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AUK hosted its Student Media Production Event under the supervision of Professor Mohammed Akbar, associate professor of communication and media. The event showcased the exceptional creativity and innovation of AUK students in broadcasting, film production, and advertising, highlighting their growing impact in media content creation.
During the event, students presented their Mobile Videography Final projects, which included advertisements, short films, and documentaries, along with broadcast and news segments developed in past and current semesters. The two-hour program concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding student achievements in film production and media storytelling.
The event drew faculty, peers, and guests, who witnessed the high quality of student work and the promising future of AUK’s communication and media students.
Leading the event, Professor Akbar—an experienced media professional with over three decades in broadcast journalism and media translation—shared valuable insights throughout the presentations and acknowledged the remarkable contributions of participating teams.
This initiative reflects AUK’s mission to equip students with practical skills in media production, critical thinking, and storytelling, preparing them to thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Dr. Akbar awarding participating student, Abdulrahman Almoqahwi
Dr. Akbar awarding participating student, Ali Habeeb
Dr. Akbar awarding participating student, Khaled Abdal
Dr. Akbar awarding participating student, Nour Zaouk
Dr. Akbar awarding the participating students
AUK held its graduation commencement for the class of 2025 on Wednesday 25th June conferring the degrees on 424 graduates—158 of which were from the College of Arts and Sciences, 143 from the College of Business and Economics, and 123 from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Amongst the 2025 cohort, 7 graduates were awarded highest honors (summa cum laude), 30 awarded high honors (magna cum laude), and 45 awarded honors (cum laude).
Held at The Arena Kuwait, the graduation ceremony was attended by Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, founder and chair of AUK's Board of Trustees, members of the AUK board of trustees, diplomats, dignitaries, and families of this year's graduates.
Following the national anthem and the Holy Quran recitation, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad reflected on the unique synergy between the nation's cultural heritage and the University’s academic vision. Drawing attention to the deep-rooted values that shape both Kuwait and AUK, she stated, “With its long-standing commitment to education, its enduring spirit of hospitality, and its deep civic values, Kuwait offers a cultural foundation that resonates profoundly with the ideals of a liberal arts education. It is this harmonious convergence—of global perspective and local tradition—that gives AUK its distinctive character and enduring relevance.”
The secretary-general of the Private Universities Council, Mr. Adel Ahmed Al-Bader spoke inspiringly to the graduates, stating that they are the driving force who are tasked with elevating Kuwait to new heights on the global stage through innovation, leadership, and commitment.
This year’s keynote speech was delivered by Her Excellency, Aliya Mawani, Ambassador of Canada to the State of Kuwait. She emphasized the importance of honing the skills acquired by the graduates during their time at AUK to inflict positive impacts, “The world beyond AUK will test your character and what you have learned here. In those moments, remember who you are, embrace your superpower, and use your unique talents and perspectives to write your own story and make your contribution to your communities, to Kuwait, and to the world in the way that feels true for you.”
Following the keynote address, AUK’s vice president for Student Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, announced the class valedictorian, Yousef Al-Hamad, who earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering with a minor in mathematics and a cumulative GPA of 3.94.
During his speech, Yousef reflected on the journey shared by the graduating class and offered an inspiring message of gratitude and hope, “Let us carry forward all our experiences into the brighter future, as each and every single one of them has shaped us just as they've shaped all those around us. Let us cherish these wonderful memories as we use them to soar higher through whatever life throws at us.”
The event then proceeded to the part of the ceremony most anticipated by the students—the distribution of their earned degrees. Upon the recommendations of the deans—Dr. Ali Charara, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Mohammad Elian, dean of the College of Business and Economics; and Dr. Mohamed El-Abd, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, President Awwad conferred upon the graduates their respective degrees. The graduates were then awarded their diplomas by President Awwad and respective college deans.
In keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were requested to shift their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK. As the ceremony drew to its conclusion, the graduating class celebrated the occasion and took photos with their parents.
