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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.
AUK proudly took part in the Euro Milano 2025 Sports Festival, held in Milan, Italy, continuing its strong tradition of international sports engagement. This year marked AUK’s fifth participation in the prestigious festival, further establishing the university’s presence in global student athletics.
AUK was represented by a delegation of 39 student-athletes and staff, competing exclusively in women's basketball and men's and women's volleyball. The student-athletes demonstrated exceptional teamwork, spirit, and sportsmanship, competing against universities from across Europe and the Middle East.
The delegation was led by Mohammad Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator and Anas Abdullah, sports coordinator, who oversaw team operations and logistics. Their leadership contributed significantly to the smooth execution and competitive focus of the group throughout the festival.
“Representing AUK internationally for the fifth time in Euro Milano is both a tradition and a tremendous opportunity,” said Omar Mehdi, director of student life. “Our student-athletes not only competed with pride but also served as ambassadors for the university and the State of Kuwait.”
The festival provided participants with more than just competition. Students engaged in cultural exchanges, campus tours, and networking activities that broadened their perspectives and enriched their personal development.
AUK’s continued involvement in Euro Milano underscores its commitment to holistic student experiences, emphasizing both athletic excellence and global citizenship.
AUK student athletes at the Euro Milano sports festival
The event, hosted by AUK student Arumi Al-Mutawa, brought together a vibrant audience of students, faculty, and guests to celebrate original short films, documentaries, and poster artwork created by both current students and alumni. The festival served as a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent and passion, with submissions reflecting a wide range of themes, styles, and personal stories.
Judged by esteemed faculty members, Dr. Mohammad Akbar, associate professor of communication and Ramy Khair, associate professor of graphic design at the College of Arts & Sciences, the evening culminated in an award ceremony recognizing standout achievements:
- Best Short Film: Last Call — Directed by Shaikha Al-Othman
- Best Documentary: Failaka Island — Directed by Sabeekah Al-Sharaaf
- Best Poster Design: Weld Il Nokhitha — Directed by AUK alumnus Mohammad Al-Sanae
- 1st Place: Lynn Sleiman
- 2nd Place: Fatima Al-Saeedi
- 3rd Place: Hussaina Vakil
The event successfully highlighted the growing interest and talent in film and media production at AUK and set the stage for a promising tradition for years to come.
A key part of the event was the presentation of AUK's research performance for the academic year 2023/24. The university demonstrated substantial progress, with a notable increase in publications indexed in Scopus compared to the previous year. Furthermore, citations rose dramatically, marking a significant growth. The university also experienced a considerable boost in research funding, with grant budgets rising substantially. These developments underscore the institution’s growing research output and its impact within the academic community.
Dr. Aaron Rababaah, Chair of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) presented the evaluation process used for this year’s research award applications. Evaluation criteria included intellectual production, patents, grant activity, and research supervision. Each college had one recipient selected through this rigorous process. This year, the following faculty were selected for the Research Award: Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Dr. Faisal Al-Reshaid, assistant professor of management in the College of Business and Economics; and Dr. Rita Al-Haddad, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Their selection reflects not only academic excellence but also meaningful contributions to the university’s research mission. The ceremony also recognized the top 10 faculty members from each college for their exceptional publication contributions. These individuals were honored with trophies in acknowledgment of their dedication and scholarly achievements.
Acting director of the ORG, Dr. Ahmed Al-Saber remarked on the faculty’s thriving research, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and scholarly excellence demonstrated by our faculty this year. Their outstanding contributions have not only advanced knowledge across diverse fields but have also significantly elevated AUK’s research profile. Our records indicate a remarkable improvement of over 25% in research performance compared to previous years—an achievement that reflects the growing strength of our academic community and its vital role in shaping an inspiring and intellectually vibrant learning environment.”
The 2025 Research Awards Ceremony served not only as a recognition of outstanding academic work but also as a reflection of the vibrant research culture growing at AUK.
Dr. George Chedid, director of the Counseling Center, opened the conference with compelling remarks that traced the historical evolution of eating disorder diagnoses. “Eating disorders are deeply rooted in our collective human experience,” he noted. “Our hope today is to continue shedding light on these disorders, not just through their symptoms, but by understanding their origins, complexities, and the path to recovery.”
Dr. Chedid also extended gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for sponsoring the keynote speaker, Dr. Johanne Hands, director of the Kuwait Counseling Center, whose participation significantly enriched the event.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of both local and international experts, each offering unique insights into treatment methodologies. From France, Dr. Carolina Becerill shared her work using psychodrama and sociodrama to treat eating disorders as a family issue; Dr. Amir Zourob, psychiatrist at the Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, emphasized the efficacy of integrating medication with cognitive behavioral therapy; and, Giuliana Lomonaco introduced the concept of body neutrality as an empowering framework for recovery.
These varied perspectives provided attendees with a holistic understanding of eating disorders, highlighting both innovative and evidence-based approaches to treatment.
The event was attended by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, along with university deans, faculty members, and participants from academic and healthcare institutions across Kuwait. The enthusiastic engagement and active discussions throughout the day underscored the conference’s success and the timeliness of its theme.
The conference exemplifies AUK’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness, academic collaboration, and community impact. By leading initiatives that address urgent societal challenges, AUK continues to affirm its role as a hub for knowledge, compassion, and change.
Launched as part of AUK’s ongoing commitment to student well-being, the Buddy Program pairs students with autism spectrum disorder with trained peer mentors to foster social engagement, ease the transition to university life, and enhance academic and personal development. The initiative reflects AUK’s holistic approach to education—where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of student success.
Dr. Georges Chedid expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating, "This award is a testament to AUK's commitment to inclusivity, mental health support, and student-centered programming. The Buddy Program is not only about mentorship—it’s about fostering understanding, building community, and helping every student feel seen and supported." He added: “This program would not have been possible without the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of my incredible team!”
The MENASA Area Recognition of Merit Awards highlight impactful programs across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia that advance student success and institutional excellence. AUK’s recognition places it among a distinguished group of institutions shaping the future of student support in the region.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for AUK, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in inclusive education and student-centered programming. Winning the GOLD Award affirms the university’s commitment to innovation in student support and highlights the profound impact of the Buddy Program on campus life. It also serves as an inspiration for future initiatives aimed at empowering all students to thrive, while elevating AUK’s profile within the global higher education community.
