News
AUK is pleased to announce the publication of a new scholarly work by Dr. Raymond Farrin, Professor of Arabic at AUK. On February 19, Cambridge University Press published his latest book, The Early Qur’an in Mecca: Apocalyptic Expectation at the Dawn of Islam, marking his third authored volume and his second focused on Qur’anic studies.
Dr. Farrin’s previous publications include Abundance from the Desert: Classical Arabic Poetry (2011) and Structure and Qur’anic Interpretation: A Study of Symmetry and Coherence in Islam’s Holy Text (2014). His earlier work examined the intricate structural symmetries of the Qur’an across verses, suras, and the text as a whole, demonstrating how these patterns inform interpretation of the scripture in its final, complete form.
In The Early Qur’an in Mecca, Dr. Farrin adopts a diachronic approach, tracing the Qur’an’s structural and thematic development during its earliest phase of revelation in Mecca. Focusing on the period from approximately 609 to 614 CE, the study analyzes how the Qur’an evolved from a limited number of verses into a growing scriptural corpus. Drawing on quantitative and literary evidence, Dr. Farrin argues that a foundational Qur’anic nucleus emerged during this formative stage, conveying an especially urgent message, with additional units incorporated as revelation continued in Mecca and Medina through 632 CE.
The book situates the Qur’an within the broader context of late antique Arabia, a setting marked by resistance to the spread of monotheism, and explores connections with contemporary Jewish and Christian thought, particularly concerning expectations of the Last Day. Through this analysis, the study offers a deeper understanding of the Qur’an and the historical environment in which it was first recited.
The publication has received advanced scholarly acclaim. Dr. Bilal Orfali, Sheikh Zayed Chair for Arabic and Islamic Studies at American University of Beirut, describes the book as “an erudite and original study that sheds new light on Islam’s emergence and the urgent eschatological vision at its dawn,” noting its significant contribution to Qur’anic studies and the study of Islam’s origins.
The Early Qur’an in Mecca: Apocalyptic Expectation at the Dawn of Islam is available in both print and digital formats.
Book Cover
AUK welcomed Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), for a campus visit and student engagement session addressing the escalating global education crisis, Kuwait’s leadership in development cooperation, and the role of innovative education financing in expanding access to quality learning worldwide.
During the visit, AUK students participated in a dynamic discussion highlighting the urgency of the global learning crisis, with 270 million children currently out of school due to conflict, economic pressures, and tightening global budgets. The conversation emphasized that education remains a cornerstone of human capital development, economic growth, and global stability, and that delayed action risks long-term and irreversible consequences.
The session also spotlighted Kuwait’s longstanding leadership in Arab development cooperation, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). For decades, Kuwait has played a central role in supporting economic transformation in low-income countries, reinforcing its global reputation for humanitarian and development leadership.
Speakers highlighted the impact of the collaboration between GPE and KFAED, demonstrating how high-leverage education financing can expand access to quality education and multiply social and economic returns. By combining development finance with grant co-financing, the partnership has delivered results at scale. For example, KFAED’s $20 million investment in Nigeria unlocked an additional $6.67 million in GPE grant funding, significantly expanding learning opportunities for large populations.
Students were also introduced to GPE’s new financing campaign, which aims to unlock innovative funding for education amid global fiscal constraints. The initiative presents partners such as KFAED with an opportunity to multiply their impact and accelerate progress toward inclusive, quality education for millions of children worldwide.
“Speaking with students at the American University of Kuwait reminded me why education matters so deeply. Your generation has the talent and responsibility to shape a more inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful world, and global partnerships in education exist to support that journey,” said Laura Frigenti, CEO of GPE.
Dr. Mohammed Ali, AUK representative, added:
“Engaging with the Global Partnership for Education and Ms. Laura Frigenti offered AUK students a vital perspective on how education financing, systemic reform, and gender equity shape opportunities in crisis-affected and underdeveloped regions. This dialogue reflects AUK’s academic mission to foster globally minded graduates through meaningful engagement with international education leaders and collaborative solutions to shared global challenges.”
The visit reflects AUK’s ongoing dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue, global engagement, and educational opportunities that empower students to become active contributors to international development and social impact.
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.
