KAUST was founded to excel at science and technology at the global level. This aim requires not only exceptional scientists and students but also professional staff who enable our researchers to innovate and discover. The University is therefore proud to announce that it has received Approved Employer status from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). KAUST is the first university in Saudi Arabia to earn this status, demonstrating the University’s commitment to professional development and enhancing the skills of our finance employees.

The Approved Employer award has been made on two levels. ACCA’s Trainee Development (Platinum) recognizes the Division’s ‘Finance Futures’ program, which gives Saudi participants a unique opportunity to gain ACCA’s globally recognized professional accounting qualification, and ACCA’s Professional Development level acknowledges the ongoing support of professional development. During the award ceremony, current Finance Futures participant Mrooj Almalki shared her experience of the program and the opportunities that it is providing. To commemorate this recognition, Fazeela Gopalani, Head of the ACCA Middle East and one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023 in the Middle East, praised KAUST on the continuous professional development it offers. On

behalf of KAUST, the award was received by Rob Fekete, Chief Financial Officer & Interim Chief Administration Officer, and Samer Samman, Chief Human Resources Officer.