About Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University
The history of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) dates back to 1395 AH (1975 AD), when it was established as a branch of King Faisal University in Dammam. In 1430 AH (2009 AD), Royal Decree No. (7305/M.B) dated 3/9/1430 AH was issued to separate it from King Faisal University and rename it “University of Dammam,” with its main campus located in Dammam. At that time, the University comprised 28 colleges distributed across six governorates: Jubail, Qatif, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
In 1435 AH (2014 AD), Royal Decree No. (20937) dated 2/6/1435 AH established Hafr Al-Batin University as an independent institution, separating it from the University of Dammam and including the colleges in Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, while retaining the remaining colleges under the University of Dammam.
Later, in 1438 AH (2016 AD), Royal Decree No. (29402) dated 28/2/1438 AH approved the renaming of “University of Dammam” to “Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University.”
The organizational structure of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University comprises a Board of Trustees overseeing the University, in accordance with the Universities Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/27) dated 2/3/1441 AH, a University Council chaired by the University President, four Vice Presidencies, and the Academic Medical City.
The University includes 19 colleges, 4 institutes, 15 research and academic centers, and several supporting deanships. It also operates three university hospitals and a Family and Community Medicine Center.
Additionally, the University owns Dammam Valley Company, which serves as its principal investment arm.
IAU Research and Innovation Strategy 2025–2030
At Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, research and innovation are key drivers of scientific excellence, societal impact, and sustainable development. The University's Research and Innovation Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for advancing impactful research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, accelerating innovation, and translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address national and global challenges.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and national research priorities, the strategy focuses on strengthening the University's research ecosystem through strategic research groups, Grand Challenges, and Innovation Goals initiatives, while promoting partnerships with industry, government, and international research institutions.
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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