News
29, Apr 2025
AUK Alumna Taiba Al-Humaidhi Honored by AACSB as 2025 Influential Leader
AUK is proud to announce that alumna Taiba Al-Humaidhi has been recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) as part of its 2025 Class of Influential Leaders. This prestigious global recognition celebrates 24 exceptional alumni who are creating meaningful change through entrepreneurial innovation and social impact.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi, a graduate of AUK’s class of 2006 from the College of Business and Economics, is the founding executive of Lei Wa Lakom, an initiative dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and community support. As a member of this year’s AACSB Influential Leaders cohort, she is recognized in the category of Community or Social Impact for her visionary leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in Kuwait and beyond.
A member of AUK’s inaugural bachelor’s in business administration graduating class, Taiba has built an impressive career with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. She previously held a role at Zain Kuwait and went on to co-found BTZ Group, Floward, and Serve Bakery. Her current venture, Lei Wa Lakom creates a network that connects aspiring women with experienced mentors, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue personal and professional goals.
The AACSB Influential Leaders award recognizes alumni from accredited business schools whose work exemplifies the role of business education in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. In honoring Taiba, AACSB celebrates her efforts in driving social impact and shaping a future rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity.
Taiba’s achievements reflect the values of innovation, community engagement, and leadership that AUK strives to instill in all its students.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi, a graduate of AUK’s class of 2006 from the College of Business and Economics, is the founding executive of Lei Wa Lakom, an initiative dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and community support. As a member of this year’s AACSB Influential Leaders cohort, she is recognized in the category of Community or Social Impact for her visionary leadership and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in Kuwait and beyond.
A member of AUK’s inaugural bachelor’s in business administration graduating class, Taiba has built an impressive career with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. She previously held a role at Zain Kuwait and went on to co-found BTZ Group, Floward, and Serve Bakery. Her current venture, Lei Wa Lakom creates a network that connects aspiring women with experienced mentors, helping them build confidence, navigate challenges, and pursue personal and professional goals.
The AACSB Influential Leaders award recognizes alumni from accredited business schools whose work exemplifies the role of business education in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. In honoring Taiba, AACSB celebrates her efforts in driving social impact and shaping a future rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity.
Taiba’s achievements reflect the values of innovation, community engagement, and leadership that AUK strives to instill in all its students.
Taiba Al-Humaidhi receiving her award with the faculty of the College of Business and Economics
29, Apr 2025
Sub-National Culture and Competitive Behavior: AUK Faculty Speaker Explores How Geography Shapes Business Strategy
As part of the spring 2025 Faculty Speaker Series, AUK welcomed Mr. Muhammad Deabas, Instructor of Economics in the College of Business and Economics, to present his ongoing research, titled, “Does Sub-National Culture Affect Product-Market Competition? Evidence from Fast-Clock Speed Industries.”
Mr. Deabas’s presentation explored how differences in institutional and cultural environments—specifically at the sub-national level—influence firm competitive behavior and performance. Drawing on data from global and non-global cities, the research highlights the role of geography and local norms in shaping how businesses compete, particularly in fast-paced industries.
Mr. Deabas examined how firms headquartered in global cities—such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris—demonstrate greater competitive aggressiveness compared to firms in non-global cities. These cities, defined by their access to advanced services in law, finance, and technology, often operate as distinct institutional environments that are “disembedded” from national norms.
The research findings show that firms in global cities are more aggressively competitive and that local cultural norms further enhance the relationship between competition and firm performance. This contributes to the growing body of literature on institutional heterogeneity, offering new insights into how local environments shape strategic decision-making in global business contexts.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where attendees discussed the implications of the research for international business strategy and economic development.
The AUK Faculty Speaker Series provides a platform for faculty to share their research with students, colleagues, and the wider community. Through these scholarly exchanges, the university fosters critical dialogue and contributes to the advancement of academic knowledge in Kuwait and beyond.
