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Working Remotely After Eid? A Few Quick IT Tips Before You Disconnect

19 May, 2026

Many in the KAUST community will soon be traveling for Eid, followed by several weeks of remote work after the holiday. Taking a few minutes now to check your access, devices, and essential apps can help you avoid common issues later.

Whether you’ll be working from home, elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, or abroad, preparing now can make remote work much smoother after the break.

1. Test Your VPN Before You Travel

Some KAUST services require VPN access when working remotely.

KAUST uses Cisco Secure Client for VPN access.

If you live in KAUST housing, please note that residential and campus networks are now separated. Some services that previously worked automatically may now require VPN access.

2. Confirm DUO Is Working

DUO multi-factor authentication is required for many KAUST systems, including VPN and Microsoft 365 services.

Before you travel:

  • Confirm DUO works on your phone
  • Make sure notifications appear correctly
  • Verify your recovery methods are up to date

3. Update and Restart Your Devices

Before traveling, install any pending updates on your KAUST-managed devices and restart them.

This helps reduce issues with:

  • VPN connectivity
  • Login failures
  • Software compatibility
  • Security vulnerabilities

4. Prepare the Apps and Services You May Need

Before traveling, make sure the apps and services you rely on are installed, updated, and working properly across your devices.

This may include:

  • Outlook or Gmail for email and calendars
  • Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, or Zoom for meetings and collaboration
  • OneDrive, SharePoint, or Google Drive for file access and sharing
  • Cisco Webex softphone if you use your KAUST business extension remotely

Using the Cisco Webex Softphone

The Cisco Webex softphone allows you to use your KAUST business extension from your laptop or smartphone anywhere with internet access.

This can help you:

  • Stay reachable without sharing your personal number
  • Access voicemail remotely
  • Continue working normally while traveling
  • Reduce roaming charges when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data

Using a KAUST Business Mobile Line While Traveling

If you use a KAUST-issued GSM business mobile line, roaming and data bundles may be available depending on eligibility and departmental approval.

Mobily roaming bundles can be activated through 901.

5. Let Colleagues Know If You’re Away or Working Remotely

If you’ll be traveling, working remotely, or taking leave, updating your availability can help colleagues know how best to reach you.

You can:

  • Set a Microsoft Teams status message
  • Turn on Outlook automatic replies
  • Enable Gmail vacation responder

This helps avoid the classic:

“Are you around?”
“Did you see my email?”
“Wait… are they on leave?”

Simple Ways to Share When You’re In, Out, or Away

6. Need Access to KAUST Business Services Remotely?

These mobile apps can help you stay connected to important KAUST business services while away from campus.

HR Connect

  • Leave requests
  • Payslips
  • Organizational information
  • Approvals

Concur

  • Travel requests
  • Expense claims
  • Reimbursements

SAP Joule

Previously known as SAP Mobile Start

  • Business approvals
  • Administrative workflows
  • Access to selected SAP services

7. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi

If you are connecting from airports, hotels, cafés, or other public locations:

  • Use VPN when accessing KAUST resources
  • Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks
  • Lock your screen when stepping away
  • Keep your devices with you
  • Stay cautious of suspicious emails or urgent requests
Additional Guidance from Information Security Important: Secure Remote Work Tips

Need Help?

Support is still available while you are away from campus.

KAUST IT Website it.kaust.edu.sa
VITA Virtual Assistant

VITA is available 24x7 to answer questions, guide you to resources, and log IT tickets.

IT Service Desk

You can call the IT Service Desk or chat with a live support agent from 8 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week, including during the Eid holiday.

+966 12 808 0910

We hope you have a safe and relaxing Eid holiday and a smooth remote work experience afterward.

KAUST IT

it.kaust.edu.sa