The iconic main building of AUK, showcasing its elegant modern architecture and welcoming entryway.

News

16, Nov 2024
Ambassador Of Peru Visits AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed the Ambassador of Peru to Kuwait, H.E. Carlos Jimenez Gil Fortoul, to the University’s campus. They discussed potential outreach initiatives and addressed the varied educational requirements of students on a local and international level. 

AUK has a longstanding commitment to collaborating with various embassies, maintaining a dedicated effort to uphold regular meetings that strengthen relationships and foster mutual support for scholastic opportunities.
  
  
  

Dr. Rawda Awwad with H.E. Carlos Jimenez Gil Fortoul
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Ambassador Of Peru Visits AUK
12, Nov 2024
The American University of Kuwait Receives AACSB Reaccreditation for College of Business and Economics
AUK has earned its reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its College of Business and Economics (CBE). This reaffirms the College’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in business education, highlighting AUK’s consistent dedication to delivering a curriculum that meets the rigorous global benchmarks set by AACSB.
 
In recognition of AUK's dedication to academic excellence and continuous improvement, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad, shared her insights on the significance of securing AACSB reaccreditation, “AUK has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by securing this time AACSB re-accreditation, proving not only its ability to achieve high standards but also to consistently maintain them in delivering top-tier education to our students. As with all our accreditations, this accomplishment reflects the vital involvement of the AUK community and our external stakeholders. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved. This re-accreditation will serve as a strong framework for the continued development of our College of Business and Economics, further embedding it within the fabric of our local and regional community.” 

AACSB International (AACSB), a global nonprofit association, connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development services to over 1,900 member organizations and more than 1,000 accredited business schools worldwide. AACSB's accreditation processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified.

AUK remains committed to pushing boundaries and evolving its business programs in alignment with global trends and the needs of the business community. The College will continue to build on its strengths while integrating innovative practices that will help shape the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. 

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning.   
  
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) currently offers 16-degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK received its institutional accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait in 2006. The College of Business & Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business(AACSB); the College of Arts and Sciences is accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE); its Bachelor of Arts in Design (concentration in graphic design) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); and the Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA); the Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).  The Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET  
 
For more information about the accredited programs at AUK, please visit this link http://www.auk.edu.kw/about-auk/accreditation
 
 
 

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The American University of Kuwait Receives AACSB Reaccreditation for College of Business and Economics
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27, Oct 2024
AUK Athletics Kicks Off 2024-2025 Season with KIPCO as Official Sponsor
AUK hosted a ceremony to launch the 2024-2025 athletics season. This year’s athletic teams are proudly sponsored by KIPCO. Hosted by the Office of Student Life, the event brought together the AUK sports community to celebrate the start of the new season and unveil new team uniforms designed by Errea.

The celebration introduced AUK’s teams for both the fall and spring semesters, including women’s and men’s basketball, women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, and futsal. A special highlight was the induction of three exceptional athletes into the Athletics Hall of Fame: Dana Ben Salama (women’s volleyball), and Majed Abu Ghaith and Abdulwahab Al Ahmad (men’s basketball).

Commenting on their sponsorship of the University’s athletics team, Ms. Eman Al Awadhi, KIPCO’s Group Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, said, “We are delighted to sponsor AUK's athletics teams, acknowledging the significant impact of sports on physical and mental health. Supporting these talented youth shape their sports futures and encourages an active lifestyle that benefits everyone. We are committed to promoting initiatives that enhance the quality of life, reflecting our dedication to the health and well-being of society.”

Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, expressed his support and goals for this year’s sporting endeavor, “I’m excited to kick off the 2024-2025 athletics season and see our student-athletes take on new challenges. This season is about showcasing our talent, building unity, and pushing the AUK spirit to new heights. I’m confident our teams will make us proud.”

With KIPCO’s support and the unveiling of new uniforms, the 2024-2025 athletics season promises to be a thrilling journey for the AUK community.
 
Sport Award Type Recipient
Women's Soccer Rising Star Award Nour Rezkallah
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Deema Alabdulhadi
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sarah Aghbar
Men's Soccer Rising Star Award Melik Markastian
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Naser Al Rafeea
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Mubarak Ali
Women's Basketball Rising Star Award Hala Abu Hilwa
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Lamar El Dabbagh
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ruby Qassem
Men's Basketball Rising Star Award Talal Bouraki
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Anas Jabr
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Yousef Al Bloushi
Women's Volleyball Rising Star Award Hessa Al Amhouj
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Shrooq Bukamseen
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Dana Bin Salama
Men's Volleyball Rising Star Award Saleh Jamsheer
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Mohammad Hadeed
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Soud Al Salman
Women's Futsal Rising Star Award Hala Abu Hilwa
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Tala Al Hasibi
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Vida Omidvar
Men's Futsal Rising Star Award Yousef Hadeed
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Salem Al Khamees
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Abdulleteef Al Roudan
Women's Padel Rising Star Award Jana Al Jibat
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Malak Wassim
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nour Taha
Men's Padel Rising Star Award Abdulateef Al Roudan
  Most Improved Player (MIP) Ali Al Saraf
  Most Valuable Player (MVP) Yousef Al Yousef
  
