The Biology Department at the College of Applied Sciences visited King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in compliance with the noble invitation from the Saudi Affairs Office at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, on Monday, Safar 13, 1440 AH. The aim of the visit was to participate in the activities of the "Fall Enrichment" Program at the University for the academic year, 2018. The Program focused this year on "Marine Biodiversity".

The team was headed by the Head of the Biology Department, Dr. Yasir bin Ayyash Al-Maru`y, who was accompanied by Dr. Aly Jaballah, Dr. Shady Al-Shahawy, Dr. Muhammad Khalil Al-Munjid, and Mashal bin Hilal Al-Maliky. The team from the female section was headed by the Deputy Head of the Department, Dr. Adhary Filmmban. The team included more than 30 male and female students.

The activities of the program began with the visiting team attending a scientific lecture by the keynote speaker that day, Prof. Catherine McFadden, who is specialized in the diversity of coral reefs. The team participated with a number of the scientific aspects that enriched the discussion. The visiting team became familiarized, through the introductory meeting offered by the Saudi Affairs Office at KAUST, with the beginnings of the University, its foundations, educational programs, admission system, and the status of the University and its students and graduates. Next, the team visited the University Museum that displays the civilization and contributions of Muslim scholars in the development of natural sciences.

The visit ended with a practical workshop in one of the computer laboratories. The workshop explained the procedures for registration and admission to the post-graduate studies programs at KAUST, and clarified the most important points in this regard. It included a documentary film in the University Cinema about maritime life. The lecture was concluded with some contributions and questions from the audience, a declaration of the winners of the deep-sea photo competition, and the distribution of attendance certificates. One of the winners of the 'Introducing KAUST' competition was Mashal bin Hilal Al-Maliky, who is an academic researcher in the Biology Department at Umm Al-Qura University.

The visiting team thanked the staff of the Saudi Affairs Office at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and all those who helped them for their hospitality, good reception, and the well-organized activities.