Mr. Deabas’s presentation explored how differences in institutional and cultural environments—specifically at the sub-national level—influence firm competitive behavior and performance. Drawing on data from global and non-global cities, the research highlights the role of geography and local norms in shaping how businesses compete, particularly in fast-paced industries.
Mr. Deabas examined how firms headquartered in global cities—such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris—demonstrate greater competitive aggressiveness compared to firms in non-global cities. These cities, defined by their access to advanced services in law, finance, and technology, often operate as distinct institutional environments that are “disembedded” from national norms.
The research findings show that firms in global cities are more aggressively competitive and that local cultural norms further enhance the relationship between competition and firm performance. This contributes to the growing body of literature on institutional heterogeneity, offering new insights into how local environments shape strategic decision-making in global business contexts.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where attendees discussed the implications of the research for international business strategy and economic development.
The AUK Faculty Speaker Series provides a platform for faculty to share their research with students, colleagues, and the wider community. Through these scholarly exchanges, the university fosters critical dialogue and contributes to the advancement of academic knowledge in Kuwait and beyond.
Group photo of the speaker and attendees
Muhammad Deabas during his talk
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27, Apr 2025
AUK Library Open House explores artificial intelligence
The AUK Library hosted its annual Open House for all members of the university community, with this year’s theme focused on artificial intelligence. This latest edition of the open house showcased a diverse array of library specialties, student clubs, and external community partners, all dedicated to deepening visitors’ engagement with and understanding of AI. These efforts spanned displays of the latest AI industry applications and fun challenges around the role of AI in creative or academic settings.
The AUK community actively engaged in thought-provoking puzzles designed to test knowledge and spark conversations about AI use. Students from the Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) National Communication Honor Society explored the influence of AI in media at their designated booth, while members of the library teams ran an AI-themed photography booth and other activities focused on AI facts, AI capabilities, and AI literacy. AI-powered artworks by GDES students were placed on display during the event.
The open house also welcomed external community partners including representatives of Naseej and Virtus who showcased digital solutions that bring students greater access to educational resources and publications. Additionally, a team from Zena Technology were present to demonstrate AI-assisted virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications that can make powerful contributions to sectors like manufacturing and even healthcare.
The library team also introduced new tailored resources such as AI tool recommendations, research guides, and tailored reading lists aimed at supporting and enhancing the academic journey for scholars and students alike. Community members were also informed about the many avenues to access and make the most of the library’s collections as well as their support services.
By empowering individuals with the tools, information, and inspiration needed to navigate the ever-changing, uncertain artificial intelligence landscape, the AUK library exemplifies the transformative potential of education in building a more human-centered, tech-savvy future for generations to come.
The AUK community actively engaged in thought-provoking puzzles designed to test knowledge and spark conversations about AI use. Students from the Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) National Communication Honor Society explored the influence of AI in media at their designated booth, while members of the library teams ran an AI-themed photography booth and other activities focused on AI facts, AI capabilities, and AI literacy. AI-powered artworks by GDES students were placed on display during the event.
The open house also welcomed external community partners including representatives of Naseej and Virtus who showcased digital solutions that bring students greater access to educational resources and publications. Additionally, a team from Zena Technology were present to demonstrate AI-assisted virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications that can make powerful contributions to sectors like manufacturing and even healthcare.
The library team also introduced new tailored resources such as AI tool recommendations, research guides, and tailored reading lists aimed at supporting and enhancing the academic journey for scholars and students alike. Community members were also informed about the many avenues to access and make the most of the library’s collections as well as their support services.
By empowering individuals with the tools, information, and inspiration needed to navigate the ever-changing, uncertain artificial intelligence landscape, the AUK library exemplifies the transformative potential of education in building a more human-centered, tech-savvy future for generations to come.
