Mar 19, 2025

Industry and Academia Unite in “Partners in Play” Game Night

KFUPM hosted an exciting and collaborative Game Night on March 17, 2025, bringing together industry leaders and academic partners for an innovation, networking, and teamwork evening. The event titled “Partners in Play” provided a unique and informal setting for KFUPM’s stakeholders and industry partners to connect, fostering stronger relationships and encouraging cross-sector collaboration.

The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Saggaf, President of KFUPM, and held under the patronage of Dr. Ali Shaikhi, Vice President of Research and Innovation. Dr. Mesfer Al Zahrani, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), was also in attendance.

The night featured a series of engaging team-building activities, including interactive challenges, quizzes, and a fun-filled cooking competition, designed to promote collaboration and problem-solving in a relaxed environment.

Several high-profile organizations participated, including Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Arabia Railways, CYGR, ExLog, Digital Harbor, Sindbad.Tech, SABIC, and Dema Energies, alongside KFUPM’s research and innovation stakeholders, chairmen, and deans.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, Dr. Sami Elferik, Director of the Smart Mobility and Logistics Research Center, remarked:

“This event was a unique way to strengthen relationships, encourage teamwork, and reinforce our commitment to bridging industry and academia.”

The Game Night exemplified KFUPM’s dedication to fostering meaningful industry-academia partnerships, demonstrating that collaboration extends beyond classrooms and research labs—into dynamic and engaging experiences that build a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem.