KAUST makes available a broad range of resources, programs, services, and support to its students, faculty and staff, ensuring that everyone is physically and emotionally healthy. Residents also benefit from several health initiatives and well-being programs that KAUST provides to the wider community.
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
Community-Wide Fitness and Recreation
KAUST has several sports centers and recreational facilities, providing our community with access to free swimming pools, gyms, sports arenas, squash and tennis courts, a stadium, a rock-climbing wall, indoor children’s soft play areas, bowling alley, outdoor football fields and sports tracks, mini-golf, a driving range and a nine-hole golf course. A cinema and theater, community library, museum, beaches, and many parks and playgrounds are also accessible to all KAUST residents and visitors.
The Community Life department routinely organizes events and programs that promote fitness. Regular events include the annual KAUST Triathlon, Bike Week, 5K and 10K Fun Runs, the Open Water Championship, sports games, and tournaments.
Our proximity to the Red Sea also provides opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Regular day and night diving trips are organized for KAUST residents to experience the unparalleled scenery, calm, and biodiversity of the Red Sea.
Community-Wide Health
KAUST offers extensive medical coverage to all faculty, students, and staff. Through the KAUST Health clinic, residents can access highly qualified and caring medical professionals and resources for clinical support and treatment. KAUST Health provides specialized medical appointments in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive health, dentistry, and emergency services every day, and other specialties on an accessible clinic schedule. Appointment fees are waived for students and their dependents.
Health Awareness and Outreach
KAUST organizes routine wellness campaigns and health programs that the entire KAUST community, local community and immigrant work force can benefit from. Our annual breast cancer campaign, pregnancy and childbirth classes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease screenings, International Happiness Day celebration, and flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaigns are just a few examples of our activities and services. KAUST also has dedicated projects to support neighboring, or underprivileged, communities, that enables them to access health and screening campaigns for free.
Student Counseling Services (SCS)
To help students improve their academic and personal well-being, the Student Counselling Services offers free prevention, intervention, informational, and referral services to all KAUST students and their dependents, along with consultation and education to faculty and staff that can help them address the psychological needs of our students. Several mental health services are available.
Regular outreach and educational programs are also open to students and their spouses on good health and well-being promotion topics such as stress management, relaxation techniques, nutrition, sleep hygiene, exercise and other wellness topics.
Employee Well-Being
Our Employee Well-Being Program (EWP) offered by KAUST for free, provides access to consultation services, professional psychologists, dieticians, and financial, legal, and career advisors.
The program is confidential and is available throughout the year for employees, university students, and their families (including live-in domestic helpers). Telephone counseling is available in six languages and offers life management services, managerial coaching, and wellness coaching.
Additionally, KAUST supports remote working practices by providing staff and students with an annual quota of remote working days. Staff also benefits from a quota of flexible working hours, balancing operational needs with employee well-being.
