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AUK continued its Faculty Speaker Series with an engaging literary talk delivered by Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, Associate Professor of English Literature in the College of Arts and Sciences. The event was introduced by Dr. Salime Smadi, Chair of the Faculty Speaker Series, who welcomed attendees and provided an overview of Dr. Muzaffar’s academic background and research interests. Faculty members, students, and guests from the wider community attended the session, filling the Multipurpose Room for an afternoon of thoughtful discussion on literature, identity, and resistance.
Dr. Muzaffar, who joined AUK in 2015, earned her PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2000, specializing in literary theory and minority writers. Her research encompasses women’s literature, minority narratives, gender studies, and comparative literature. Recently, her scholarly work has explored cyborg theory, as well as the intersection of medicine and literature. She is also involved in translating fiction and theoretical works from English to Arabic, contributing to the accessibility of literary scholarship in the region.
Her lecture, titled “Land, Body, and Resistance in Susan Abulhawa’s Against the Loveless World,” offered an ecofeminist analysis of Abulhawa’s acclaimed novel. Dr. Muzaffar explored how the narrative draws connections between the exploitation of the Palestinian landscape and the commodification of women’s bodies, arguing that these experiences reflect parallel forms of occupation and domination. To frame her analysis, she referenced notable ecofeminist scholars such as Vandana Shiva, Greta Gaard, and Ynestra King, whose work underscores the interconnectedness of environmental and gender-based oppression.
The presentation began with Dr. Muzaffar reading selected passages from the novel, introducing the audience to its protagonist, Nahr, who returns to Palestine after years of displacement. Dr. Muzaffar explained how Nahr’s personal transformation mirrors a collective Palestinian experience, where reclaiming land represents not only physical belonging but also cultural survival and bodily autonomy. She emphasized that Abulhawa uses Nahr’s character to illustrate how identity is shaped, threatened, and ultimately reconstructed through resistance.
Drawing connections to broader trends in Palestinian literature, Dr. Muzaffar highlighted the longstanding symbolic significance of land as both a physical and emotional anchor. She noted that Palestinian writers often depict land as intertwined with memory, heritage, and the body, forming a powerful narrative space for challenging erasure and asserting presence. According to Dr. Muzaffar, this tradition positions the land as a living entity that shapes identities and embodies the collective struggle for justice.
Throughout the talk, she emphasized that the degradation of the environment cannot be separated from systems of gendered, racial, and economic inequality. She explained that the same forces responsible for environmental destruction, colonialism, militarization, and patriarchal capitalism, also perpetuate violence against marginalized communities, particularly women. In Abulhawa’s novel, protecting the land becomes an act of defiance, just as preserving dignity and selfhood becomes a form of resistance.
Audience members engaged in a lively discussion following the presentation, asking questions about the role of literature in shaping political consciousness, the evolution of ecofeminist thought, and how contemporary writers navigate themes of displacement and identity. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of the talk, which seamlessly blended literary theory with social and environmental scholarship.
The Faculty Speaker Series continues to serve as a platform for showcasing the research and expertise of AUK faculty members, enriching the academic environment by fostering dialogue across disciplines. This event underscored the value of literature as a lens through which students and community members can explore complex social issues and deepen their understanding of global narratives.
The Board of Trustees of AUK, chaired by Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, held its scheduled meeting with the attendance of board members and the university’s senior administration. The agenda included the discussion of a number of strategic matters related to the university’s progress and the continued enhancement of educational quality.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed the performance of the university administration, including academic and administrative progress indicators, the level of implementation of developmental initiatives, and the extent of alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
The Board also discussed the university’s preparations for the next academic semester, as well as plans to elevate student services, develop academic programs, and strengthen an educational environment that supports innovation and scientific research—aligned with AUK’s mission to provide high-quality education in Kuwait.