   

Group photo of AUK sports teams with KIPCO representative, Mr. Abdullah Al-Khudhari 
 
 
General photos of AUK team members receiving awards
 
 

AUK Athletics Kicks Off 2024-2025 Season with KIPCO as Official Sponsor
24, Oct 2024
CBE Hosts Financial Literacy Talk for Women Entrepreneurship Week
The College of Business and Economics (CBE) at AUK hosted a pivotal event on Financial Literacy and Awareness as part of Women Entrepreneurship Week. Dr. Salime Smadi, professor of organizational behavior at AUK, collaborated with Montclair State University on this event as part of their Women Entrepreneurship Week which takes place at the end of every October. The event also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by ensuring they have equal rights and access to opportunities, including financial resources, education, and economic participation.

The lecture was given by Mrs. Yasmine Salamah, the General Manager of the Multinational Corporates and Structured Finance Department at Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), who shared her wealth of experience in the banking industry. Dr. Smadi gave the event's opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy as a cornerstone for entrepreneurship and personal empowerment.

The lecture was divided into four segments where Mrs. Salamah discussed the importance of financial literacy, spending and saving strategies, understanding income, and investment opportunities. Her guidance provided valuable knowledge for those looking to enhance their financial skills in both personal and professional contexts.
 
Mrs. Yasmine Salamah, a seasoned banking professional with over 19 years of experience, captivated the audience with her in-depth knowledge and practical approach to managing finances. Her career journey, from a credit officer to overseeing strategic projects at ABK, served as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and finance professionals. Her leadership in spearheading projects related to cash management, transaction banking, and corporate online banking added significant real-world insights to the discussion.
 
This event marked a significant step toward promoting financial empowerment among all students, regardless of gender, reinforcing AUK's commitment to providing valuable educational resources for all students. It also aligned with the College’s PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) UN initiative, of which they have been signatories since 2018. This commitment emphasizes responsible management education, sustainability, and integrating these values into both teaching and research. The success of the event highlighted the importance of financial literacy as a tool for personal growth and professional success for all attendees, contributing to broader societal progress.
   
   
   

General photo of the lecture
   

Dr. Salime Smadi introducing the speaker
   

Mrs. Yasmine Salamah giving her lecture
CBE Hosts Financial Literacy Talk for Women Entrepreneurship Week
23, Oct 2024
Spanish Ambassador Visits AUK
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Manuel Hernandez Gamallo, to the University’s campus. They discussed potential outreach initiatives and addressed the varied educational requirements of students on a local and international level.

AUK has a longstanding commitment to collaborating with various embassies, maintaining a dedicated effort to uphold regular meetings that strengthen relationships and foster mutual support for scholastic opportunities.
    
   
   

From left to right: Ms. Wafa Sweidan, administrative officer at the Spanish Embassy; Ms. Carmen Bravo, deputy chief of mission at the Spanish Embassy; H.E. Manuel Hernandez Gamallo, Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait; Dr. Rawda Awwad, AUK president; Ms. Farah Jouhar, acting director of AUK PR & Marketing
Spanish Ambassador Visits AUK
22, Oct 2024
AUK Students Show National Pride in Muscat: Supporting Kuwait’s World Cup Journey
AUK recently completed a two-day trip to Muscat, Oman, where 16 members of the AUK Football Club proudly cheered for the Kuwait National Team during their FIFA World Cup Qualification match against Oman. Organized by AUK’s Office of Student Life, the trip offered students a chance to combine their passion for football with national pride at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.

Accompanied by staff from the Office of Student Life, the students enthusiastically supported their national team, showcasing their dedication to both their country and the sport. This trip was part of AUK's ongoing efforts to provide students with enriching experiences beyond academics.

Omar Mehdi, director of student life, highlighted the broader significance of the trip, stating, “AUK has 46 active student clubs that provide unique opportunities for our students to learn, think, and become. This experience was about much more than just attending a football match; it was about building a sense of community and national pride among our students.” 

AUK’s Office of Student Life continues to champion such impactful experiences, fostering unity and engagement through sports and extracurricular activities. 
  
  
   

Group photo of AUK Football Club members
AUK Students Show National Pride in Muscat: Supporting Kuwait’s World Cup Journey
21, Oct 2024
AUK Professors Ranked Among Top 2% Global Researchers by Stanford University
Two professors from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) have been recognized among the top 2% of global researchers in the 2024 list published by Stanford University and Elsevier BV. Dr. Mohammed El-Abd, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), and Dr. Muhammad Ikram, assistant Professor of electrical engineering, were acknowledged for their significant career-long contributions in their respective fields.
 
Dr. El-Abd has been recognized for the fifth time under the domain of Artificial Intelligence. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is not only a personal milestone but a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and collaborative spirit of everyone I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past 20 years.”
 
With over 100 publications, Dr. El-Abd’s research interests include meta-heuristics, evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, cooperative algorithms, and smart cities. He remains committed to advancing science and mentoring future generations of engineers.
 
