Venue Details

SaudiCIS 2026 will take place at the Novotel Dhahran Hotel & Residences, AMAAD Business Park, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia — adjacent to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).

The conference is hosted in the hotel’s own event space: a 1,000 m² ballroom seating up to 800 guests for the plenary sessions, together with seven further meeting rooms for the parallel tracks, consortia and workshops. Delegates staying at the hotel are already at the venue.

3917, 7443, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, 34463 Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

How to Reach the Conference Venue

By air through King Fahd International Airport:

King Fahd International Airport is a 35 minutes drive from the conference venue. A taxi will cost around SAR 150 for the one-way trip.
If your flight makes a stop in Riyadh, you can either take a flight from King Khalid Airport, Riyadh to King Fahd International Airport, Dammam, which takes about an hour (highly recommended), or a train from Riyadh Train Station, which takes around 4 hours.
The hotel sits inside AMAAD Business Park, on the KFUPM side of Dhahran and a short drive from Al Khobar and Dammam. Ride-hailing apps and taxis serve the area, and there is parking on site for delegates who drive.

Hotels and Accommodation

The Novotel Dhahran is both the conference venue and the recommended place to stay. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and are encouraged to book early. Please mention SaudiCIS 2026 / KFUPM when you contact the hotel.

Novotel Dhahran Hotel & Residences

The conference venue — AMAAD Business Park, Dhahran

A newly opened Accor property in AMAAD Business Park, a strategic gateway to the academic and commercial hubs of the Eastern Province including KFUPM and Saudi Aramco. Delegates staying here reach the sessions without leaving the building.

216 guest rooms and suites, plus 118 serviced apartments for longer stays
Five dining venues, including all-day dining, a lobby lounge café and a pool bar
1,000 m² ballroom and seven meeting rooms — the conference sessions are held on site
Heated swimming pools, fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour in-room dining
Concierge, on-site car park and wheelchair-accessible facilities

For reservations and current rates, please contact the hotel directly:

HB6G6-RE@accor.com

+966 13 512 8080

View Hotel Details

An alternative hotel a short drive from the venue:

Hilton Garden Inn Al Khobar

Within walking distance of the Mall of Dhahran

A contemporary hotel centrally positioned between Dhahran and Al Khobar, offering convenient access to the conference venue, KFUPM, Saudi Aramco and Dhahran Techno Valley. The hotel has 203 guest rooms, a heated rooftop swimming pool, separate fitness facilities for men and women, and the Garden Grill restaurant and lobby café.

Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service
Business centre, meeting rooms and secure underground parking
Family rooms and accessible rooms available
Air-conditioned prayer halls and dedicated swimming hours for ladies

For reservations and current rates, please contact the hotel directly:

Res.HGIAlkhobar@hilton.com

920 020 064

View Hotel Details

Apply for Saudi Visa

The Saudi visa is just a click away once you fill in the online visa application form, available here.
If you are a speaker, you will require a business visa and the SaudiCIS 2026 coordination team will assist you in obtaining it.

Please send an e-mail to KIKX-Logistics@kfupm.edu.sa well in advance of the conference, so that we can help you get your visa on time.

About Dhahran and the Eastern Province

Dhahran sits in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, on the Arabian Gulf coast, and forms part of the Dammam metropolitan area together with Dammam and Al Khobar. It is the cultural and intellectual heart of the region, home to KFUPM, Saudi Aramco and Ithra, and is known for its museums, green spaces and modern architecture.

While you are in the region, you may enjoy:

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) — a landmark centre for art, knowledge and innovation in Dhahran.
Al Khobar Corniche — a palm-lined waterfront promenade with seaside cafés and restaurants.
Half Moon Bay — a long-standing local favourite for beach days and picnics.
Heritage Village, Dammam — traditional architecture, crafts and local hospitality.
Mall of Dhahran — one of the largest shopping complexes in the Eastern Province.
King Fahd Causeway — the road link connecting Al Khobar with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Winters are mild and pleasant, which makes the cooler months the most comfortable time to explore the province, while summers are hot and humid. Private cars, ride-hailing apps and taxis are the easiest ways to move between Dhahran, Al Khobar and Dammam.

Saudi Travel Guide