As part of its academic vision, the Board emphasized the importance of AUK’s leading position as a distinguished center for the humanities in Kuwait and the region—a role that has contributed to equipping students with critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to tackle global challenges. The Board underscored the need to further advance interdisciplinary learning and expand international partnerships that enrich the overall educational experience.
The meeting also addressed the rapid impact of modern technologies and artificial intelligence on the future of higher education, highlighting the importance of keeping pace with these transformations. This includes integrating AI-related skills and tools into curricula, updating learning and assessment strategies, and enabling students to acquire advanced digital competencies necessary for success in future job markets.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed its ongoing support for the efforts of the university administration and its commitment to ensuring that AUK continues to maintain its leading position as a prominent academic institution both locally and regionally, while continuing to prepare a generation capable of shaping a future driven by knowledge, innovation, and humanity.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees
A group photo of the Board of Trustees and the senior administration of the American University of Kuwait
AUK Library participated in the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair, an event that brought together more than 600 exhibitors representing publishing houses, cultural organizations, and educational institutions from across the region and beyond. This year’s fair held particular importance as it aligned with Kuwait’s recognition as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fairgrounds.
AUK’s booth highlighted the Oral History and Documentation Project, a pioneering initiative co-sponsored by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) and is dedicated to recording and preserving firsthand accounts of Kuwait’s social and cultural evolution. Visitors listened to curated audio clips featuring individuals such as Abdullah Bishara, Former Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Sarah Akbar, Kuwaiti Chemical and Petroleum Engineer, Women’s Rights Advocate, and Co-Founder & Former CEO of Kuwait Energy. Their interviews capture personal narratives spanning Kuwait’s early maritime traditions, major historical turning points, and contemporary developments. The recordings offered guests an authentic glimpse into the nation’s collective memory and demonstrated the project’s value as a scholarly and cultural resource.
The exhibit generated interest not only among community members but also among prospective students and families seeking information about AUK’s academic offerings. Many engaged with representatives to learn more about admissions and university life, reinforcing the fair’s role as a platform for meaningful outreach.
In addition, AUK organized a field trip for students and staff to visit the fair. Participants began at the university’s booth to explore the Oral History Project before touring the exposition’s diverse halls. The experience encouraged students to engage with the literary environment, reflect on Kuwait’s cultural landscape, and discover new reading interests. Several participants described the visit as an enriching highlight of their academic year.
AUK’s involvement in the Kuwait International Book Fair reflects the university’s continued commitment to cultural engagement and its mission to support learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Those interested in learning more about the Oral History and Documentation Project may visit: www.oralhistory.auk.edu.kw
Group photo of students and staff from the American University of Kuwait
Students visiting the American University of Kuwait’s booth
Students visiting the American University of Kuwait’s booth
AUK proudly hosted the fourth edition of the Gulf Bank Datathon, marking the first time a private university in Kuwait has been selected to host this national event. Organized in collaboration with Gulf Bank and Coded, the Datathon brought together more than 500 participants, including university students, school students, professionals, and emerging data enthusiasts from across Kuwait.
This year’s Datathon surpassed all previous editions with exceptional engagement, recording over 220 competitors in the main tracks and more than 250 attendees in the preparatory workshops delivered by Gulf Bank experts. Participants immersed themselves in three advanced tracks, Data Science, Data Engineering, and Generative AI, each designed around real Gulf Bank datasets, allowing them to tackle authentic industry challenges and develop applied, career-ready solutions.
In a major first for the Datathon, three prizes were awarded in each track, expanding opportunities for recognition and spotlighting a wider spectrum of local talent. AUK proudly sponsored the second and third prizes in the Data Science track, reinforcing the university’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s digital future.
AUK’s Data Club played a central and outstanding role in the success of the event. Students worked hand-in-hand with the university’s IT and PR & Marketing departments to coordinate logistics, assist participants, manage registrations, and ensure the seamless delivery of workshops and competition rounds. Their professionalism reflected the strength and unity of AUK’s student community.
