Join us for Community Open Day 2026 on Wednesday, November 18, at Harbor Walk. Enjoy an evening of family activities, live entertainment, food, shopping and interactive experiences.
Organized by Campus and Community (C&C), the event brings together university departments, service providers, community clubs and local artisans.
Meet the teams behind the services that support everyday life at KAUST, discover what's available to you and explore new ways to connect with the community.
- Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Harbor Walk
Connect, Discover and Celebrate
Explore the different areas showcasing the university services, activities and experiences available to the KAUST community.
1. Family
Discover family services, children's programs and interactive activities.
- Visit the fall-themed Kids Zone at the Harbor Library Lobby, organized by the Childcare team. Learn about preschool, childcare and after-school programs.
- Meet the KAUST Robotics for Kids Club and try a block-based coding activity and discover how robot components work.
- Join children's activities organized by the Animal Welfare Club.
- Browse plants for sale and enjoy children's activities and giveaways by the horticulture team.
2. Health and Well-being
Meet the KAUST Health team and learn about health services and healthy living.
- Take part in diabetes awareness activities and check your blood sugar levels.
- Speak with a dietitian about diabetes prevention, healthy eating and making informed food choices.
- Explore the on-site ambulance
3. Eat and Shop
Discover food, shopping and local businesses at the Community Open Day.
- Enjoy food samples and live cooking from KAUST restaurants and Harbor-area retailers.
- Visit food trucks from Sadia, X-Bite and Blue Bash and enjoy ice cream from Brain Freeze and Bonjy.
Retailers and Community Artisans
- Discover participating retailers, including Lush, Matjar, United Pharmacy, Greens and more.
- Browse artwork, handmade crafts, souvenirs, clothing and accessories from KAUST community artisans.
- Visit The Thrift Shop to explore its services and volunteering opportunities.
Shopping tip: Bring a reusable bag and some cash to support community artisans and their businesses.
4. Play and Recreation
Discover recreational programs, sports facilities and community clubs.
- Take part in sports challenges and mini golf.
- Meet community clubs offering water polo, martial arts, gardening, arts and board games.
- Find activities and clubs to enjoy throughout the year.
5. Home and Living
Meet the teams responsible for the services that support everyday life at KAUST.
- Learn about residential areas, housing services, and community standards.
- Discover available pet care services.
- Learn about infrastructure, utilities, and maintenance services and learn how KAUST manages drinking water, wastewater, irrigation, and electricity.
- Discover the KAUSTCentral app and its expanding services.
6. Campus and Infrastructure
Meet the teams responsible for campus development and infrastructure.
- Explore models and videos of ongoing campus projects.
- See construction materials, tools and safety equipment.
- Meet the Fire Department and take part in fire engine demonstrations and supervised fire safety activities.
7. Transport and Travel
Explore the services that connect KAUST with the wider community.
- Meet representatives from participating airlines and travel agencies.
- Discover courier and delivery services.
- Explore vehicle and golf cart rental and transport options.
8. Events and Culture
Meet the teams and groups behind community events, cultural activities and entertainment at KAUST.
- Meet the C&C Events and Community Development teams and opportunities to get involved.
- Enjoy live performances by the Music Club and community artists.
- Discover community clubs and watch showcases by the Movement Club and Muay Thai Boxing Club.
Take on the Community Quest
Make your visit more interactive with the Community Quest. Explore different areas, meet the teams and complete missions as you make your way around Community Open Day.
- Pick up your Community Quest Card at the Campus and Community Booth.
- Scan the clues and explore the event.
- Follow the clues in any order.
- Visit each participating booth and speak with a team member to complete the mission.
- Collect one punch on your card for each different mission you complete.
Prize eligibility: Complete five or more different missions to qualify for a prize.
How many missions can you complete?
What's happening on the main stage?
There's more to discover beyond the booths! Head to the main stage for community performances, raffle draws and moments to bring everyone together.
Program
- The raffle is open to all KAUST ID holders, including Staff, Faculty, Students, and Service Provider.
- The winner must be physically present when their name is announced.
Important: Leave your pets at home
We love our furry friends, but pets are not allowed at Community Open Day.
The event is expected to be crowded and noisy, making it an unsuitable environment for pets. Please leave your furry companions at home so everyone can enjoy the evening comfortably.
Thank you for your understanding.
Parking and transportation to Harbor Walk
Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use the bus to reach Harbor Walk.
If you're driving, use one of the following parking options:
- Located opposite the KAUST Recycling Center. See on Map.
- Golf cart service to Harbor Walk will operate from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Shuttle buses will operate between Tamimi parking lot and the Grand Mosque.
- Service will run in both directions from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Buses will depart every five minutes.
Additional work-haul bus to Jeddah
Volunteer at Community Open Day
Be part of the team bringing the event together. We're looking for volunteers to help with booth management, gate support and stage assistance.
Register to volunteer
Join us on November 18
Bring your family and friends and spend the evening discovering the people, services and experiences that make KAUST connected in every way.
Explore the event map below for a general idea of where the different activity areas are located. The map is for guidance only and may not reflect the exact layout on the day. Think of it as your event compas
Follow us on Instagram at @kaust.life and Facebook at @GetEngagedKAUST for event updates. Share your favorite moments using #KAUSTLife.
