Discover The Canal

KAUST's new waterfront destination

The Canal brings together outdoor recreation, watersports and relaxing waterfront spaces in one unique setting. Located alongside protected mangroves, it offers the KAUST community new ways to enjoy the outdoors, spend time together and connect with nature.

The destination is opening progressively as construction continues. Some facilities are already available, with more recreation spaces and amenities on the way.

While construction continues, several facilities are already welcoming visitors on both sides of the waterfront: The Canal – Island Side and The Canal – Garden Side.

ISLAND SIDE

Beach time, watersports and nature

The Island side offers a sandy beach, waterfront relaxation and access to non-motorized watersports. It's a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends, enjoy the sea breeze or take in the views of the surrounding mangroves.

 

Getting there

Park at the Island Mosque. Golf cart shuttles are available to transport visitors to and from the Island beach.

Parking Location

GARDEN SIDE

Get active, play and enjoy the waterfront

The Gardon side is the main access point to The Canal and home to the new outdoor sports facilities. Whether you're meeting friends for a game or heading out for a walk, there's already more reason to spend time by the water.

 

Getting there 

Park at The Canal parking lot located on the Garden side off Jasmine Lane, with multiple parking spaces available. 

Parking Location

Explore What's Available Now at The Canal

All currently available recreation services are free

the-canal-watersports

 

 

Watersports

Get out on the water and explore The Canal at your own pace. Available activities are: 

  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Pedalos
  • Single kayaks
  • Double kayaks

Operating hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Access the water through the dedicated pontoon.

 

the-canal-sand

 

 

Beach and waterfront relaxation

Prefer to stay on shore? Enjoy the sandy beach, relax by the water and gather with family and friends. Beach umbrellas are available for community use.

Take in the mangrove views and look out for the birds and marine life that make this waterfront setting special.

the-canal-padel

 

 

Padel Court

Enjoy a game of padel with friends now with a great view.

  • Opening date: November 1, 2026
  • Hours: Daily, 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Cost: Free during the current opening phase.
  • Booking: Through the KAUSTCentral app under "Court and Fields". 
the-canal-volleyball

 

 

Beach volleyball

Gather your team and enjoy a game of beach volleyball by the water.

  • Hours: Daily, 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Booking fee: Free during the current opening phase.
  • Cost: Free during the current opening phase.
  • Booking: Through the KAUSTCentral app under "Court and Fields". 
the-canal-bridge

 

 

The Canal Bridge

Walk across. Take in the views. Connect both sides.

The pedestrian bridge is now open, providing a walking-only connection between The Canal Island and Garden areas.

Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the waterfront views and look out for schools of fish and birds around the protected mangroves.


 

 

the-canal-infographic

 

 

the-canal-safety

 

 

 

Important Safety information

To help everyone enjoy the area safely:

  • Stay within designated public recreation areas.
  • Respect construction barriers and follow directional signs.
  • Do not enter restricted or active construction areas.
  • Use the designated golf cart shuttle to access The Canal Island.

 

Water access from the designated pontoon is available only during operating hours (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), when a lifeguard is on duty. Any access to the water outside the designated pontoon area is at the user's own responsibility. Swimming and diving are strictly prohibited throughout The Canal.
Watersports Safety Guidelines

 

Construction is progressing across the waterfront. Additional recreation areas, landscaping, seating, outdoor fitness facilities and water access will become available as work progresses.


Have a question?

For court bookings, equipment requests, questions or feedback, contact:

recreation@kaust.edu.sa

Come explore The Canal and enjoy a new way to experience the KAUST waterfront.