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The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK continues to strengthen its engagement with Kuwait’s local industry as part of its commitment to delivering high-quality education and advancing applied learning. These partnerships support CEAS’s vision of preparing graduates whose skills, achievements, and professional impact are widely recognized.
Industry collaboration plays a central role in enhancing Systems Engineering education by providing students with exposure to real operational environments and professional practices. Through the active involvement of industry partners, students gain valuable insight that supports the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application.
As part of this effort, Systems Engineering capstone students participated in a supervised educational visit to a warehouse facility in Kuwait. The visit enabled students to observe real-world warehousing and logistics operations, including space utilization, material handling systems, storage and racking configurations, docking and loading processes, and overall workflow organization. This experience formed an essential applied learning component of their capstone projects and reinforced systems-level thinking within a professional context.
Dr. Aliaa Abouali highlighted that integrating field visits into the capstone curriculum allows students to engage directly with operational challenges, strengthening their ability to approach systems integration and planning using industry-relevant methodologies.
Dean Mohammed El-Abd emphasized that strengthening partnerships with local industry is a strategic priority for CEAS. He noted that industry-supported capstone projects enable students to translate classroom learning into practical solutions, enhancing both professional readiness and the overall academic experience.
The College extends its appreciation to Eng. Basma El-Hasan from JTC, Mr. Jude Dsilva and Eng. Pintu Roy from Stack Group, and Dr. Islam Al-Adl from Hamad Saleh Al Homaizi Grandsons Pharma Co. for their support and collaboration, which contributed to the success of this initiative.
Such partnerships are integral to advancing experiential learning and sustaining meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. CEAS looks forward to continued cooperation through future applied projects and educational initiatives.
AUK proudly celebrates twelve outstanding students who have been awarded scholarships to participate in international academic experiences during the Summer 2026 semester. These scholarships reflect the university’s commitment to fostering global engagement, academic excellence, and experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom.
The selected students—Hala Krayem, Nora Darkhabani, Sara Al Ali, Laila Alkhalifa, Sara Dallol, Letizia Pescarini, Lucrezia Pescarini, Maryam Al Ashwak, Ali Abou Hawili, Abdulkarim Besiso, Mohammad Kheder, and Khaled Al Otaibi—will take part in a range of study abroad programs, exchange semesters, and professional internships at prestigious partner institutions. Through these opportunities, students will be immersed in diverse academic environments and professional settings that enhance their knowledge, skills, and global awareness.
Participation in international programs plays a significant role in enriching the student experience at AUK. By engaging with different cultures, educational systems, and professional practices, students develop stronger critical thinking abilities, cultural competence, and independence. These experiences contribute meaningfully to their academic journey and personal growth, while also enhancing their readiness for future careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Summer 2026 international placements will take place at leading institutions, including The George Washington University in the United States, the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom, and Dartmouth College in the United States. These partnerships underscore AUK’s dedication to providing high-impact global learning opportunities that align with students’ academic goals and professional aspirations.
As the scholarship recipients embark on this journey of discovery and growth, they proudly represent the American University of Kuwait on the international stage. The university extends its best wishes for their continued success, confident that this experience will have a lasting and meaningful impact on their academic development and future endeavors.
AUK recently hosted the Art & Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition, a culminating academic showcase highlighting the creative and conceptual achievements of senior students in the Department of Art and Graphic Design. The exhibition brought together faculty members, students, alumni, and members of the wider community to celebrate a new generation of designers entering the professional field.
The Capstone Exhibition represents the final stage of the Graphic Design Program, where students translate years of academic training into fully realized projects. The works on display strongly emphasized research-driven design, visual storytelling, and problem-solving across diverse themes, including branding, social awareness, cultural identity, digital media, and experimental design.
Visitors to the exhibition were presented with a wide range of projects that demonstrated both technical proficiency and conceptual depth. Each project was developed through an intensive process that included research, ideation, critique, and refinement, guided closely by faculty mentors. The outcome was a collection of work that balanced creative expression with professional standards expected in the design industry.
Faculty members noted that the exhibition is not only a display of student talent, but also a reflection of the program’s academic rigor and teaching philosophy. Through continuous critique, mentorship, and curriculum development aligned with international standards, the Graphic Design Program aims to prepare students for real-world challenges while encouraging innovation and critical thinking.
