Organized by student groups Diwan and Estiraha in collaboration with KFUPM Student Affairs, the exhibition recreated the experience of these cafes where visitors once paid to check emails, browse the web, and connect socially, while blending history with contemporary art and technology.

Although the initiative was led by Gen Z students in their early 20s, including Diwan founder Fajer Al-Mindeel and creative director Wateen Al-Zahrani, the exhibition attracted visitors of all ages, allowing both younger attendees and alumni to engage with a piece of digital history.

Al-Mindeel explained that the inspiration for the event came from spending time on campus and learning about the stories behind the university’s buildings, prompting the team to recreate an experience that honored the cultural and technological past of KFUPM.

KFUPM, founded in 1963 as an all-boys school, has recently begun enrolling women, and several female students featured in the exhibition are among the first graduating class, highlighting both the evolving inclusivity and rich heritage of the university.

Al-Zahrani noted, “One of the most rewarding aspects of organizing the exhibition was reconnecting with alumni who have deep ties to the university, retrieving personal archives, and incorporating their memories into the installations, which created a meaningful and immersive experience for all visitors.”

The students specifically chose Building 10 to host the event, a space that historically served as a cultural hub for performances and movie nights in the 1980s and ’90s but had recently been limited to academic functions, allowing the exhibition to revive the building’s original communal spirit.

Al-Mindeel added, “The venue has historical significance, including hosting a speech by Queen Elizabeth II, and we wanted to combine that heritage with a modern exploration of digital culture and technology, creating a bridge between past and present.”

The exhibition featured works by 14 artists, both Saudi and international, including Mohammad Al-Faraj, Basmah Felemban, Sarah Abu Abdullah, Asaad Badawi, Ally Yanxiu Liu, Abdulelah Quttub, Fai Ahmed, Rama Saputra, Sumayah Fallatah, Dalal Madhi, Hamdan Ahmed, Khaled Makhshoush, and Studio Bin Hattan, whose creations either were commissioned specifically for the event or developed in recent years.

The installations included 12 archive computers from the university, historical books from the library, contemporary artworks, and immersive sound design, with potted plants and interactive elements enhancing the atmosphere and encouraging visitors to reflect on their evolving relationship with technology.

Al-Mindeel highlighted that some of the works explored important contemporary issues, such as environmental impact, showing how daily interactions with technology, including AI platforms, have consequences that are often overlooked but increasingly relevant in modern society.

Student Jood Alshikhi shared her perspective, saying, “The exhibition’s strength was in how it intertwined past and present, beginning with memories of early encounters with computers and transitioning into a modern, art-focused digital world, illustrating how our use of technology has transformed from shared social moments to personalized, creative experiences.”

Visitors left with a sense of both nostalgia and awareness, seeing firsthand how early internet culture has influenced current digital habits, while experiencing a dynamic space that combined historical artifacts, artistic expression, and interactive technology to engage multiple generations.

The event successfully celebrated KFUPM’s history and student creativity, demonstrating how younger generations can honor the past while innovatively interpreting technology’s role in society, fostering community connection, and reviving cultural traditions on campus.

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.