Saudi Arabia Hosts First Times Higher Education World Academic Summit at KAUST

Saudi Arabia has made history by hosting the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in the Middle East for the first time. The event is being held at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), marking a major milestone for the region’s higher education landscape.
The three-day summit began on Tuesday, bringing together 750 participants from around the globe. Among them are 105 keynote speakers representing 75 institutions across 28 countries. The theme, “Universities as Agents of Change,” focuses on how education can drive innovation, sustainability, and global progress.
Leaders from universities, industries, and academia gathered to explore how institutions can accelerate economic growth and preserve culture. They also discussed how global collaboration can help address shared challenges. Moreover, speakers presented groundbreaking research on topics such as sustainable cities, health innovations, and artificial intelligence.
In his opening remarks, KAUST President Edward Byrne said the summit showcases Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in science and innovation. He emphasized that hosting this event reflects KAUST’s vision to become a global model for impactful education and research.
Meanwhile, Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education, praised KAUST for bringing together influential voices to shape the future of learning. He also noted that the event aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing sustainability, health, energy, and future economies.
By hosting the summit, KAUST and Saudi Arabia reaffirm their commitment to transforming universities into powerful engines of change, innovation, and collaboration worldwide.