Across the two-day event, the AUK campus buzzed with energy and innovation, with participants describing the Datathon as “inspiring,” “challenging,” and “career-shaping.” The Datathon brought together students, faculty, industry leaders, and community partners in a vibrant display of collaboration, creativity, and data-driven problem-solving.
AUK extends its appreciation to Gulf Bank, Coded, the judges, mentors, and all contributors who played a role in making this national event a resounding success. The achievement of hosting Gulf Bank Datathon V4 stands as a powerful example of how education and industry can come together to expand opportunities, empower young talent, and drive Kuwait’s data-driven future.
Images from the event
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK hosted an informative academic session titled “Understanding Taxes in Kuwait: Pillar Two and Transfer Pricing,” presented by KPMG Tax specialists Zulaiha Hassen and Hakim Abde Ali. The event was organized by AUK Accounting Professor, Dr. Kameleddine Benamer.
The workshop offered students a clear and structured overview of Kuwait’s rapidly evolving tax landscape, with a particular focus on the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT) under OECD Pillar Two rules and the growing significance of Transfer Pricing documentation and compliance. More than just a lecture, the session invited active participation, with students raising thoughtful questions and engaging deeply with the real-world scenarios presented by the experts.
Throughout the session, students explored Kuwait’s current tax framework, including the country’s longstanding exemption of personal income tax and limited corporate taxation, as well as the introduction of DMTT, effective January 1, 2025. The presenters explained how the new rules ensure multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Kuwait meet a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, applicable to groups with global consolidated revenues of at least EUR 750 million in two of the previous four fiscal years.
Participants also gained clarity on the mechanisms of Pillar Two implementation, including the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (QDMTT), Safe Harbor provisions, and required registration timelines for in-scope entities. A dedicated portion of the session addressed Transfer Pricing, emphasizing the Arm’s Length Principle for related-party transactions, acceptable pricing methodologies, and the importance of maintaining both Master File and Local File documentation in line with OECD BEPS Action 13.
By the end of the event, students had strengthened their understanding of global tax compliance, the strategic impact of Transfer Pricing on effective tax rates, and the essential role of accurate reporting in multinational operations. The workshop underscored AUK’s commitment to enriching academic learning through exposure to industry expertise, preparing students to navigate complex financial and regulatory environments with confidence.
This session forms part of CBE’s ongoing efforts to integrate professional insight into the curriculum, fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and leading international firms such as KPMG.
The American University of Kuwait Model United Nations (AUKMUN) and the American University of Beirut Model United Nations (AUBMUN) launched a landmark collaboration on November 24 with a virtual Crisis Management Workshop held on Microsoft Teams. Bringing together more than 50 aspiring diplomats from Kuwait and Lebanon, the event offered an enriched learning environment that bridged geographic and academic borders.
The session began with AUKMUN outlining the role of crisis elements within General Assembly deliberations, illustrating how unexpected disruptions can shift diplomatic negotiations and influence the direction of multilateral discussions. AUBMUN followed with a comprehensive explanation of Crisis Committees, showcasing how these specialised bodies demand rapid analysis, coordinated strategy, and an ability to navigate evolving political landscapes.
Participants then stepped into a high-intensity simulation titled “CRISIS MODE: The PROMETHEUS Incident.” The fictional scenario challenged delegates to address the global implications of an AI system malfunctioning and triggering interference in military communications. Split into U.S. and Russian task forces, attendees assessed national interests, coordinated response plans, and crafted official statements that reflected both realism and diplomatic nuance.
The simulation encouraged students to think beyond procedural debate, pushing them to consider ethical concerns, the complexities of artificial intelligence in conflict settings, and the importance of intergovernmental cooperation. Delegates showcased strong analytical skills and creativity, producing well-structured policy responses and engaging in substantive dialogue that demonstrated their readiness to take on advanced MUN roles.
Throughout the workshop, both organisations emphasised the value of experiential learning as a means to cultivate leadership, negotiation techniques, and crisis adaptability. The event also highlighted the power of regional academic partnerships in expanding opportunities for students to engage with global issues from diverse perspectives.