The exhibition also served as a platform for dialogue between students and the professional community, offering attendees insight into the evolving role of graphic design in contemporary society. By addressing both local and global perspectives, the showcased projects highlighted the relevance of design as a tool for communication, impact, and cultural engagement.
The Art & Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition stands as a testament to AUK’s commitment to academic excellence and creative development. As graduates move forward into professional practice or advanced studies, the exhibition marks an important milestone, celebrating their growth, resilience, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the creative industries.
Graphic Design Capstone poster
(Left-Right)- Prof. William Anderson, Associate Professor- Art & Graphic Design; Dean Ali Charara-College of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Aseel AlAwadhi, Vice President- Academic Affairs; Prof. Fahad Dhawi, Chair & Assistant Professor- Graphic Design; Prof. Rita Merheb, Associate Professor-Graphic Design; Prof. Ramy Khair, Associate Professor- Graphic Design
General photos from the exhibition
AUK is pleased to announce that its Design Program has received official notification from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) granting Substantial Equivalency for a period of ten years. The next comprehensive review is scheduled for the 2034–2035 academic year. Substantial Equivalency is the designation used by NASAD for non-US institutions seeking accreditation and affirms alignment with established international standards.
The renewal followed a comprehensive evaluation process that began in 2025 and included a self-study, documentation review, and site visit. The process was coordinated by Dr. Fahad A. Dhawi, Chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design, in collaboration with faculty colleagues and the Dean’s Office.
Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Dhawi stated, “Receiving NASAD Substantial Equivalency for a ten-year period is a significant milestone for AUK’s Design Program. It confirms that our students are benefiting from an educational experience comparable in content, rigor, and outcomes to internationally benchmarked programs.”
The Design Program, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Design (Graphic Design) grounded in a liberal arts framework, with an emphasis on visual communication, typography, design thinking, multimedia, and professional practice.
Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “This ten-year Substantial Equivalency recognition from NASAD affirms that the curriculum, program content, resources, and faculty qualifications in AUK’s Design program are aligned with established international standards and reinforces AUK’s commitment to preparing graduates for global practice.”
AUK announced the participation of Associate Professor Rita Merheb in the Architecture & Design Research Conference (ADRC) 2025, held in Jeddah, KSA from December 4 to 6. During the conference, Merheb presented her research poster titled ‘Design Documentation in Education: AUK Student Projects Preserving Regional Visual Culture’, followed by an academic Q&A session focused on design education and cultural heritage.
The research examines seven capstone projects developed by students in AUK’s Graphic Design Program and explores how design education can contribute to the documentation and reinterpretation of Gulf and regional visual culture. Through publications, illustration, interactive media, and children’s storytelling, the projects demonstrate how students engage with oral histories and local narratives, translating cultural knowledge into contemporary visual and interactive formats within a higher education setting.
Merheb’s study positions design students as active contributors to cultural preservation and highlights the role of academic institutions in fostering community-oriented and research-driven creative practice. By integrating design documentation into the curriculum, the research underscores the potential of design education to support cultural continuity while advancing critical thinking and visual communication skills.
AUK commended Rita Merheb for representing the university at a prominent regional academic conference and for contributing to ongoing scholarly conversations on design pedagogy and cultural stewardship.
Rita Merheb is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Art & Design Department at AUK. Her research poster is currently available as a conference submission file, and a PDF version can be shared upon request. The full research paper is accessible through the official website created for the study.
https://sites.google.com/view/ritamerheb/abstract
AUK hosted the Culture Showcase at the AUK Basketball Court, welcoming students, faculty, and guests to a vibrant university-wide event dedicated to cultural awareness, academic application, and global engagement.
The Culture Showcase is a termly diversity-focused initiative developed by Associate Professor Dr. Nabeel Sawalha from the College of Business and Economics (CBE) as part of the International Business course (BUS321). The project enables students to explore a country through established cultural theories, examining traditions, values, cuisine, attire, artifacts, and communication styles. As a core component of the BUS321 curriculum, the initiative promotes a neutral, informed, and respectful understanding of cultural diversity within an international business context.
What began as a course-based assignment has evolved into a large-scale community event. Students independently select countries from all continents, allowing for originality, ownership, and creativity. Their efforts result in a dynamic environment where academic theory intersects with experiential learning, transforming the campus into a global cultural space.
