Saudi Students Showcase Global Cultures at KFUPM WORLD Festival

Dhahran – The campus of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals opened its doors this week to one of its largest student-organized cultural festivals, known as KFUPM WORLD.

The event spans four days and brings together students, families and visitors to explore a wide range of international traditions.

Held from Wednesday through Saturday, the festival aims to strengthen cultural understanding among students from more than 30 nationalities.

It creates a shared space where both Saudi and international participants can connect outside their academic environments.

Organized entirely by students, the festival features cultural booths, traditional attire displays, live performances and art exhibitions.
It also incorporates interactive experiences that introduce visitors to global customs and creative expressions.

The event is built around four themes — culture, tourism, entertainment and arts. Each theme highlights different aspects of identity, heritage and student creativity from around the world.

Building 57’s outdoor area has been transformed into a walkway lined with national flags representing Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Guests walk through rows of booths and performance stations while volunteers guide them through each display.

Student organizers say the initiative grew from a desire to create a more connected campus environment.Many international students often remain within their own communities, and the festival aims to bridge that gap.

Ziyad Al-Harbi, a mechanical engineering student who founded KFUPM WORLD, said the project began as a personal ambition to contribute something meaningful to the university.

He also noted that student exchange efforts have not been fully activated, making events like this an important step toward integration.

The festival has already drawn positive reactions from visitors who appreciate its welcoming atmosphere. Many said the event offers an accessible, engaging look into the university’s diverse student body.

Among the attendees was Ghala Hazza, a high school student, who said she found the experience warm and inviting. She noted that organizers were helpful and praised the effort behind the setup and coordination.

Inside the cultural booths, students showcase clothing, crafts, traditions and foods linked to their home countries. Some visitors stop to take photos with cultural installations, while others learn about languages and historical backgrounds.

The Chinese booth attracted significant attention with its bright red decor and traditional outfits. Booths from Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan and several other countries also provided unique cultural insights.

Near Building 70, the main stage featured traditional Saudi performances that drew large crowds. Drummers and local folk performers entertained visitors, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

Students and families gathered to watch the shows, take photographs and participate in parts of the performances. The stage area became one of the festival’s most active spaces during opening night.

KFUPM officials said the event supports the university’s broader goals of enhancing student life and promoting cultural engagement.
It also aligns with national priorities connected to Vision 2030, particularly in the fields of culture, tourism and community participation.

The festival reflects a growing trend of student-led initiatives across the university. Events such as TEDxKFUPM and large student conferences have become regular parts of campus life.

Crowds remained strong throughout opening night as visitors explored each section of the festival. Younger attendees also used the opportunity to learn more about the university’s environment.

For many international students, the event served as a chance to represent their cultural identity. For new visitors, it provided a first look into the social and cultural energy on campus.

Organizers said they plan to expand KFUPM WORLD in the coming years. They aim to include more countries, more performances and additional interactive experiences in future editions.