Under the esteemed patronage of HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, KAUST leadership introduced a bold new chapter for the University and the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) during the 2025 KGSP Convocation in Chicago. 

“This institution and this program serve not only as a crucible for talent development but also as a bridge connecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the world,” Princess Reema said in her recorded message to KGSP students attending Convocation, February 14-16. “The contributions you’re making are absolutely significant. As current and future scholars, you’re playing pivotal roles in both shaping your futures and the future of your nation.” 

KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC introduced “KGSP 2.0” at Convocation — an enhanced version of the program aimed at providing more comprehensive support to Saudi scholars. Operating under the KAUST Academy, KGSP 2.0 will offer early-stage training for high school students, personalized mentoring and stronger connections to leading industries. “This is only the beginning of a new era for expanding KAUST’s educational impact.” 

KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC addresses KGSP Convocation 2025 in Chicago.

Since its inception, Sir Edward said, KGSP has cultivated Saudi science and technology expertise. This flagship scholarship has shaped around 600 graduates who are driving the Kingdom’s research, innovation and development, reaffirming KAUST’s commitment to academic excellence and national progress. The University will keep upholding its KGSP students, he added, helping them realize new opportunities. “KAUST is here to support your journey.” 

While KGSP has been a “beacon of success” for the Kingdom, noted Princess Reema, “avenues for growth” exist as well. “I say to each of you today that you’re not just scholars — you are pioneers. You’re diplomats, and you’re future leaders. Your journey through KGSP is a narrative of personal growth, cultural exchange and national pride.” 

According to Ali Algain, a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, KGSP is among Saudi Arabia’s most important investments in developing young talent, with its alumni representing “core pillars” for the Kingdom’s future prosperity. The molecular and cell biology student said that KGSP Convocation 2025 is “truly special” for him as he prepares to graduate this year. The program has positively and profoundly impacted his life  

“The program gave me an opportunity to pursue my highest ambitions, and [it] continues to allow me to go after my biggest dreams,” he said, adding that the KGSP community provides support, mentorship and connections that extend beyond graduation. “It’s an absolute privilege [to] have been offered such an opportunity.” 

Princess Reema told students that the story of KAUST and KGSP reflects Saudi Arabia’s transformation, driven by the promise of its youth. While the Kingdom’s modernization efforts aim to provide greater opportunities for Saudis, these students are “rising to the challenge,” demonstrating that KAUST is not just about academic excellence — it is also a platform for national progress, cultural diplomacy and nurturing science and technology leadership. 

She added: “You, the younger generations of Saudis, are making enormous contributions to our economy and our society, and you’re reshaping the Kingdom’s narrative on the global stage.” 

Unofficial ambassadors 

Beyond academics, Princess Reema suggested that the Kingdom looks to KGSP students to serve as ambassadors of the nation — representing the best of its culture, heritage, progressive vision and future. Through KGSP, students are elevating Saudi Arabia’s reputation in science and academia globally, spearheading research of profound significance. She sees science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as powerful tools in promoting Saudi Arabia. 

“In many ways, STEM is a universal language that can communicate across cultural divides. And when you do come home, help us by supporting Vision 2030 — by becoming a part of, or even starting, an innovation hub in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the tech ecosystem and supporting entrepreneurial ventures. Help elevate the national education system with insights and practices from your international experiences.” 

She added: “Through your cities here in the United States, you can do so much to bridge the long-standing ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, to foster not only mutual understanding but respect between our two cultures, and to pave the way where we can continue to work together, to invest together, to innovate together for a better, safer, more prosperous and more sustainable world.” 

Shaping future leaders 

Founded in 2008, KGSP offers unmatched academic, developmental, pre-professional and financial support for students to study in the U.S. at such elite institutions as Columbia University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All KGSP graduates apply for further studies at KAUST, returning to the Kingdom with new skills and perspectives that benefit the nation’s vision. 

Over the years, six Rhodes scholars have been KGSP participants, and eight more were finalists. KGSP students are interning with leading organizations such as CERN, NEOM, Amazon, Tesla and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) RISE Fellowship. Last year, more than 12 KGSP students participated in Qimam or Misk fellowships. 

There are 78 KGSP students in the senior year of their bachelor’s degree programs who are expected to graduate between December 2024 and August 2025. In total, 120 female and 255 male students are actively in the program. 

Convocation matters 

For Algain, KGSP Convocation is “a core value-add” for the program, helping participants “visualize the impact” this investment will have on their lives. “By hearing inspirational stories from alumni, meeting professors and industry leaders, and connecting with your fellow ‘KGSPers’ who are soon to become a powerful network of leaders in all fields, you truly grasp the value of KGSP and the opportunity ahead.” 

KGSP Alumni Council President Farah Gomawi said KGSP is a valuable tool to attract in-Kingdom talent to KAUST, providing Saudi youth with the resources needed to play leading roles in developing science, research and entrepreneurship in line with national priorities. She sees Convocation as essential for all KGSP students. “It provides the perfect environment to meet fellow students and create lifelong bonds with future leaders.” 

KGSP alumni Farah Gomawi and Suhaib Amer participated in a panel at KGSP Convocation 2025.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Statistics at KAUST, Gomawi completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, through KGSP. “I’m pursuing my passion for scientific research with the biostatistics research group. To this day, the network I made with the KGSP community is one of my most valuable networks, as it provides a supportive environment to exchange knowledge, career advice and opportunities.” 

She added: “Participating in this program is a great privilege for all, whether you are a current KGSP scholar, an alumnus or a prospective KGSP member. Thanks to KAUST’s support and the Kingdom’s vision, we can stand on the shoulders of giants and focus our energy on pursuing excellence in STEM.” 

A defining strength of KGSP is its vibrant community, which sets it apart from other programs, said alumnus Suhaib Amer, who graduated from KAUST with a master’s in Mechanical Engineering in 2018 and is now a senior consultant at Pure Consulting. “The annual Convocation is a prime example of this, bringing together current students and alumni to exchange ideas, share experiences and build lasting connections.” 

Networking opportunity 

Hadwa Alruhaili is among the KGSP students participating in the pre-university “Foundation Year” program. She has so far received admittance to the California Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology for her undergraduate studies. Alruhaili sees KGSP Convocation as an essential component of the overall program experience, providing a valuable opportunity to network with the broader KGSP community while in the U.S. 

KGSP is very well known for bringing people [together] to network, exchange ideas and socialize, and through KAUST I got to meet some of my best friends and build my closest relationships,” she said. “I think once you are in KGSP, you never really leave that circle.” 

She added: “For this Convocation, I will definitely explore Chicago during my stay, but I think I will spend most of my time reconnecting with long-lost friends coming from all around the [United States].”