[5] In 2019 KAUST is ranked 8th fastest rising young universities (aged 50 and under) for their research output since 2015, as measured by fractional count (FC).

[1] KAUST officially opened on September 23, 2009, at an inauguration ceremony, where King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gave a speech where he stated that places like the university that "embrace all people are the first line of defence against extremists".

[12] The university's core campus, located on the Red Sea at Thuwal,[13] is sited on more than 36 square kilometres (14 sq mi), encompassing a marine sanctuary, museum, and research facility.

[17] Designed by international architecture firm Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, it was also chosen by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) as one of the 2010 Top Ten Green Projects.

KAUST focuses its research around the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain.

[21] Research in the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE) is clustered into four main areas:[21] Research in the Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE) includes areas such as theoretical physics and physical chemistry; catalysis and bioengineering; polymers and composites; energy production, storage and conversion; water purification and environmental protection; novel materials, nanodevices and systems; sensors and smart devices for the detection of pollutants and the purification of air, water, and food; earth sciences, mechanics and geomechanics; oil exploration and recovery; and CO2 sequestration.

This center develops and deploys digital and AI-driven technologies aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia through precision medicine, promoting innovation, education and entrepreneurship.

This center develops agricultural technologies to enhance resource efficiency, crop improvement and sustainable biosystems, aimed at strengthening both Saudi and global food security.

[24] KAUST offers a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Industrial Design, Physical Science and Engineering, and Bioscience.

Each program is made up of soft skill, experimental, theoretical and entrepreneurship courses as well as a capstone experience.

Students accepted into the program receive a monthly stipend as well as having their accommodation, health insurance and travel costs covered.

Students accepted into the program normally receive a monthly stipend as well as having their accommodation, health insurance and travel costs covered.

[28] While there is no minimum academic entry requirement, those admitted typically have strong grade profiles and clear research interests.