Dr. Abdulkader Afifi is a professor of Earth Systems Science and Engineering at KAUST. He is interested in most aspects of geology and recognized internationally for his expertise in the geology and natural resources of the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea. He began his career in 1980 in geological mapping and mineral exploration with the U.S. Geological Survey, and from 1991-2017 with Aramco’s Exploration Organization, where he held technical and management roles in oil and gas exploration, reservoir characterization and upstream joint ventures. Professor Afifi is active in professional societies as author, councilor, distinguished lecturer, field trip leader and conference organizer. He served for two decades as an associate editor of GeoArabia. He also served as past president of American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Middle East Region, and on several university and governmental committees. ​

Dr. Afifi’s Arabian Plate Geology Research Group (APG) covers a wide range of topics within Earth Science, with specialization in the stratigraphy, structure and tectonics of the Arabian Plate and the Red Sea. The practical aspects of their research include conventional carbon dioxide sequestration in saline aquifers, carbon dioxide mineralization in mafic and ultramafic rocks, conventional and low enthalpy geothermal systems, underground gas storage, and mineral resource potential. The APG collaborates with other research groups worldwide and at KAUST, integrating stratigraphy, structural geology, minerology, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics and biostratigraphy to understand Earth systems. ​