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DataWaha: Research Storage at KAUST

DataWaha is the KAUST scalable research storage solution, designed to meet the high-capacity needs of Principal Investigators (PIs), research centers, and core labs. It offers both active and archive storage, with secure access and flexible data management options.

Prefer screenshots?

View the full step-by-step Linux mounting guide: How to Mount DataWaha on Linux (PDF, opens in a new tab)

Getting Access

To request access to DataWaha, contact KAUST IT through any of the support channels listed at the end of this page.

Storage Quota

Each Principal Investigator (PI) is provisioned with:

  • 20 TB of Tier 1 (active) storage
  • 80 TB of Tier 2 (archive) storage

This total allocation of 100 TB covers both DataWaha and SDataWaha. You can request additional storage by submitting a business case. Expansion is available through PI-funded resources.

Data Archiving

You need a data management policy for your DataWaha folders. Move inactive or cold data to object storage for long-term, cost-effective archiving. KAUST IT can help you set this up.

Folder Structure

Each DataWaha directory is unique, and typically follows this naming convention:

  • /datawaha/<pi-name>
  • /datawaha/<research-center>
  • /datawaha/Corelab

Access and Authentication

DataWaha uses KAUST Active Directory credentials (your KAUST Portal ID) for authentication. You can connect using the following protocols:

  • CIFS/SMB: available on any device within the KAUST network
  • NFS: limited to data center environments such as dm, OpenStack VMs, and remote Linux workstations
  • HTTPS (ownCloud): for browser-based access

To connect from outside the KAUST network, you need an active KAUST VPN connection.

Limitations

  • DataWaha is intended for data storage only.
  • It cannot be used to run compute jobs.
  • It is not accessible from HPC compute nodes, including Shaheen and Ibex.

Connecting to DataWaha

You can reach DataWaha from most platforms using the methods below.

Linux

You can connect on Linux using either a graphical interface or the command line.

Option 1: Graphical interface (recommended)

  1. Open your file browser and go to File > Connect to Server.
  2. Enter the server address: smb://datawaha/<your-folder>
  3. Provide your KAUST Portal ID, KAUST domain, and password.
  4. Select Connect, and choose "Remember password" if you prefer.
  5. The folder mounts and appears in your file manager. Select the eject icon to disconnect when you are done.

Option 2: Command line (advanced)

  1. Install the required utilities. You only need to do this once. 
    sudo apt-get install cifs-utils
  2. Create a mount point. 
    sudo mkdir /datawaha_<your-folder>
  3. Create a mount script. 
    vi ~/mount_datawaha
    Insert the following line, replacing the placeholders with your folder name and Portal ID. 
    mount //datawaha/<your-folder> /datawaha_<your-folder> -o vers=2.0,file_mode=0777,dir_mode=0777,username=<your-portal-id>,domain=KAUST
  4. Save the script and make it executable. 
    chmod +x ~/mount_datawaha
  5. Run the script and enter your KAUST password. 
    ~/mount_datawaha
  6. Verify the mount. 
    df -h /datawaha_<your-folder>

Windows

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. In the address bar, enter: 
    \\datawaha\<your-folder>
  3. When prompted, enter your KAUST Portal ID and password.
  4. You can choose to save your credentials and map the drive for easier access later.

macOS

  1. Open Finder and go to Go > Connect to Server, or press Command + K.
  2. Enter the following address: 
    smb://datawaha/<your-folder>
  3. Select Connect.
  4. Enter your KAUST Portal ID and password when prompted.
  5. The folder mounts and appears under Locations in Finder.

Transferring Data

You can transfer data to and from DataWaha using whichever method suits your setup.

Windows and macOS

Mount DataWaha, then use your standard file copy tools.

Linux and Ubuntu

Use rsync for reliable, fast transfers.

rsync -av <local-folder> dm.kaust.edu.sa:/datawaha/<your-folder>

HPC (Shaheen)

ssh dm.hpc.kaust.edu.sa
rsync -av <folder> dm.kaust.edu.sa:/datawaha/<your-folder>

HPC (Ibex)

ssh mover.ibex.kaust.edu.sa
rsync -av <folder> dm.kaust.edu.sa:/datawaha/<your-folder>

Access Management

Access to DataWaha is managed through Active Directory (AD) groups. Each top-level folder is owned by a group, and access is granted or revoked by changing group membership. If you need help managing permissions or configuring access, contact KAUST IT through any of the channels below.

Need Help?

  • Chat with VITA, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at vita.kaust.edu.sa
  • Call the IT Service Center at 910 from a campus phone, or 012-808-0910 from off campus, Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Visit the walk-in desk in the IT Building (Building 14), Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
  • Submit a request online through the IT Service Center