Mr. Sulaiman Al-Thunayan joined KAUST in 2008 with Government Affairs. He brought with him extensive experience in operational leadership, resource utilization and organizational development in distinguished government organizations.

Participated in over 30 training courses on different fields, and over 40 summits, conferences and workshops in and out of the kingdom. Mr. Al-Thunayan is a recipient of over 70 appreciation and gratitude certificates, worked as a member of over 25 committees, represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 17 international meetings on different levels, and was assigned as a special escort to a number of Foreign Ministers during their visits to the Kingdom.

In 1983, Mr. Al-Thunayan started his career with Saudi Arabia Standard Organization as a Director General of Public Relations and Publicity. During his tenure between 1983 and 2008, he has served different highly reputed organizations in the capacity of Director General of Media & Public Relations – Gulf Countries (GCC) Standardization Authority; Director General of Public Relations and Publicity – King Abdulaziz Quality Award; Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Building Code Magazine; and Editor-in-Chief of Consumer & Quality Magazine. Executive Manager, KAUST Management Services Co. (KMSC). Executive Manager, KAUST Investment Co. (KIC). Executive Manager, KAUST Beacon Ventures Co. Office Director of Standardization Board –GCC. General Director, Public Relations & Information, King Abdulaziz Quality Award. General Director, Public Relations & Information, National Committee of Saudi Building Code. Chief Editor – Saudi Building Code.

Currently, under his leadership, he is responsible of the Government Affairs and Security Department. Both departments are consists of a 350+ employees. As a valuable member of different committees and organizations within KAUST and in-Kingdom, Mr. Al-Thunayan is playing a vital role in the KAUST Community Advisory Committee and the KAUST Land Use Committee. 

His major achievements, during the last ten years in KAUST include developing a unique and exceptional services to serve KAUST staff, faculty & student, achieving the KAUST ultimate vision and mission.  Also to recognize on establishing a highly motivated team with exceptional skills to meet the University demand and customer satisfaction. His continued establishment of strong business relations with Government officials by sharing knowledge and KAUST context; improving Governmental systems and procedures for chemical clearance and its critical relationship to the success of research at KAUST and in the Kingdom; implementing new solutions for building national good practice to become a sustainable law in the Kingdom.

Sulaiman M. Al-Thunayan

Vice President, Government Affairs

4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Thuwal 23955-6900

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia