KGSP Alumni Council Hosts Iftar Events in Three Locations

On Friday, March 6th, 2026, alumni of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) from across the Kingdom gathered in three cities to share iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. Hosted by KAUST Academy and the KGSP Alumni Council, the iftar events welcomed a total of 93 guests at the KAUST campus (47), Riyadh (36), and Al Khobar (10). Alumni reconnected with former classmates while also meeting members of the broader KGSP network. The Council have been hosting iftar gatherings since the very first council was elected in 2021, making these events an ongoing annual tradition. 

This year’s attendees were from a wide range of KGSP cohorts, as far back as Cohort 2, which began their scholarship in 2012, up to the most recent Cohort 13, who graduated this past spring. This group of multigenerational alumni demonstrated a lasting commitment in staying connected with the KGSP community.  

“It’s always great to be around KGSP alumni, reconnecting with friends and getting to know people that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet otherwise,” said Salma Alrowaie, President of the KGSP Alumni Council. “Our community always has this energy that is quite contagious.” 

In addition to breaking fast and reconnecting with one another, attendees played an Arabic version of a Jeopardy-style game led by an Alumni council member, which created a lively and nostalgic atmosphere, bringing back the same friendly competitiveness many alumni remember from their student days. 

“As the Alumni Council Event Coordinator, it made me so proud to see the Alumni socializing and having such a great time during the event,” said Sondos Quqandi. “Seeing everyone want to stay connected and give back is the ultimate proof of success, and exactly what the Council is here for.” 

Among the attendees was Mr. Ameer Alsabaa, Head of the KGSP, who reflected: 

“It was a pleasure to attend the iftar gathering and spend the evening with our alumni community. The event was exceptionally well organized, and it was wonderful to see such a strong spirit of connection and belonging throughout the night. Moments like these remind us how valuable our alumni network is, not only professionally, but also as a community that genuinely enjoys coming together. I would like to thank the Alumni Council leadership for their dedication and hard work in organizing such a meaningful and enjoyable event.” 

This month’s iftar events represent the first formal gathering of alumni since the inaugural KGSP Alumni Summit in October 2025, which welcomed guests back to the KAUST campus for a weekend of networking, workshops, discussions, and an award ceremony. The KGSP Alumni Office and Council hope to organize additional events this academic year. Details on these gatherings will be published in our monthly newsletters, as well as on the KGSP LinkedIn page.  

Given the strong attendance this month, the Council hopes that this tradition of reuniting during Ramadan, a month of reflection and community, will continue for years to come.