General photos of the event
17, Apr 2025
AUK Welcomes Dartmouth Students: Building Global Bridges Through Internships
AUK continues to set the standard for global education and cross-cultural engagement, proudly welcoming students and interns from international prestigious institutions. This spring, AUK is excited to host two outstanding interns from Dartmouth College: Brennan Welsh and Sheima Ben-Abdallah.
Brennan Welsh, a Middle Eastern Studies major with a minor in English, chose to gain a valuable and immersive experience working in academia within the Gulf region through his internship with the General Education Department and the Office of International Student Programs. His goal is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between Kuwait, the US, and other areas of the Middle East, as well as gain career experience. He is also looking forward to diving into Kuwait’s culinary scene, vibrant shopping hubs, and historic landmarks.
Sheima, majoring in Government and Middle Eastern Studies, was inspired to join the AUK community by the enthusiastic praise of past Dartmouth interns who described the campus as an instant home. Drawn to AUK’s dynamic approach to outreach and community relations, Sheima is interning with the International Relations Department and the Office of International Student Programs. She is eager to explore Gulf politics, Kuwait’s role on the global stage, and the country’s rich cultural institutions—from art galleries to museums.
These remarkable interns bring fresh perspectives, academic passion, and a deep curiosity for cultural exchange. Their contributions enrich the AUK experience not just for themselves, but for the entire campus community. By continuing to host exceptional international interns, AUK proudly reaffirms its mission to foster global connections and prepare students to thrive as engaged, thoughtful world citizens.
Brennan Welsh, a Middle Eastern Studies major with a minor in English, chose to gain a valuable and immersive experience working in academia within the Gulf region through his internship with the General Education Department and the Office of International Student Programs. His goal is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between Kuwait, the US, and other areas of the Middle East, as well as gain career experience. He is also looking forward to diving into Kuwait’s culinary scene, vibrant shopping hubs, and historic landmarks.
Sheima, majoring in Government and Middle Eastern Studies, was inspired to join the AUK community by the enthusiastic praise of past Dartmouth interns who described the campus as an instant home. Drawn to AUK’s dynamic approach to outreach and community relations, Sheima is interning with the International Relations Department and the Office of International Student Programs. She is eager to explore Gulf politics, Kuwait’s role on the global stage, and the country’s rich cultural institutions—from art galleries to museums.
These remarkable interns bring fresh perspectives, academic passion, and a deep curiosity for cultural exchange. Their contributions enrich the AUK experience not just for themselves, but for the entire campus community. By continuing to host exceptional international interns, AUK proudly reaffirms its mission to foster global connections and prepare students to thrive as engaged, thoughtful world citizens.
Dartmouth interns, Brennan Welsh and Sheima Ben-Abdallah at AUK
14, Apr 2025
AUK Faculty Research Receives International Acclaim with Two Prestigious Honors
AUK is proud to announce that a research paper authored by Dr. Rita W. El-Haddad, associate professor of graphic design and Dr. Stavros P. Hadjisolomou, associate professor of psychology has been recognized with two distinguished accolades, marking a major milestone for the university's academic contributions on a global scale.
The research explored how individuals across different cultures respond emotionally to distant yet threatening global events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, created a unique opportunity to examine this question through empirical research. AUK's contribution showcases the importance of incorporating diverse regional perspectives in understanding global psychological phenomena. This research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and individual differences in psychological resilience, while offering evidence-based insights for crisis intervention strategies in an increasingly interconnected world.
The paper has received the International Best Paper Award from the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP), a recognition that highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research within the global academic community.
In addition to this honor, the paper has also garnered significant attention from Nature Communications, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. It has been ranked as the 8th most downloaded article in the Social Science and Human Behaviour category for 2024, with an impressive 14,877 downloads. As a result, the paper has been featured in a special curated collection of top-performing research and will benefit from extended promotion across Nature’s social media platforms in the coming weeks.
Nature Communications has also awarded the publication an official digital badge, which can be used in academic presentations, email communications, and social media posts to further highlight this exceptional achievement.
