A dynamic institution driven to enrich future knowledge and develop competitive human capabilities.
The establishment of King Faisal University by Royal Decree No. H/67, dated Rajab 28, 1395 AH, marked a pivotal turning point in the educational landscape of Al-Ahsa Governorate in the Eastern Province. The university has consistently fulfilled the aspirations of the ambitious sons and daughters of this great nation. Since its inception, it has enjoyed the generous and unwavering support of our wise leadership—may Allah protect them— that has paved the way for boundless opportunities for growth and advancement.
The starting point was the establishment of the College of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Livestock. At that time, the university community consisted of (170) students and (46) faculty members, and its inaugural class graduated (9) Saudi students. Driven by a firm belief in the vast power of knowledge to contribute to education, the university aimed to form new colleges that would complement and integrate with existing ones. Consequently, the decision was made to establish additional colleges to meet the Kingdom’s growing future needs. This led to the founding of the College of Education in 1401/1402 AH and the College of Administrative Sciences and Planning in 1404/1405 AH, both located at the university’s main campus in Al-Ahsa.
The journey of development did not stop there. On Shawwal 7, 1418 AH, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may Allah have mercy upon him—laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the King Faisal University City. This was envisioned to ensure that the university remains, as planned, a stately edifice and a distinguished beacon of knowledge, flourishing through the unwavering support it receives from the leaders of our national renaissance.
Since its founding in 1395 AH, King Faisal University has flourished through more than four decades of prosperity, thriving under the patronage and support of the Kingdom’s leadership. This journey was crowned by the honor of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may Allah protect him—inaugurating the University City. This 'City of Knowledge' in Al-Ahsa Oasis now encompasses (15) colleges. Its halls and laboratories host more than (40,000) male and female students in undergraduate programs, along with approximately (3,500) postgraduate students. The university’s academic mission is upheld by nearly (2,200) faculty members. Each year, more than (5,000) regular students and (5,000) distance learning students graduate with various scientific degrees and specializations. Committed to the development of graduates and professionals, the university offers (47) undergraduate programs and (68) specialized postgraduate programs (Diploma, Master’s, and Doctorate) that meet the increasing demands of the labor market. The university also comprises (11) supporting deanships and (26) administrative, research, and specialized centers across various scientific and applied fields. This vast infrastructure establishes King Faisal University as one of the largest educational institutions in the Eastern Province, serving as a vital hub for knowledge acquisition and the development of professional and administrative skills.
The university has enjoyed generous and continuous support exceeding tens of billions of riyals, which has contributed to the construction of a majestic university city and the commencement of an integrated medical city. Under this immense support, the university has made significant strides in research, particularly in applied fields such as supported research, scientific chairs, and patents. Its excellence is notably evident in date palm research, and economic, preventative, and medical studies, especially concerning endemic diseases in the region. Furthermore, the university has diligently enhanced its academic programs, earning institutional academic accreditation from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, while several colleges and programs have secured international recognition and accreditation. The university has also made tangible efforts in institutionalizing its operations, achieving higher levels of justice and transparency in admissions, appointments, promotions, and training, and selecting the most qualified citizens. By leveraging modern technologies, the university has fulfilled its pioneering role in supporting lifelong learning and disseminating knowledge beyond its walls through advanced distance learning programs. It has harnessed all technical, communication, and media services to remain present and supportive in all community events. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi universities have witnessed a remarkable transformation, necessitating a redefinition of identity to align with the knowledge economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The new University Law signals a qualitative shift toward improving the efficiency of the educational environment, diversifying financial resources, and granting universities greater administrative flexibility to achieve their goals and serve our dear nation.
King Faisal University stood at the threshold of a new era of transformation and development after nearly half a century of continuous giving. This prosperous period is witnessing a transformative institutional, strategic, and structural renaissance, launching a new journey of leadership and excellence guided by a blessed Vision that is Saudi in character and composition. Amidst a comprehensive national shift in perspective and a new university system with vast horizons, the university embarks on a renewed journey of diligent work and ambition. In response to this grand national movement, the university has unveiled its new institutional identity, rooted in its timeless legacy. It is recalibrating its strategic direction toward performance quality, enriching outputs, excellence across all fields, and achieving sustainable growth. The university aims to be a leading institution, creating a stimulating educational environment that looks toward the future locally, regionally, and globally. It also strives to be a research-productive and development-oriented university, contributing to national goals, most notably Food Security and Environmental Sustainability for the Kingdom. King Faisal University’s specialized research centers embody its capacity for innovation and creativity in these fields, while its strategic partnerships with environmental and food policy-makers and the private sector open legislative channels that amplify the positive impact of every investment. Furthermore, the university has leveraged its academic legacy of over five decades and its diverse colleges to achieve its objectives, employing its investment and innovation arms—such as the Wadi Al-Ahsa Company, the Al-Ahsa Oasis for Innovation and Technology, and the Business Incubator—to provide effective platforms for its research products. This collective effort serves as a vital pillar for our nation by enhancing its food security and preserving its rich environment.
Since King Faisal University is rich in diverse resources that enable it to achieve excellence and leadership at both national and regional levels—commensurate with its deep-rooted history and long legacy of giving—the King Faisal University Strategy (2020–2024 / 1441–1445 AH) was adopted to map out the university's future for the next five years. With hope and trust in Allah for a promising future of growth and distinction, the university will focus, through its ambitious strategy, on core processes: enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, advancing scientific research, and strengthening community partnerships. Furthermore, it will establish an integrated ecosystem to support innovation and business development within the university. In the coming five years, the university is set to achieve further milestones, and its impact—both internally and externally—will multiply. This is underpinned by the university's sufficient flexibility and qualified human capabilities to keep pace with future changes and developments, adjusting its plans accordingly with the help and success of Allah, and through the unwavering support and wise guidance of our leadership.
The University High Administration has approved a comprehensive restructuring project, including updated organizational charts, regulatory manuals, and job descriptions, to ensure the highest levels of integration and coordination in executing its mandates. This developmental project assists the university in achieving its objectives and maximizing its contributions to meet the aspirations of its community and employees. It adopts an educational system closely aligned with labor market needs, aimed at attracting top talent, collaborating with the private sector, and supporting entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, it focuses on developing the university’s investment and economic potential, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency, and fostering transparency and accountability. By the grace of Allah, and to strengthen the university’s global standing and identity, the Council of University Affairs has approved the establishment of an International Advisory Board at King Faisal University. Additionally, a vital new sector for Innovation and Business Development has been created. This sector focuses on diversifying the university’s income sources, ensuring financial sustainability, maximizing the economic value of university assets, and achieving optimal investment in knowledge, research, and technology.