Dec 07, 2025

A Winter Escape for the Community

On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, KFUPM celebrated the opening of a new community outdoor space, Al-Rabee Park, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy and Chairman of KFUPM’s Board of Trustees. Coinciding with the start of the winter season, the park’s opening was marked through a “Winter Camp” event featuring food and entertainment.

From the start, the area was envisioned as a place where faculty, staff and their families could gather in a relaxed, green setting. The entrance sits right beside the parking area, guiding visitors into a layout that is simple to navigate, supported by clear wayfinding. Along one of the main walkways, two wide lawns stretch across both sides, offering open space for sitting, informal play, and quiet breaks.

As the park’s doors opened, families settled into comfortable seating spots, with a few brave kids trying their luck at the two mini golf holes tucked into these green areas. Across from the lawns, the interactive playground drew even more attention with its larger games. Football billiards brought together football and billiards skills, on a raised field, while the giant chess board allowed novice players to step directly onto the squares and experiment with the game’s oversized pieces.

At the center of the camp stood the traditional tent, arranged as a warm indoor-style space, with seating and tables prepared for board games and paper games. Nearby, the nursery area featured plants placed throughout the space, giving visitors shaded corners and tables among the luscious greenery. The stream running along the edge further cooled off the air as the day turned into evening.

A dedicated barbecue corner, equipped with ready-to-use grills, was waiting patiently for its first burning charcoal, placed at a safe distance from the main play zones. As visitors moved toward the edge of the camp, they could follow the Walkway Valley, a landscaped path with soft evening lighting that offered a quiet finish to the experience.

The area was developed in just a few months, which stands as an achievement in its own right. It now welcomes the KFUPM community daily from 3 p.m. until midnight, while also opening its gates to pre-booked events, such as student activities and employee gatherings.