Venue location and travel information

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
4700 KAUST
Thuwal 23955-6900
Saudi Arabia

By plane

The closest international airport is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, about 1h from KAUST. 

Airport transfers and taxis

Blacklane
https://www.blacklane.com/en/cities-jeddah/

Hanco
HancoTransport@kaust.edu.sa, 012 808 5647 

Saptco
saptco.taxi@kaust.edu.sa, 012 808 5616

By car

Delegates with approved car access can use the Safaa Stadium parking. To gain access you will need to add your license details to the delegate gate pass form, which you should have received with your ticket confirmation. If you still haven't completed the form please send an email to: gsdc@timeshighereducation.com.

For those who do not have approved car access, please use the parking area at the visitor centre at gate 1.

Morning service

29 May - 1 June

07:00 pick-up from the Jeddah hotels: The Venue Jeddah Corniche, Jeddah Marriott Hotel Madinah Road, ibis Jeddah Malik Road

07:50 pick-up from the King Abdullah Economic City hotels: Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina, Views Hotel & Residences.

Return service

29 - 31 May

17:30 pick-up from KAUST

An additional service will be provided for those attending the mangrove planting on 30 May.

1 June

15:30 pick-up from KAUST

Delegates must show their gate pass when boarding the shuttle bus. If you have not yet completed the gate pass form, please email gsdc@timeshighereducation.com.

The drop-off and pick-up point at KAUST will be between buildings 16, 19 and 20.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find five hotels from which KAUST will provide a free shuttle bus to and from the event venue. 

To arrange airport transfers directly through your hotel please contact the concierge.

Al Khozama Hotel & Residences

Boulevard, 7729 Bayt Al Hikma Blvd, Street, Thuwal, 23955

5 mins from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

Strategically located in close proximity to KAUST, the hotel provides high-quality hospitality in elegantly furnished rooms, suites and luxury residences.

This hotel is now fully booked.

Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina

7682 Hijaz Boulevard, Bay La Sun District, King Abdullah Economic City, 23964

30 mins from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

This deluxe hotel is nestled along extensive waterways, natural lagoons and mangroves with breathtaking views over the Red Sea and the Marina. It offers a superior urban hospitality experience.

Rooms from ~$265/night (1,000 SAR), book online.

Views Hotel & Residences

7349, Bay La Sun, King Abdullah Economic City, 23965

30 mins from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

Views Hotel & Residences is home to 174 elegant accommodation units. Enjoy a business centre, meeting venues and dedicated fitness centres. Set in Bay La Sun District, this luxurious hotel offers a spectacular view of the Red Sea.

Rooms from ~$265/night (1,000 SAR), book online.

The Venue Jeddah Corniche

Al Kurnaysh Br Roadd, Ash Shati, Jeddah, 21553

1h from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

This seaside luxury hotel offers Arabian hospitality with international flair, with stunning views of the Red Sea. It is ideally situated at the heart of the newly developed North Corniche coastal resort area and minutes from the city centre.

Rooms from ~$220/night (815 SAR) including breakfast. Book online using the promo code GRKAUST.

Jeddah Marriott Hotel Madinah Road

6939 Al-Madinah Al-monawarah Road, Jeddah, 23531

1h from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

Located in the heart of Jeddah's commercial centre, this luxury hotel provides all elements of entertainment and comfort. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, pool and car rental.

Rooms from ~$240/night (900 SAR) including breakfast. Book online.

ibis Jeddah Malik Road

King Abdul Aziz Road, Az Zahra District, Jeddah 23522

1h from KAUST, shuttle bus provided

Situated just minutes from the Corniche, this 3-star hotel is an excellent choice for business travellers to enjoy a comfortable stay. The hotel is only 20 minutes away from Jeddah International Airport.

Rooms from ~$89/night (335 SAR) including breakfast. Book online.

GCC citizens

GCC citizens do not need a visa for Saudi Arabia. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months following your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia.

eVisa

Many countries are eligible for an eVisa. For citizens of these countries we recommend applying for the eVisa as the application process is much simpler than for a consulate visa. This includes, amongst others, North America, Europe, Oceania and parts of Asia.

 Check eligibility and apply

Consulate visa

The deadline for obtaining a consulate visa in time for the event has now passed so we can no longer accept requests for visa invitation letters. If you have requested a digital visa invitation letter and have yet to receive it, please send an email to gsdc@timeshighereducation.com.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the registration fee will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

What is the dress code?
We ask our delegates to wear conservative attire, meaning covered knees and shoulders. Regular western business or business casual clothes are suitable. You are not required to wear an abaya (cloak) or headscarf at the airport or in the city.

What is the main language?
Arabic is the primary language used in all dealings and public transactions. English serves as an informal second language in the Kingdom and is spoken by a large section of its society. All road signs are bilingual in both Arabic and English.

What will the weather be like?
It will be very hot during the day with temperatures exceeding 40°C (105°F). Pack sunscreen (less than 100 ml), a hat and sunglasses. All buildings are fully air-conditioned so we recommend bringing a light jumper.

Which currency can I use?
The national currency is the Saudi riyal (ر.س SAR), which is subdivided into 100 halala. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 riyals, and coins in 1 and 2 riyals and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 halala.

Where can I exchange currencies?
Currency exchange and transactions are easy with all banks offering currency exchange services. Exchange bureaus are located at airports, some shopping centres and various other locations. Credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted throughout the kingdom. ATMs are also widely available.

Which plug socket is used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses the type G plug (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) and the type C plug (two round pins). Saudi Arabia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 60Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available throughout KAUST's buildings. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges in Saudi Arabia?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo which will allow you to use 1GB of data for US$2.

Can I drink alcohol?
The sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol and drugs are illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Is tap water safe to drink in Saudi Arabia?
Water from the drinking water fountains at KAUST is safe to drink, but drinking tap water is not advised.

For more about safety advice, travel tips and common phrases in Arabic, please see the Visit Saudi website.

 Visit Saudi website