This dual recognition not only reflects the dedication and scholarly excellence of AUK’s faculty but also reinforces the international standing of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, and AUK as a whole.
The research explored how individuals across different cultures respond emotionally to distant yet threatening global events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, created a unique opportunity to examine this question through empirical research. AUK's contribution showcases the importance of incorporating diverse regional perspectives in understanding global psychological phenomena. This research emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and individual differences in psychological resilience, while offering evidence-based insights for crisis intervention strategies in an increasingly interconnected world.
The paper has received the International Best Paper Award from the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP), a recognition that highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research within the global academic community.
In addition to this honor, the paper has also garnered significant attention from Nature Communications, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. It has been ranked as the 8th most downloaded article in the Social Science and Human Behaviour category for 2024, with an impressive 14,877 downloads. As a result, the paper has been featured in a special curated collection of top-performing research and will benefit from extended promotion across Nature’s social media platforms in the coming weeks.
Nature Communications has also awarded the publication an official digital badge, which can be used in academic presentations, email communications, and social media posts to further highlight this exceptional achievement.
This dual recognition not only reflects the dedication and scholarly excellence of AUK’s faculty but also reinforces the international standing of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, and AUK as a whole.
The official digital badge awarded by Nature Communications
14, Apr 2025
Dartmouth Fellowship Granted to AUK Faculty Ali Bostani
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Research and Grants (CRG) at Dartmouth College, the Dartmouth Fellowship has been granted to Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering, at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK).
Dr. Bostani will be working alongside Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz on a cutting-edge research initiative titled Enhancing Harmonic Radar Technology for Smart-Home Security Through Reconfigurable Antennas and AI Integration. The collaborative project aims to advance smart-home security systems by improving detection range, classification accuracy, and environmental adaptability. This will be achieved through the integration of innovative antenna designs with artificial intelligence technologies—positioning the research at the intersection of engineering, data science, and everyday applications in modern home environments.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, expressed her pride in the faculty’s global standing, “Our annual Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship highlights the strength of our faculty research initiatives. The synergy that underscores this relationship with our partner institution unleashes an essential university dynamic—namely, creativity through collaboration. We are proud of our faculty and always wish them the very best.”
The fellowship program will run for 8 weeks in the summer of 2025, from June to August. Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Bostani stated, “It is a great honor to be awarded the Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship and to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz. This fellowship marks an exciting milestone in my research journey, allowing me to explore the intersection of reconfigurable antenna design and artificial intelligence to advance harmonic radar systems. Our goal is to significantly enhance smart-home security by improving the accuracy, adaptability, and range of device detection—even in challenging scenarios where devices attempt to remain hidden. I am proud to represent the American University of Kuwait in this impactful international collaboration that addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity and the evolving Internet of Things landscape.”
The Dartmouth Fellowship empowers AUK recipients to produce impactful research, offering a distinctive avenue for professional growth within the University's scholarly network. Dartmouth and AUK have leveraged their partnership over twenty years, engaging in collaborative research, joint initiatives, and resource sharing, fostering strong connections among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Bostani will be working alongside Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz on a cutting-edge research initiative titled Enhancing Harmonic Radar Technology for Smart-Home Security Through Reconfigurable Antennas and AI Integration. The collaborative project aims to advance smart-home security systems by improving detection range, classification accuracy, and environmental adaptability. This will be achieved through the integration of innovative antenna designs with artificial intelligence technologies—positioning the research at the intersection of engineering, data science, and everyday applications in modern home environments.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, expressed her pride in the faculty’s global standing, “Our annual Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship highlights the strength of our faculty research initiatives. The synergy that underscores this relationship with our partner institution unleashes an essential university dynamic—namely, creativity through collaboration. We are proud of our faculty and always wish them the very best.”