AUK is a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. Offering a diverse range of accredited undergraduate programs, the campus fosters collaboration and cultural diversity. AUK's state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology and research laboratories, and students also enjoy recreational facilities such as the gymnasium and lounge. AUK is dedicated to empowering students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that transcend the classroom, shaping future leaders and change-makers.
AUK currently offers 16-degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK received its institutional accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait in 2006. The College of Business & Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business(AACSB); the College of Arts and Sciences is accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE); its Bachelor of Arts in Design (concentration in graphic design) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); and the Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA); the Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
AUK hosted its 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding student achievement, leadership, and dedication. The event, hosted by student Rana Abu Salah, honored the year’s most impactful contributions across academics, athletics, and campus life.
The evening began with a highlight video showcasing student-led initiatives, club activities, events, and sports accomplishments, followed by a speech from student Celine Sulaiman, who shared how attending an AUK Model United Nations conference inspired her to join the university.
Awards recognized excellence in student organizations, with Tala Al-Fadhala named Most Exceptional Member of the Year. The Finance Club’s Play it Forward 2 won Event of the Year, and the SPARC Club earned Most Improved Club. Club of the Year was jointly awarded to the Finance Club and Graphic Design Club for their exceptional programming and engagement.
In athletics, Yousif Al Boloushi was named Male Athlete of the Year and Hala Abu Hilwa Female Athlete of the Year. Academic honors went to Nuha Al Salhi (College of Arts & Sciences), Mariam Al Saif (College of Business and Economics), and Yousef Al-Hamad (College of Engineering and Applied Sciences).
The prestigious Wolf Pack Award went to Shoroq Bukhamseen and Mariam Abusharkh for their leadership and community spirit. The evening concluded with the President’s Award, presented to Fajer Al Sabah for her exceptional academic performance, leadership, and embodiment of AUK’s values.
Reflecting on the event, Omar Mehdi, Director of Student Life, said, “Our students are the heartbeat of campus life, and it’s an honor to celebrate their achievements.”
The ceremony celebrated not only individual success but also the vibrant community that defines the AUK experience.
Event MC, student Rana Abu Salah
Finance Club members receiving their Club of the Year award
Finance Club members receiving their Event of the Year award
Group photo of the Finance Club and Graphic Design Club members
Group photo of the Finance Club members with their awards
Sparc Club members receiving the Most Improved Club Award
Student athlete, Yousef Al-Bloushi receiving his Male Athlete of the Year award
Student, Fajer Al-Sabah receiving her award from the AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad
Student, Mariam Abusharkh receiving her WolfPack Award
Student, Nuha Al-Salhi receiving her academic honors award from the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Student, Shoroq Bukhamseen receiving her Wolf Pack Award
Student, Tala Al-Fadhala receiving her Most Exceptional Member of the Year award
Student, Yousef Al-Hamad receiving his award for academic honors from the dean of the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences
The College of Business and Economics welcomed brothers Essa and Yousef Al-Mezaiel—co-owners of Espresso Lab Kuwait—as guest speakers in the university’s long-running Entrepreneur in Residence series, which has been hosted since 2017 by Professor Salime Smadi, professor of organizational behavior.
The event drew business and engineering students eager to hear the inspiring story of two siblings who transitioned from the construction industry to the world of specialty coffee franchising. Essa Al-Mezaiel, an AUK alumnus, and his brother Yousef recounted their unexpected entrepreneurial pivot, sparked by a chance visit to a café in Amman, Jordan. That visit led them on an international journey through Jordan and Turkey in pursuit of the Espresso Lab franchise—a journey fuelled by passion, persistence, and faith.
