MAA-Headshot
Mohamed Abdel-Aal

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Message from the CIO

At KAUST, information technology is more than just systems and infrastructure—it’s a catalyst for discovery, collaboration, and impact. Our role is to empower the university’s mission by delivering seamless, secure, and human-centered digital experiences that enable learning, research, and innovation at a world-class level.

But great technology alone is not enough.

What truly makes us different is the cultural shift we’re embracing across our IT organization. We are moving from traditional service models to a purpose-driven, user-centric approach—one rooted in transparency, collaboration, and innovation. We are embedding agility into our mindset, challenging the status quo, and designing IT services that don't just meet needs but anticipate them.

As CIO, I’m proud to be part of a team that is actively reshaping what IT means at KAUST. Together, we are fostering a culture where everyone—from service desk analysts to enterprise architects—is empowered to lead with curiosity, to experiment boldly, and to make decisions that put people first.

Whether we’re modernizing infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, or enabling research through cutting-edge solutions, our commitment is clear: to make technology work for people, not the other way around.

This is our journey—and it’s just the beginning.


About the IT Department

Our Mission

To empower the KAUST community with exceptional IT services that enhance learning, research, and operational efficiency, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Our Vision

To be the technological backbone that propels KAUST to the forefront of global research and education through innovative, reliable, and cutting-edge IT solutions.

Who We Are

We are enablers, partners, and architects of the digital future at KAUST. We operate with a clear sense of purpose, guided by values of customer centricity, service excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Every initiative we lead—from infrastructure modernization to cybersecurity, from user experience to digital literacy—is anchored in creating meaningful outcomes for our community.

What We Stand For

  • People-first design: We believe in human-centric technology that enhances, not complicates.
  • Agility with accountability: Our teams are empowered to take initiative, experiment, and adapt.
  • Transparency and trust: We build credibility through open communication and ethical action.
  • Excellence through enablement: We don’t just deliver services—we empower others to thrive.