The fellowship program will run for 8 weeks in the summer of 2025, from June to August. Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Bostani stated, “It is a great honor to be awarded the Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship and to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Timothy Pierson and Professor David Kotz. This fellowship marks an exciting milestone in my research journey, allowing me to explore the intersection of reconfigurable antenna design and artificial intelligence to advance harmonic radar systems. Our goal is to significantly enhance smart-home security by improving the accuracy, adaptability, and range of device detection—even in challenging scenarios where devices attempt to remain hidden. I am proud to represent the American University of Kuwait in this impactful international collaboration that addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity and the evolving Internet of Things landscape.”
The Dartmouth Fellowship empowers AUK recipients to produce impactful research, offering a distinctive avenue for professional growth within the University's scholarly network. Dartmouth and AUK have leveraged their partnership over twenty years, engaging in collaborative research, joint initiatives, and resource sharing, fostering strong connections among students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Ali Bostani, associate professor of electrical engineering at AUK
14, Apr 2025
Reviving Arabic in the Digital Age: AUK at the Emirates Literature Festival
Students from AUK participated in the International Youth Program during the 17th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025. The prestigious event, organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation, brought together 250 participants from leading global universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Sorbonne, and Carnegie Mellon.
AUK was represented by Dr. Mohammad Akbar, associate professor of communication, along with communication students Rana Abu Salah and Ayah Al-Bitar. Their selection was based on academic excellence and literary potential, with full sponsorship from the Emirates Literature Foundation.
One of the key highlights of the event was a roundtable discussion on the future of Arabic language studies in the contemporary media. Dr. Akbar shared insights alongside renowned scholars where the discussion centered on the decline in Arabic proficiency by the new generation due to the dominance of other languages, inconsistencies in teaching methodologies, and the lack of digital resources for Arabic research. Scholars also explored solutions such as integrating AI, fostering international collaborations, and bridging classical Arabic studies with modern disciplines.
AUK’s participation in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025 was more than just an academic achievement—it was a milestone in elevating Kuwait’s intellectual and literary presence on the global stage. The experience enriched the delegates’ academic journey and positioned AUK as a key player in international literary and scholarly discourse.
AUK was represented by Dr. Mohammad Akbar, associate professor of communication, along with communication students Rana Abu Salah and Ayah Al-Bitar. Their selection was based on academic excellence and literary potential, with full sponsorship from the Emirates Literature Foundation.
One of the key highlights of the event was a roundtable discussion on the future of Arabic language studies in the contemporary media. Dr. Akbar shared insights alongside renowned scholars where the discussion centered on the decline in Arabic proficiency by the new generation due to the dominance of other languages, inconsistencies in teaching methodologies, and the lack of digital resources for Arabic research. Scholars also explored solutions such as integrating AI, fostering international collaborations, and bridging classical Arabic studies with modern disciplines.
AUK’s participation in the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025 was more than just an academic achievement—it was a milestone in elevating Kuwait’s intellectual and literary presence on the global stage. The experience enriched the delegates’ academic journey and positioned AUK as a key player in international literary and scholarly discourse.
Dr. Mohammed Akbar with AUK students Rana and Ayah at the festival
Group photo of the AUK delegates with the festival organizers
06, Mar 2025
AUK Awards Scholarships to Nine Outstanding Students for Summer 2025 Global Experiences
AUK is proud to announce that nine exceptional students have been awarded scholarships, granting them the opportunity to participate in transformative global experiences during the summer 2025 semester. The selected students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Their hard work and achievements have earned them the chance to embark on study abroad programs, exchange semesters, and internships at prestigious partner universities. They will engage in study abroad programs, exchange semesters, and internships at prestigious universities, gaining valuable academic and professional skills that will enhance their global mobility.
Commenting on this academic milestone, the international programs coordinator at AUK, Lara Jadayel said, “These prestigious scholarships support AUK’s unwavering vision of empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives needed to excel academically and professionally in our world today. Students will broaden their horizons, emerge as true global citizens, and become ambassadors of cultural exchange who share their unique insights and perspectives across borders. As students, they will be able to represent AUK globally— and as alumni, they will inspire upcoming generations to embrace multifaceted experiences that transcend boundaries.”