This semester marked a significant milestone with the expansion of the Culture Showcase to include international diplomatic engagement. For the first time, an embassy was invited as a guest of honor, with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China participating in collaboration with the China Cultural Center in Kuwait. The Embassy’s First Secretary formally opened the event, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and academic partnership. The collaboration contributed to an exceptional turnout and a comprehensive presentation of Chinese culture across multiple dimensions.
Students represented 25 countries this semester: Kuwait, China, United States, Canada, Egypt, Palestine, Japan, France, India, Spain, Lebanon, Greece, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Mexico, Colombia, Türkiye, Iran, Malaysia, Russia, and Morocco.
Participants reflected on the showcase as an opportunity to move beyond traditional classroom learning. Students representing Kuwait emphasized how presenting their own culture fostered pride, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of international business theories when applied to lived cultural experience. The Mexico team highlighted the value of immersive storytelling and academic integration, noting that recognition for their work affirmed the impact of thoughtful cultural representation. The team representing the Philippines described the experience as transformative, combining theory, creativity, and sensory engagement to bring cultural values and communication styles to life.
The Culture Showcase continues to serve as a platform where academic rigor, cultural storytelling, and community engagement converge. Through student initiative and institutional support, the event reinforces AUK’s commitment to global awareness, experiential learning, and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Images from the event
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) successfully hosted its “Accounting Day” on 10 December 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering students a full day of academic and professional engagement centered on contemporary developments in the accounting profession. The event provided meaningful exposure to industry practices and emerging themes, including artificial intelligence in accounting, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, and sustainability reporting.
The event officially commenced with the inauguration of the industry exhibition booths in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Aseel AlAwadhi, alongside CBE Dean Dr. Mohammad Elian. Throughout the day, the exhibition space served as a hub for interaction between students and representatives from leading organizations, including BDO, KPMG, Forvis Mazars, AlKhuzam–Morison Global, Keepers Advisory, the Capital Markets Authority, the Kuwait Accountants and Auditors Association, CCE, and AIESEC. These engagements enabled students to gain firsthand insight into professional pathways, organizational roles, and current market expectations.
In parallel with the exhibition, a series of specialized workshops were conducted across campus classrooms. Ms. Jessica Merryl from AlKhuzam delivered a session on Digital Transformation in Accounting, highlighting how technological advancements are reshaping financial practices, auditing processes, and professional competencies. The workshop emphasized practical applications of digital tools and the importance of adaptability in an evolving financial environment. Later in the day, KPMG Kuwait led a session focused on career opportunities within the firm, offering an overview of its Audit and Assurance services, sectoral client base, and diverse service lines, including financial statement audits, technical accounting, prospective reporting, and ESG-related services. The discussion provided students with a clearer understanding of potential career trajectories within a global professional services firm.
The academic component of the program was further enriched by a comprehensive workshop on ESG Sustainability Reporting, delivered by Mr. Kareem Abu Eid of RSM and Dr. Samir Trabelsi from Brock University, Canada. This session examined the increasing significance of ESG considerations in corporate reporting and decision-making, addressing both theoretical principles and practical reporting requirements. Complementing the workshops, panel discussions explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on traditional accounting roles, as well as the integration of sustainability metrics into corporate financial strategies.
The day concluded with an honorary ceremony held in the auditorium, during which industry participants and panelists were formally recognized for their contributions. The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence through the presentation of special awards to outstanding senior students in the accounting major. Overall, Accounting Day 2025 reflected CBE’s continued commitment to bridging academic learning with industry practice and preparing students for the evolving demands of the accounting profession.
Images from the event
The University hosted Mr. Mohamad Shouman, General Manager of the Corporate Banking Sector at Kuwait Finance House, for a guest lecture organized by Dr. Wafaa Sbeiti from the College of Business and Economics. The event served as part of the University’s broader initiative to enhance experiential learning and provide students with direct exposure to sector-specific expertise.
Under the title “ESG Frameworks and Sustainable Finance: Shaping Kuwait’s Corporate Future,” the session examined the practical adoption of sustainability-driven approaches within corporate banking. Mr. Shouman addressed how financial institutions are redefining performance metrics beyond traditional profitability to include social impact, environmental responsibility, and governance effectiveness. He discussed the role of structured ESG reporting in improving corporate accountability and strengthening stakeholder trust, as well as its influence on investment evaluation and credit assessment.
