ICMI-2026

Travel And Accommodation

The ICMI-2026 Conference will be held at King Faisal University (KFU). KFU is located at the center of Al Ahsa, making it accessible to multiple airports and attractions.

About King Faisal University

King Faisal University, located in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, has been a key player in higher education since its founding in 1975. With 16 colleges and over 21 research centers, the university offers a wide range of programs—from Computer Science to engineering and health sciences—designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge.

Since its establishment, King Faisal University has experienced five decades of successful history, enriched by the care and support of the rulers of the Kingdom. This period was highlighted by an honor from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God protect him—through the inauguration of its university city in the A-Ahsa Oasis. This city of science includes 15 faculties and approximately 2,200 faculty members. According to the 2024 statistics, King Faisal University currently boasts a total enrollment of 45,118 students within its diverse and vibrant student body. Of this number, the undergraduate segment comprises 39,726 students, representing 88% of the overall student population. This indicates a significant majority of individuals are in the initial stages of their higher education. Conversely, the postgraduate population, which consists of 5,392 students, makes up 12% of the total enrolment.

KFU has made major strides in research, ranking 1st worldwide in Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents 2024. It’s also recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability, placing 99th worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

Research centers like the Future Technologies Center, Date Palm Research Center and the Center for Environmental Studies drive innovation in food security, smart farming, and environmental solutions, and others. Through strong partnerships with international institutions and industries, KFU fosters real-world impact while supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

For more details about KFU, see https://www.kfu.edu.sa/en/Pages/AboutKKFU.aspx

King Faisal University

Accommodation

The following options are close to King Faisal University and were shared for ICMI 2026 participants. Distances are shown to help compare convenience, and booking links are included where available.

Somewhere Hotel Al Ahsa exterior 25% conference discount

Somewhere Hotel

Show your conference or hackathon badge at reception to receive the participant discount.

Located on King Saud Road with direct access to Al Rashid Town Square and convenient access to Hofuf Railway Station.

  • Al-Ahsa International Airport18 km
  • Al-Ahsa Train Station4 km
  • King Faisal University10 km
View Park Apartment exterior

View Park Apartment

30% special discount for ICMI conference participants with conference or hackathon badge shown at reception.

A serviced-apartment style option for participants who prefer apartment accommodation over a conventional hotel room.

  • Al-Ahsa International Airport20 km
  • Al-Ahsa Train Station7 km
  • King Faisal University12 km
InterContinental Al Ahsa exterior

InterContinental Al Ahsa

A full-service luxury option near the railway station and within a short drive of King Faisal University.

  • Al-Ahsa International Airport17.4 km
  • Al-Ahsa Train Station2.6 km
  • King Faisal University8 km
Braira Al Ahsa exterior

Braira Al Ahsa

A centrally located option on King Abdullah Road for attendees who want a shorter airport transfer.

  • Al-Ahsa International Airport9 km
  • Al-Ahsa Train Station4.8 km
  • King Faisal University6.8 km
Al-Ahsa Grand Hotel room

Al-Ahsa Grand Hotel

The nearest listed option to King Faisal University, suitable for attendees prioritizing quick venue access.

  • Al-Ahsa International Airport16 km
  • Al-Ahsa Train Station7.5 km
  • King Faisal University1 km

About Al-Ahsa

Al-Ahsa, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is a region of remarkable cultural and environmental significance. Renowned as the world's largest oasis, it boasts over 2.5 million date palms nourished by more than 280 natural springs, creating a lush landscape amidst the desert. This unique environment has supported continuous human settlement since the Neolithic era, evidenced by ancient forts, mosques, and sophisticated water management systems. In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Al-Ahsa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. Today, it remains a vital center for agriculture, particularly date cultivation, and continues to play a significant role in the region's heritage and economy.

For more details about Al Ahsa, see https://www.kfu.edu.sa/en/Pages/AboutAlAhsa.aspx




Travel Information

Nearby Accommodation Options

Conference participants can choose from Somewhere Hotel, InterContinental Al Ahsa, Braira Al Ahsa, Al-Ahsa Grand Hotel, and View Park Apartment. The accommodation section above lists their current distances from Al-Ahsa International Airport, Al-Ahsa Train Station, and King Faisal University.

Please review the accommodation links for booking details. Where discounts apply, participants should show their conference or hackathon badge at reception, and the View Park Apartment booking link is still pending.

Saudi Visa Requirements

  • eVisa for GCC Residents
  • eVisa and Visa on Arrival
  • Consulate Visa

Information and how to obtain it Click Here

Documents required include:

  • A copy of the passport, the validity of the passport must not be less than 6 months from the expected time of entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Fill in the data in the table and attach them to the

    • Employer
    • Activity
    • Occupation
    • Mobile Number
    • Email
    • Arrival Destination

  • A business visit visa application document is issued
  • The single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, and the allowed stay is 30 days
  • Visa issuance usually takes one to two working days in most cases
  • A document of those wanted for a visit with the document number will be sent to the e-mail to complete the procedures for obtaining an entry visa from the concerned missions of the Kingdom through the approved centers and after fulfilling all the requirements
  • The approval of the application does not guarantee the issuance of the visa