Whether through academic enrichment or hands-on professional development, these students will serve as ambassadors of AUK, showcasing the University’s commitment to global education.
The Scholarship Recipients:
Commenting on this academic milestone, the international programs coordinator at AUK, Lara Jadayel said, “These prestigious scholarships support AUK’s unwavering vision of empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives needed to excel academically and professionally in our world today. Students will broaden their horizons, emerge as true global citizens, and become ambassadors of cultural exchange who share their unique insights and perspectives across borders. As students, they will be able to represent AUK globally— and as alumni, they will inspire upcoming generations to embrace multifaceted experiences that transcend boundaries.”
Whether through academic enrichment or hands-on professional development, these students will serve as ambassadors of AUK, showcasing the University’s commitment to global education.
The Scholarship Recipients:
- Shatha Mutair – Internship at Dartmouth College, USA
- Mariam Hassan – Study Abroad at University of Roehampton, UK
- Batoul Kassem – Study Abroad at The George Washington University, USA
- Tala Tolba – Exchange Program at Dartmouth College, USA
- Noor Qaddoumi – Internship at Dartmouth College, USA
- Sara Saab – Study Abroad at The George Washington University, USA
- Fajer Jarkhi – Exchange Program at Dartmouth College, USA
- Aayah Saleh – Internship at Dartmouth College, USA
- Sundus Khaled Al-Hammadi – Student Peer Mentor
- Anas Jabr – Internship at Dartmouth College, USA
Group photo of the scholarship recipients
03, Mar 2025
AUK CEAS Students Win Best Design Award and Secure Third Place at Kuwait National Robotics Competition
Twelve students from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at AUK have achieved remarkable success at the Kuwait National Robotics Competition (KNRC) which was supported by Ministry of Education and the Youth Public Authority.
The students won the Best Design Award and secured third place in the VEX Robotics Tournament category. Competing against teams from 10 other universities, AUK’s students demonstrated exceptional engineering and programming skills at the event. The two teams were under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Roumani, assistant professor of computer science at CEAS.
The KNRC is an annual event that brings together students from across Kuwait to engage in innovative robotics challenges. It serves as a platform for aspiring engineers to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, competitive environment, where they design, build, and program robots to tackle real-world challenges.
Team members described their experience as an opportunity that strengthened their collaboration and problem-solving skills. It was both enriching and empowering, reinforcing their passion for hands-on engineering and deepening their understanding of robotics.
Dr. Ali Roumani emphasized the significance of such competitions in complementing students' academic education with practical, real-world experiences. He stated that computing and technology competitions like KNRC play a vital role in fostering students' creativity and innovation. They enhance technical skills such as programming, design, and engineering while also strengthening problem-solving abilities. Moreover, these competitions promote teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential for professional success.
The success of AUK’s CEAS students at KNRC highlights their technical expertise, dedication, and teamwork, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in engineering and applied sciences education in Kuwait.
AUK team 1 (3rd place team) members:
The students won the Best Design Award and secured third place in the VEX Robotics Tournament category. Competing against teams from 10 other universities, AUK’s students demonstrated exceptional engineering and programming skills at the event. The two teams were under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Roumani, assistant professor of computer science at CEAS.
The KNRC is an annual event that brings together students from across Kuwait to engage in innovative robotics challenges. It serves as a platform for aspiring engineers to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, competitive environment, where they design, build, and program robots to tackle real-world challenges.
Team members described their experience as an opportunity that strengthened their collaboration and problem-solving skills. It was both enriching and empowering, reinforcing their passion for hands-on engineering and deepening their understanding of robotics.