The lecture further considered the intersection between sustainable finance and national development objectives, highlighting how responsible financial practices can support economic resilience and innovation. Students were encouraged to consider the long-term implications of sustainability on corporate strategy, capital allocation, and institutional reputation within an increasingly competitive financial environment.
Concluding the session, Mr. Shouman reflected on the evolving skill sets required in the banking sector, emphasizing analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and adaptability as essential competencies for future professionals. The event provided students with a deeper understanding of how global sustainability trends are localized within Kuwait’s financial landscape, reinforcing the University’s role in preparing graduates to engage thoughtfully and effectively with the future of corporate finance.
AUK hosted a book talk and signing to celebrate the release of The History of Kuwait: What the Historian’s Memory Overlooked (Takween, 2025), authored by Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi, Professor of History and International Relations in the College of Arts & Sciences. Organized jointly by the AUK Library and the Office of Research and Grants’ Faculty Speaker Series (FSS), the event welcomed a diverse audience of academics, researchers, students, alumni, and external guests.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Salime Smadi, Chair of the Faculty Speaker Series, who welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of supporting faculty research. This was followed by a message from Ms. Asma Al Kanan, University Librarian, who emphasized the library’s commitment to fostering knowledge creation, intellectual exchange, and cultural engagement through such initiatives.
During his lecture, Prof. Al-Awadi discussed the research journey behind the book, highlighting the extensive effort devoted to collecting historical documents and images. Drawing on more than 170 references from local, regional, and international sources, the book seeks to restore recognition to less- documented groups and communities that played a vital role in shaping Kuwait’s history but have long been absent from mainstream narratives. Prof. Al-Awadi noted that the work aims to encourage a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the country’s past.
The session featured vibrant audience engagement, with attendees posing questions on research methodology and the importance of revisiting historical accounts through broader and more inclusive perspectives. The discussion underscored a growing interest in critical approaches that complement dominant historical narratives.
The event concluded with a book signing ceremony, offering attendees the opportunity to receive signed copies directly from the author. The celebratory atmosphere reflected the academic community’s appreciation of Prof. Al-Awadi’s contribution to Kuwait’s historiography and his efforts to illuminate overlooked dimensions of the country’s past.
Images from the event
AUK hosted a specialized forum titled “Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Higher Education in Kuwait,” organized by the Office of Research and Grants (ORG) in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Research. The event brought together faculty, staff, and administrators to examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence in advancing teaching, research, and institutional effectiveness.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Ms. Afsah Abdullah of the Office of Research and Grants, who highlighted the importance of cross-campus collaboration in advancing innovation. Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, Director of the Office of Institutional Research, followed with opening remarks that framed AI adoption as a strategic priority for AUK and emphasized its potential to support evidence-based decision-making and academic excellence.
The program featured two keynote addresses from AUK faculty members with expertise in artificial intelligence. Dr. Belal Gharaibeh delivered a keynote on AI Adoption in Academic Research, discussing how AI-driven tools can enhance research design, analysis, and scholarly productivity. Dr. Dmytro Roman Kulchitsky presented on AI Initiatives at AUK, outlining current and emerging efforts to integrate AI across academic programs and institutional operations.
A moderated panel discussion further enriched the event, bringing together perspectives from academia and industry. The panel, moderated by Dr. Sarah Al-Shamali, included Dr. Husam Arman (KISR), Dr. Ali Alfaily (PAAET), Mr. Abdullah Khaleel Kamal, an AI and data analytics specialist, and Ms. Dima Aburashid, Senior Instructor of Computer Science at AUK. Panelists discussed the practical applications of AI in higher education, challenges related to implementation, and opportunities for national and institutional collaboration.
Discussions throughout the forum emphasized the responsible integration of AI technologies within academic and administrative contexts. Participants highlighted the importance of AI literacy, ethical use, academic integrity, and transparency, while underscoring the role of human judgment and expertise in guiding AI-supported decision-making. The conversations also encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration as a key driver of sustainable innovation.
The event concluded by reinforcing AUK’s commitment to supporting initiatives that align with Kuwait’s digital transformation goals. Attendees were encouraged to explore research projects, partnerships, and proposals that advance the responsible and impactful use of artificial intelligence in education.
Through initiatives such as this forum, AUK continues to position itself as a forward-looking institution dedicated to innovation, academic excellence, and regional leadership in technology-enabled higher education.
Images from the event