This inaugural collaboration set a solid foundation for continued cooperation between AUKMUN and AUBMUN. Both teams expressed interest in developing additional joint initiatives, ranging from multilateral simulations to training seminars, that further strengthen student competencies and deepen ties between the two institutions. The workshop ultimately reaffirmed the shared commitment of both MUN programs to preparing youth for thoughtful, informed participation in international affairs.
AUK’s Model United Nations Club (AUKMUN) successfully hosted its annual conference from October 23 to 25, bringing together student delegates for three days of diplomatic engagement, negotiation, and globally oriented discussion. This year’s conference introduced a diverse range of committees, each designed with unique crisis frameworks that required participants to evaluate evidence, collaborate under pressure, and propose actionable solutions to multifaceted international challenges.
Throughout the event, AUK students demonstrated exceptional preparation and leadership, managing logistics, guiding committee procedures, and upholding the standards of formal MUN protocol. Their efforts contributed to a professional environment that supported productive dialogue and meaningful interaction among delegates from various academic backgrounds.
In addition to debate sessions, the conference included workshops and briefing sessions that familiarised students with international governance structures, resolution-writing techniques, and negotiation strategies employed in real diplomatic settings. These components enhanced the educational value of the conference, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of policymaking and global governance.
The success of this year’s event reflects AUKMUN’s continued growth and its dedication to enriching the student experience through practical, skill-building opportunities. By fostering an environment that encourages informed discussion and cross-cultural awareness, the conference plays a significant role in preparing students to engage thoughtfully with global issues both inside and beyond the university setting.
AUKMUN’s annual conference holds significant value for the AUK community, enriching campus life by cultivating a culture of leadership, global awareness, and intellectual curiosity among students. By engaging in high-level debate and diplomacy, participants develop essential competencies, such as negotiation, public speaking, collaboration, and strategic decision-making that strengthen their readiness for future academic and professional roles. Beyond the university, the conference contributes meaningfully to the broader Kuwaiti community by empowering young people with the confidence, critical-thinking abilities, and civic-minded perspective needed to become effective leaders in both national and international arenas. Through initiatives like AUKMUN, AUK continues to nurture informed, proactive individuals who are equipped to positively influence Kuwait’s future.
AUK, through its Library, hosted the Student AI Projects Showcase, an interactive exhibition highlighting innovative student work developed using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff to explore the creative and academic potential of AI across disciplines, reinforcing AUK’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and innovation within higher education.
From chatbots, GPTs, and applications to digital artworks and posters, the showcased projects reflected a wide range of academic creativity. Students from the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, and General Education programs participated, demonstrating how AI can be applied to solve real-world problems, support learning, and inspire creative expression.
Projects featured at the showcase included AI-powered personal assistants, advisory GPTs, and “study buddy” tutors, as well as sign language mediators, an AUK-branded holographic assistant, AI-enhanced artwork and detection experiments, and even security solutions for quantum computing. The exhibits drew lively engagement from attendees who explored the projects and discussed the role of AI in transforming education and society.
Ms. Asma Al Kanan, University Librarian and Director of the AUK Library welcomed participants and emphasized the value of empowering students to lead in adopting and experimenting with cutting-edge tools that shape how they learn and interact with the world.
Dr. Rawda Awwad, President of AUK, announced that participating students would be granted free ChatGPT licenses through the university’s partnership with OpenAI, enabling them to further advance their work. As the first institution in Kuwait to partner with OpenAI for education, AUK continues to position itself as a regional leader in innovation and technology integration.
The event concluded with a collaborative film screening organized with the AUK Performing Arts Club, featuring Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent film Metropolis. The screening inspired reflective discussions about the evolving relationship between humans and technology, linking historical imagination with modern innovation.
In organizing this showcase, the AUK Library worked closely with faculty from multiple colleges, underscoring its mission to cultivate interdisciplinary dialogue and connect emerging technologies with academic inquiry and creativity.