Despite having no background in the food and beverage sector, the brothers trusted their instincts—and their palate. With support from family, they became the first Espresso Lab franchisees in Kuwait. Finding a suitable flagship location was a major hurdle, but their prior experience in construction proved invaluable when they secured and transformed a space in Marina Mall, Salmiya. With hands-on support from the franchise’s Turkish founder, they successfully launched the brand locally.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, group photo, and presentation of certificates of appreciation. Reflecting on the event, Professor Smadi said, “It is always an extremely proud moment when former students return to inspire the next generation of AUK entrepreneurs. This is the spirit of the Wolf Pack.”
Images from the event
AUK has taken a major step toward advancing women’s participation in STEM with the launch of a groundbreaking educational initiative in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kuwait. The project, titled Empowering Women Through Engineering Design, is supported by the Netherlands’ prestigious Shiraka Programme and unites AUK with the renowned Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).
The collaboration aims to enhance AUK’s Engineering Design course through international academic exchange, sustainability-centered innovation, and a clear focus on empowering women in engineering. The initiative includes a robust program of guest lectures, interdisciplinary workshops, and faculty exchange, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing and professional development.
The initiative is led by Dr. Belal Gharaibeh, associate professor of systems engineering at AUK’s College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS), who will also serve as the principal investigator for this initiative along with Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, dean of CEAS who will be serving as the co-principal investigator, in addition to Dr. Fatima-Zahra Abou Eddahab-Burke, assistant professor at TU Delft.
Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Dr. Mohammed said, “Securing the Shiraka grant in partnership with a prestigious institution like TU Delft is a proud milestone for CEAS,” said Prof. El-Abd. “This collaboration perfectly aligns with CEAS’s mission to offer high-quality engineering programs rooted in the core values of liberal arts education. It is also in line with our long-term vision focusing on innovative research and the positive contributions of our graduates.”
The Shiraka Programme, established in 2016 by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supports good governance and societal development across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through thematic courses and institutional partnerships, Shiraka promotes democratic values, improved public service, and the inclusion of youth and women in governance.
This partnership reinforces AUK’s broader mission to cultivate an academic environment that promotes critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth, community service, and leadership—especially among underrepresented groups in STEM.
Group photo of the AUK and Dutch embassy delegation
AUK proudly concluded the KIPCO University Championship 2025 (KUC) following six months of high-energy, multi-sport competition. Fully conceptualized, organized, and hosted by AUK, the tournament was made possible through the generous sponsorship of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company Holding), after whom the championship was named in recognition of their support.
This first-of-its-kind intercollegiate event brought together seven leading universities competing in six sports: men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Teams faced off in a group stage format, advancing into high-stakes knockout rounds that drew enthusiastic crowds and strong school pride throughout the season.
Reflecting on the championship’s development, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, Vice President for Student Affairs at AUK, noted:
“This tournament was more than a competition—it was a platform for students to express their athletic talent, leadership, and university spirit. AUK is proud to have led its full organization, with a student-centered approach that exemplifies our institutional values.”
KIPCO’s sponsorship played a crucial role in bringing the championship to life. Representing KIPCO, Mr. Abdullah Al-Khudari stated:
“We are honored to have supported this initiative. Sports are vital in developing character and community, and we commend AUK for its leadership in delivering such a high-caliber event.”
Tournament Champions:
Men’s Soccer: Australian University (AOU)
Women’s Soccer: Australian University (AU)
Men’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Women’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Men’s Volleyball: Australian University (AU)
Women’s Volleyball: Box Hill College Kuwait
Special Awards:
Fair Play Trophy: International University of Kuwait (IUK)
Championship Shield (Overall Points Leader): American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Individual Player Awards:
Best Men’s Soccer Player: Mahdi Yahya (AOU)
Best Women’s Soccer Player: Awrad Sadeq (AU)
Best Men’s Basketball Player: Yousef Al-Bolushi (AUK)
Best Women’s Basketball Player: Nour Ali (AUK)
Best Men’s Volleyball Player: Mohammad Al-Houli (AU)
Best Women’s Volleyball Player: Fatima Al-Aradi (Box Hill College)
The closing ceremony, held at AUK’s Salmiya campus, was a celebration of athletic excellence and student achievement. The atmosphere was filled with pride as teams, individual athletes, and institutions were recognized for their sportsmanship and performance.