Dr. Ali Roumani emphasized the significance of such competitions in complementing students' academic education with practical, real-world experiences. He stated that computing and technology competitions like KNRC play a vital role in fostering students' creativity and innovation. They enhance technical skills such as programming, design, and engineering while also strengthening problem-solving abilities. Moreover, these competitions promote teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, which are essential for professional success.
The success of AUK’s CEAS students at KNRC highlights their technical expertise, dedication, and teamwork, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in engineering and applied sciences education in Kuwait.
AUK team 1 (3rd place team) members:
- Jana Hassan
- Fahad Yusuf Kalloush
- Farah Abdullah Almajadi
- Raghad AboElhiba
- Shrouq Hossny AbdelSalam
- Reem El-Sabaa
AUK team members:
- Joanna Saedawi
- Malak AlSabt
- Nour Hesham Rezkalla
- Moemen Al Byah
- Malek Alkashat
- Abdalrahman Tareq Abdalmoniem
Group photo of the two teams with their mentor at the competition
General photo of the students competing at KNRC
General photo of the students competing at KNRC
02, Mar 2025
Diplomacy Through Literature: Indian Embassy Donates Books to AUK
The Ambassador of India to Kuwait Dr. Adarsh Swaika visited AUK library for a ceremony marking the presentation of a generous collection of books gifted by the Embassy of India in Kuwait. The ambassador was accompanied by officials from the Indian Embassy and were welcomed by Dr. Rawda Awwad, AUK president; Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Ms. Asma Al Kanan, University Librarian.
The donated collection, which is currently on special display at the Library, consists of around 50 titles on Indian history, politics, economy, art and culture, intangible heritage, and philosophy. Many of the volumes feature the voices and legacies of icons such as M K Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Chanakya, while others such as Heritage of the Mughal World, Jaipur: The Last Destination, and India’s Wild Wonders are coffee-table, hardcover books filled with special illustrations and photographs for readers to immerse themselves in.
During the ceremony, Dr. Rawda Awwad thanked the Indian Embassy for their generous donation, emphasizing that the gesture was especially meaningful in that libraries act as a living repository of knowledge where students can broaden their horizons and understand themselves and the world through reading.
In turn, H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika thanked AUK for their reception of such an event, pointing out that the collection serves as an invitation to bring the young generations of both countries closer together, as students of Kuwait can reacquaint themselves with India, with whom their nation enjoys such longstanding, historical ties. Both Dr. Awwad and Dr. Swaika further noted that the event would mark the beginning of more advanced cooperation between AUK and the Indian embassy.
The event afforded guests the opportunity to closely browse some of the unique titles, which now find a home in the AUK library book collection, echoing the event’s goals of mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
The donated collection, which is currently on special display at the Library, consists of around 50 titles on Indian history, politics, economy, art and culture, intangible heritage, and philosophy. Many of the volumes feature the voices and legacies of icons such as M K Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Chanakya, while others such as Heritage of the Mughal World, Jaipur: The Last Destination, and India’s Wild Wonders are coffee-table, hardcover books filled with special illustrations and photographs for readers to immerse themselves in.
During the ceremony, Dr. Rawda Awwad thanked the Indian Embassy for their generous donation, emphasizing that the gesture was especially meaningful in that libraries act as a living repository of knowledge where students can broaden their horizons and understand themselves and the world through reading.
In turn, H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika thanked AUK for their reception of such an event, pointing out that the collection serves as an invitation to bring the young generations of both countries closer together, as students of Kuwait can reacquaint themselves with India, with whom their nation enjoys such longstanding, historical ties. Both Dr. Awwad and Dr. Swaika further noted that the event would mark the beginning of more advanced cooperation between AUK and the Indian embassy.
The event afforded guests the opportunity to closely browse some of the unique titles, which now find a home in the AUK library book collection, echoing the event’s goals of mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
His Excellency Dr. Adarsh Swaika, ambassador of India to Kuwait
General photo of the ceremony
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad presenting a token of appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika
Group photo of the delegates from the Embassy of India and AUK staff
