Introduction and Scope

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ("KAUST" or "the University") was established by Royal Order number A/151 on 11 December 2006. KAUST is a Not for Profit entity and consequently has an exemption from Zakat and Income tax within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This exemption extends to the wholly owned subsidiaries of KAUST registered within KSA that support the core activities of the University. There are no similar exemptions in respect of Value Added Tax or Withholding tax, or for the KAUST subsidiaries registered outside of KSA. 

This document sets out the University's policy and approach to conducting its tax affairs and the management of its tax risk. The document is approved by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The tax strategy applies from the date of publication until it is superseded. The tax strategy will be reviewed annually and any amendments will be approved by CFO prior to publication.