Dhahran, Saudi Arabia — On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Mechanical Engineering Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) welcomed a delegation of 35 students and 2 supervisors from Saqr Al-Jazirah Secondary School, located in Al-Ahsa, Eastern Province. The visit aimed to inspire young minds, introduce them to the field of mechanical engineering, and strengthen ties between secondary and higher education institutions.

Saqr Al-Jazirah Secondary School is a public high school recognized for its focus on academic excellence and student growth. The school actively celebrates high achievers and promotes participation in both academic and extracurricular programs. Its visit to KFUPM highlights a commitment to fostering curiosity and encouraging students to explore their future academic and professional paths.

A Collaborative Effort

This activity was the result of collaboration between several KFUPM units:

• Deanship of Student Affairs: Coordinated logistics and communication to ensure the visit’s success.
• Visit Club: Managed campus tours, student guidance, and volunteer coordination.
• Mechanical Engineering Department (ME): Organized technical demonstrations, lab tours, and discussions with faculty members.
• Materials Science and Engineering Department (MSE): Organized lab experiments to be showcased for the students.

Such coordination reflects KFUPM’s dedication to community engagement and outreach—key pillars in the university’s mission to connect academia with society.

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival, the delegation received a warm welcome from faculty and student representatives. A brief presentation introduced the visitors to KFUPM’s vision, highlighting how mechanical engineering contributes to solving real-world challenges through energy, manufacturing, robotics, and environmental technologies. The guests also learned about KFUPM’s academic excellence and research-driven learning environment.

A warm welcome session led by KFUPM representatives introducing Students from Saqr Al-Jazirah Secondary School to the university’s programs

Lab Tour & Demonstrations

Students observing demonstrations in the thermofluids laboratory

Faculty member explaining experimental setups to the visiting students

The visiting students explored several specialized laboratories within the Mechanical Engineering Department, including those focused-on materials sciences. Faculty members and graduate students guided the visitors through hands-on demonstrations, offering insights into practical engineering applications and showcasing how theoretical principles translate into real-world problem solving.

Students touring the materials and manufacturing lab facilities (Impact Test)

Students touring the materials and manufacturing lab facilities (Tensile Test)

Q&A and Reflection

At the conclusion of the visit, a Q&A session was held where students engaged with faculty members about academic programs, campus life, and research opportunities at KFUPM. Supervisors expressed appreciation for the university’s hospitality and its role in motivating the next generation of engineers. Many students shared their excitement about pursuing future studies in STEM fields, inspired by the visit’s interactive format.

The delegation departing after an insightful and inspiring visit to KFUPM

Institutional Context & Reputation

The Mechanical Engineering Department at KFUPM is one of the university’s oldest and most distinguished academic units, established in 1966 (1387H). The department is ABET-accredited and serves as a hub for innovation, housing state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories. KFUPM’s commitment to educational excellence and societal development is exemplified through programs like these, which connect young learners with higher education opportunities.