The Library aims to organize similar showcases every semester, encouraging continued student engagement with AI and supporting their innovative applications in the classroom.
Images from the event
The Department of Communication and Media at AUK hosted its Annual Media Exhibition on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the AUK Auditorium. The event brought together more than 50 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the university community, for an inspiring celebration of creativity, storytelling, and academic excellence in media and communication.
Organized under the supervision of Associate Professor Mohammad Akbar, the exhibition highlighted the department’s commitment to experiential learning by showcasing a wide selection of student projects produced throughout the semester. Participants and guests explored creative works from courses such as Film Production II, Documentary Production, Broadcast Journalism, Advertising, Copywriting for Advertising, and Storytelling. Projects ranged from short films and documentaries to advertising campaigns, multimedia narratives, and journalistic features, reflecting the diverse skill sets students develop during their academic journey.
The event began with opening remarks from Professor Akbar, who emphasized the continued importance of creative thinking, practical skills, and industry engagement within the Communication and Media curriculum. His welcome set the tone for an afternoon that celebrated both student achievement and the growing influence of AUK alumni in Kuwait’s media landscape.
A special segment of the exhibition featured a storytelling session led by accomplished AUK alumni who have gone on to build successful careers in various media sectors. They shared personal experiences, industry insights, and reflections on the transition from university life to the professional world. Their stories resonated deeply with students, offering encouragement and highlighting the real-world relevance of the skills developed in AUK’s media programs. The session reinforced the value of perseverance, adaptability, and creative confidence as essential tools for success in the media industry.
As the exhibition drew to a close, the department honored outstanding students with certificates and awards of appreciation. These recognitions celebrated excellence in creativity, originality, technical skill, and overall contribution to media practice. Faculty members expressed their pride in the dedication and innovation demonstrated by students across all showcased projects.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Akbar stated, “This annual exhibition is not only a celebration of our students’ hard work but also a bridge connecting our alumni and current students. It motivates our students to see how their academic projects can translate into professional success stories.”
The Media Exhibition once again underscored AUK’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive, and forward-thinking learning environment. By encouraging students to experiment, collaborate, and express their ideas through a variety of media formats, the Department of Communication and Media continues to play a central role in shaping the next generation of media professionals in Kuwait and beyond.
Images from the event
AUK is proud to announce that Communication and Media student, Biatris Markastian, has embarked on an exchange semester at Sciences Po in France for the Fall 2025 term.
Known as one of Europe’s most prestigious universities in the fields of political science, international relations, and social studies, Sciences Po offers students from around the world the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange. Biatris’s participation in this program highlights AUK’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, intercultural understanding, and global engagement among its students.
Biatris, who has a strong passion for fashion and luxury communication, is using this opportunity to explore the intersections of media, culture, and global branding within one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals. Immersed in a vibrant academic environment, she is gaining hands-on experience in courses that complement her studies at AUK, while connecting with peers and professors from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Reflecting on her experience so far, Biatris expressed her excitement about studying abroad, sharing that the exchange program has broadened her perspectives on communication and culture, and allowed her to experience the dynamic academic life at Sciences Po. She emphasized that this opportunity has not only strengthened her academic and professional aspirations but also deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity and global collaboration.
The AUK–Sciences Po exchange program, coordinated by AUK’s Office of International Student Programs, aims to expand student mobility and international partnerships. Through such collaborations, AUK students are encouraged to study, research, and engage in cultural dialogue beyond Kuwait, embodying the university’s mission to produce well-rounded, globally minded graduates who are equipped to thrive in an interconnected world.
AUK continues to support its students in pursuing transformative international experiences that foster academic growth, leadership, and personal development. By participating in study abroad and exchange programs, students return to Kuwait as global citizens, bringing with them innovative ideas, cross-cultural understanding, and an enriched worldview that enhances the AUK community and contributes to the university’s growing international presence.
