fostered valuable collaboration and significantly enhanced our global academic network.
Student Achievements
Our students excelled on the global stage, claiming first place in the 2024 SUAS International Drone Competition. This victory highlighted their technical expertise, creativity, and our commitment to fostering an interdisciplinary approach. High school students trained at our interdisciplinary research centers also achieved a record-breaking number of global Olympiad awards, reinforcing our role as a hub for nurturing young talent.
Through the International Student Visits Program, 216 of our students traveled globally to 11 countries, such as China and Poland, gaining valuable academic and cultural experiences. Meanwhile, over 160 students participated in the Summer Training Program, collaborating with more than 20 renowned partners across 18 countries, providing transformative professional exposure.
We also welcomed exchange students from the University of Tulsa for the first time and received over 600 applicants for term 2025/26, enhancing our global academic community. Simultaneously, 94 of our KFUPM students spent a semester abroad at top universities like UC Berkeley and Cornell, broadening their horizons and gaining international perspectives. Additionally, 8 of our students participated in summer research programs at renowned universities like the University of Alberta and UC Berkeley, further enriching their academic experiences and developing their research skills.
Research
We marked a significant milestone with the launch of our 2024-2030 research strategy, developed in collaboration with the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA).This strategy emphasizes sustainability and innovation, featuring the establishment of the Consortium for Hydrogen Future and the Consortium for Sustainable Future. Our research efforts resulted in 3,567 scientific publications indexed in Scopus and 285 patents issued, reflecting our dedication to impactful innovation and addressing global challenges. Additionally, we hosted the inaugural Impactful Research Rally for the first time with nearly 20 of KFUPM’s Interdisciplinary Research Centers (IRCs) showcasing top examples of research that is tackling the world’s Grand Challenges.
In collaboration with Stanford University, our researchers developed an eco-friendly device to produce ammonia using wind energy, setting a new benchmark for green technology solutions. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to advancing research that contributes to the betterment of humanity.
Academics
This year, we introduced a direct Ph.D. admission track for exceptional Bachelor’s degree holders, demonstrating our dedication to aligning with leading global academic standards and fostering advanced research capabilities among students. Additionally, we launched the innovative BS-X program, which offers a flexible Bachelor’s degree across various interdisciplinary fields.
We also introduced the undergraduate Bioengineering program, designed to prepare students for medical schools that follow American or Canadian systems. This program equips our graduates to meet local and global demands in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Community
We continued to foster a vibrant and engaging community at KFUPM through a series of initiatives that celebrated both our heritage and forward-thinking values. We unveiled the "KFUPM's Utopia" mural, a stunning digital artwork that symbolizes our dedication to science, technology, and the harmonious blend of tradition with modernity. This mural aims to inspire our campus community to dream big and accomplish.
We also embarked on the "KFUPM POV" initiative, envisioned and developed by one of our architecture students. This initiative invites students to engage with the beauty of our campus. Strategically placed photo frames throughout the university encourage interaction with our architectural heritage.
To further enhance our connection with the wider community, we introduced KFUPM campus tours, welcoming over 1,500 registered visitors through 20 campus tours. We also continued to strengthen our relationship with our alums through a total of 16 alumni tours, which gained over 1000 registered alums with their families visiting the campus, fostering stronger bonds with our graduates and offering them the opportunity to reconnect with their alma mater. Additionally, for the first time, we opened our doors to tourists to get a glimpse of Saudi Arabia’s education landscape, with a total of 46 tourists, including groups from Taiwan and China, explored our campus and engaged with our students, expanding our global footprint.
Events
Throughout the year, we hosted 137 events, including conferences, forums, summits, and symposiums, with notable highlights such as Mathconnect and SaudiCIS. These events attracted over 6,000 visitors from around the world and featured international speakers from 38 countries, reinforcing our position as a global hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In addition to large-scale events, we continue to foster self-reliance in our student culture with several student-led initiatives, such as TEDxKFUPM and Gaming+. These events not only showcase our students’ leadership and independence but also contribute to the vibrant campus atmosphere.
We remain committed to strengthening our engagement with both local and international communities through events that cater to a wide range of interests and fields, enriching our network and expanding our impact.
Looking ahead, these few highlights are just a glimpse of the many achievements that inspire us to continue driving innovation, fostering talent, and contributing to a prosperous future for humanity. KFUPM remains committed to empowering future leaders and advancing solutions to meet the challenges of tomorrow.