Mr. Omar Mehdi, Director of Student Life at AUK and Championship Coordinator, shared:
“The success of this championship is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and partners. Organizing this tournament from the ground up was an enormous undertaking—and AUK delivered. We are already setting plans in motion for 2026, aiming to include more sports and a broader participation base.”
AUK extends its gratitude to all participating universities, athletes, referees, and volunteers for their spirited contributions.
Preparations for the 2026 KIPCO University Championship are already underway, promising more sports, more schools, and greater impact. As envisioned and executed by AUK, the KUC continues to provide a transformative platform for student-athletes across Kuwait.
About KIPCO:
Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) – KIPCO – is a holding company that invests in the Middle East and North Africa. Its strategy of acquiring, building, scaling and selling companies in the MENA region has worked successfully for over 30 years.
KIPCO’s main business sectors are financial services, food, petrochemicals & oil services, media, real estate and education. It’s financial service interests include commercial banking, asset management and investment banking.
General photos from the event
General photos from the event
General photos from the event
Photos of the winners
Photos of the winners
Photos of the winners
AUK recently hosted a transformative professional development workshop for over 24 senior leaders from Al Rayan Holding Company’s network of private schools in Kuwait. Titled “Adopting AI in Schools: Strategies, Ethics, and Practical Tools for Future-Ready Education,” the workshop brought together principals, academic directors, curriculum specialists, and education leaders to explore the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of K–12 education.
Held on AUK’s campus, the event reflected AUK’s commitment to fostering regional educational innovation and supporting school partners with research-driven, interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
The workshop opened with a keynote address by Dr. Roman Kulchitsky, Associate Professor of International Relations & Public Policy at AUK, who presented strategic pathways for embedding AI literacy and ethical decision-making across primary and secondary education systems. His address laid the foundation for the day’s sessions, emphasizing a policy-informed, pedagogy-first approach to AI integration.
Throughout the day, AUK faculty and facilitators led hands-on sessions exploring evidence-based frameworks for:
Professional development and teacher readiness
Curriculum alignment with AI tools
Ethical safeguards for students
Classroom applications including adaptive learning, lesson planning, and assessment automation
A highlight of the event was a showcase presented by AUK’s Data Club, whose students demonstrated original AI projects connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—illustrating real-world, values-driven applications of emerging technologies.
Institutional Partnership and Future Vision
In her closing remarks, Ms. Lana Al Ayyar, CEO and Chairperson of Al Rayan Holding Company, praised the collaboration between AUK and Al Rayan Schools, stating:
“Our schools are committed to equipping learners for the future, and this partnership with AUK is a vital step in that journey. Ethical, inclusive, and strategically guided AI implementation must start with the leadership in our schools—and this workshop delivered exactly that.”
The event concluded with a clear call to action: to translate the insights and tools shared into pilot initiatives, faculty training programs, and strategic planning frameworks across Al Rayan’s school network. Participants left energized to lead responsible, future-oriented change in their respective institutions.
By hosting this high-impact workshop, AUK reaffirms its role as a hub for educational thought leadership and a trusted partner for innovation in the regional learning ecosystem.
Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, Assistant professor of Management speaking at the workshop
Group photo of the attendees
AUK is proud to announce its official certification as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that highlights the strength and spirit of its workplace culture. This certification is particularly significant because it is based entirely on feedback provided by members of the AUK community through the Trust Index Survey.
Nearly 200 members of the AUK staff and faculty participated in the survey, and the respondents expressed a strong sense of physical safety at work, pride in being part of the university, and a welcoming experience when they first joined. The vast majority also agreed that the AUK is, indeed, a great place to work. These findings reflect a community built on a foundation of safety, inclusion, and shared pride. The sense of belonging and mutual respect among AUK employees is evident—and it’s what makes AUK’s culture both distinctive and strong.
Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad emphasized the power of listening and authenticity of the community’s voice, “A lot of places talk about culture. We didn’t talk, but we asked. And what came back wasn’t just positive; it was honest, humbling, and real. People here feel safe, proud, and welcome; and this doesn’t just happen by accident. This recognition belongs to every person who shows up with heart, who cares, and who makes this university more than just a place to work.”
In addition to celebrating these strengths, the university is also committed to continuous improvement. The feedback received through the survey will serve as a valuable roadmap for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the workplace experience. For AUK, this recognition is a testament to the strength of its people and the culture they’ve built. As the Executive Director of Human Capital and Facilities Management, Mr. Paul Bassil expressed, “Being certified as a Great Place to Work is more than a badge—it’s a reflection of the culture we’ve built together. It validates our ongoing commitment to trust, inclusion, and the wellbeing of every individual in our workplace. We’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work, but the real credit goes to our people. Their passion, collaboration, and resilience shape the culture we celebrate today—and inspire us to keep evolving.”
With this certification, AUK joins a global community of organizations recognized for putting people first and cultivating environments where employees thrive.
AUK proudly hosted the formal induction ceremony of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), the international business honor society. The event welcomed new members into this prestigious organization, with students’ families, friends, faculty, and staff in attendance.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dr. Fahad Al-Khashti, BGS chapter advisor and lecturer of marketing, who emphasized that Beta Gamma Sigma is the only international honor society recognizing academic excellence in business studies worldwide. Established in 1913, BGS promotes the principles of scholarship, integrity, and leadership among students pursuing business degrees. Dr. Al-Khashti highlighted that BGS membership represents not only academic achievement but also serves as a steppingstone to future professional success.
Following his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Elian, dean of the College of Business & Economics, congratulated the new inductees and praised their commitment, dedication, and perseverance. He emphasized that this recognition reflects both the students’ academic accomplishments and their potential as future leaders in the business world.
The highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of certificates to the new members. The honors were conferred by AUK President Dr. Rawda, Dean Mohammed Elian, and Dr. Sarah Al-Shamali, BGS chapter advisor and assistant professor of marketing.
The event concluded with a sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating not only the academic excellence of AUK’s business students but also their promising futures as members of a distinguished international network of business professionals.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad giving a speech at ceremony's opening
Dr. Fahad Al-Khashti giving a speech at the ceremony
Dr. Mohammad Elian giving a speech during the ceremony
Dr. Sarah Al-Shamali calling the inductees during the ceremony
Group photo of the awardees
Al-Farra began by outlining why universities can no longer treat the 17 SDGs as peripheral topics. Embedding them, she argued, not only cultivates responsible global citizens but also strengthens interdisciplinary learning, aligns programs with labor-market demand for sustainability skills, and elevates institutional reputation and funding potential. “Universities are drivers of societal transformation,” she reminded attendees, urging AUK to leverage its teaching and research to address climate action, equality, and inclusive growth.
The lecture then offered a practical roadmap. At the course level, faculty were shown how to map learning outcomes to one or two SDGs, redesign assessments around real-world sustainability challenges and launch cross-faculty modules. Institutionally, she recommended establishing an SDG curriculum committee, integrating the goals into strategic plans and using tools such as Sulitest, THE Impact Rankings and curriculum-mapping templates to monitor progress. Al-Farra also addressed common hurdles—time constraints, accreditation pressures and resource gaps—pairing each with modular solutions and success stories from universities worldwide.
Al-Farra closed with a phased action plan such as awareness campaigns, pilot SDG courses and green-campus audits—before scaling to full curricular and operational integration by 2030. Her call to “act now” resonated with faculty, underscoring CBE and CTE’s shared commitment to positioning AUK as a regional leader in sustainability education.
