We are future shapers.
Creating opportunities,
changing lives
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a catalyst for the Kingdom’s growth and transformation, helping enable a vibrant society, thriving economy and prosperous future.
Our Mission
Our mission is to grow the national research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem, empower people and communities and help build a sustainable future for the Kingdom through capacity building, thought leadership, and national engagement programs and partnerships.
Our Values
Our values guide our actions and decisions. They reflect who we are and what we stand for:
Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together, fostering partnerships and building strong relationships.
Innovation: We embrace creativity and new ideas, striving to be at the forefront of innovation.
Excellence: We are committed to excellence in all we do, setting high standards and continually striving to improve.
Integrity: We act with honesty and integrity, earning the trust of our partners and the communities we serve.
Impact: We aim to make a meaningful impact, measuring our success by the difference we make.
Strategic National Advancement
Pillars
Our Vice President
DR. NAJAH Y. ASHRY
Senior Associate to the President & VP Strategic National AdvancementOur Vice President
Dr. Najah Ashry serves as the Vice President of Strategic National Advancement and Senior Associate to the President at KAUST. With over two decades of leadership in academic administration, Dr. Ashry has been a key figure in shaping KAUST’s trajectory since its inception.
As the first Senior Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs, she laid the foundation for KAUST’s admissions, student life services, and scholarship programs. Today, she spearheads KAUST’s strategy for national impact, aligning the university’s initiatives with Saudi Arabia’s transformation needs.
Dr. Ashry’s portfolio spans talent development, corporate social responsibility, and strategic engagement. Her work is dedicated to building the knowledge infrastructure crucial for the Kingdom’s future innovation ecosystem. She has held numerous prestigious positions on Saudi and international boards, contributing her expertise to organizations like the Center of Planning & Strategic Studies for the Principality of Makkah Region and the Dow Chemical Company Sustainability External Advisory Council.
Before joining KAUST, Dr. Ashry served as Dean of the female section at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. She holds a bachelor’s in computer science, an MBA, a post-graduate diploma in research methods, and a PhD in Management Information Systems, specializing in strategic development and planning.