The Holy month of Ramadan will begin on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
As we celebrate this time of prayer and fasting in our multicultural community, please take the time to reflect, support each other, and enjoy the celebrations taking place in KAUST.
KAUST mosque and prayers
Ishaa and Taraweeh (special night prayers) will be performed in the King Abdullah Mosque. Other KAUST mosques are open for all prayers except Ishaa and Taraweeh. More information can be found on The LENS.
Ramadan activities
Enjoy the Ramadan Lounge and activities at the Al-Marsa Ampitheatre, every day from 6:00 p.m., plus weekend events, including two air-conditioned tents with comfortable seating, games, a shisha lounge, an open buffet and a bouncy castle.
Special iftar offers
Many restaurants have special iftar promotions during the month of Ramadan.
Restaurant and retail opening times
For people who are not fasting, food and restaurant options that are open at lunchtime can be found here.
Ramadan hours for retail can be found here.
Visit the Community Life Ramadan page for details on all activities, events and updates.
Bus schedules
Updated bus schedules for Thuwal, Makkah and Madinah, and Jeddah’s work haul, medical and shopping buses.
Recreation operating hours
The recreation centers will adjust their timings for Ramadan and will be open longer at night, more information is on the links below.
Recreation Centers
Harbor Library
Safaa Stadium and Outdoor Pitches
South Beach
KAUST Health opening hours
24/7 Emergency Response/Emergency Department.
Main clinic hours – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday – Thursday.
Hospital hours in Jeddah vary – more information can be found on The LENS.
SNB and SABB opening hours
SABB – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday)
SNB – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday)
Information for KAUST employees
Working hours for Muslim employees will be reduced to six hours per day, in line with Saudi labor regulations, and remain at eight hours per day for non-Muslim employees.
Ramadan working schedule options (to be discussed and agreed with your line manager):
Muslims | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Non-Muslims | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Flexible working hours and remote working pilot program remain the same during Ramadan, subject to line manager approval on the portal.
Eid Al-Fitr
The University’s holiday will be from Sunday, April 23 to Thursday, April 27, 2023 (both dates inclusive).