Dr. Ikram, who joined AUK in early 2024, was ranked among the top 2% in the field of Networking and Telecommunications. His contributions include more than 50 refereed journal articles and conference papers. Dr. Ikram’s research focuses on integrated antennas, phased arrays, and 5G/6G communications. He has served as an associate editor for several prestigious journals and actively contributes to the global scientific community.
 
Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Dr. Ikram expressed, “This recognition highlights my dedication to advancing research in electrical, electronics, and telecommunication engineering, especially in the subfield of networking and telecommunications, where I rank 2,952 out of 206,482 authors. It motivates me to keep contributing to the scientific community.” 
 
This recognition underscores AUK’s unwavering commitment to excellence in research and education, with faculty members whose expertise continually inspires the next generation of students. 
  
  
  

Dr. Mohammed El-Abd and Dr. Muhammad Ikram
AUK Professors Ranked Among Top 2% Global Researchers by Stanford University
19, Oct 2024
Celebrating Innovation: AUK Hosts NASA Space Apps Challenge Winners' Ceremony
AUK hosted a special ceremony celebrating the first-place winners of the NASA Space Apps Challenge. This globally renowned competition brings together creative minds to tackle real-world challenges. The winners' innovative solutions were honored in the presence of prominent figures in science, education, and technology.
 
The ceremony was attended by NASA Deputy Administrator, Ms. Casey Swails, whose visit underscored the event's significance in fostering global innovation. Also in attendance were representatives from the U.S. Embassy; AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad; Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST) President, Professor Khalid Al-Begain; and Ms. Eman Al-Awadhi representing the event sponsors, KIPCO. Each contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of talent and creativity. 
 
Commenting on this event’s importance, Dr. Rawda Awwad stated, “We were honored to welcome the U.S. Embassy and Ms. Casey Swails, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator, to our campus. It gave the winning team of students of the NASA Space App Challenge a unique chance to engage directly with NASA professionals and see firsthand the value of their teamwork and success. Events like this highlight how inter-institutional student collaboration at an interdisciplinary level can make a real impact through education, exploration, and discovery, and it shows just how important global experiential learning is for the future of our planet. AUK looks forward to more collaborations of this sort in the future.”
 
Dr. Marwa Sharawi, assistant professor of computer science at AUK and NASA’s local lead, along with the dedicated organizing team, also played a crucial role in the event's success, reflecting AUK’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation.
 
By emphasizing innovation and technology, AUK inspires the next generation of thinkers and creators while remaining at the forefront of advancing STEM education, all within the enriching environment of a liberal arts framework. 

  
  

First place winners with Ms. Casey Swails and AUK faculty
  

Ms. Casey Swails and Dr. Rawda Awwad
  

First place winners discussing their project
  

Professor Khalid Al-Begain talking to students
 
 
 First place winners receiving certificate from Ms. Casey Swails
   

Celebrating Innovation: AUK Hosts NASA Space Apps Challenge Winners' Ceremony
17, Oct 2024
AUK Continues to Foster Global Connections through International Exchange Programs
AUK remains a leader in promoting global education and cross-cultural understanding, welcoming students and interns from prestigious international institutions to its vibrant campus. As part of its ongoing commitment to providing diverse educational experiences, AUK is hosting several interns from Dartmouth College this fall semester.

Yasmine Marrero, a government major at Dartmouth, is interning with AUK’s International Relations Department and the Oral History & Documentation Project. Driven by her passion for international relations and Middle Eastern politics, Yasmine chose AUK because of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas. Yasmine is particularly looking forward to exploring Kuwait City’s rich history, museums, and beaches. 

Sophie Chadha, an English major and Neuroscience minor at Dartmouth, has found an ideal fit at AUK through her primary placement with the English Department, AUK Review, and the Writing Center, as well as her secondary role at the Counseling Center. Sophie is eager to apply her academic interests in both teaching and mental health. Sophie is enthusiastic about learning Arabic and how translingual practices influence both academic and social settings at AUK.

Alexandra Aguilar, a double major in Government and Middle Eastern Studies with a minor in International Studies, saw AUK as the perfect opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Middle East while experiencing life in the Gulf region. Alexandra hopes to expand her studies and explore potential careers in international relations during her time at AUK.

These distinguished students from Dartmouth College bring diverse perspectives and academic passions to AUK’s campus, enriching the learning environment for both themselves and the AUK community. By continuing to host international interns, AUK reinforces its dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange and preparing students to engage with the global community.
  
   
  

From left to right: Yasmine Marrero, Sophie Chadha, Alexandra Aguilar
AUK Continues to Foster Global Connections through International Exchange Programs
17, Oct 2024
AUK Hosts Global Expert for Insights on Conflict Data
Dr. Federico Velez, associate professor of international relations at AUK, recently hosted a virtual talk featuring Dr. Nanar Hawach from Uppsala University. Speaking from Sweden, Dr. Hawach engaged AUK’s International Relations majors in a dynamic discussion on global conflict data and analysis.  Dr. Hawach’s presentation, titled “Mapping Global Conflict: Insights from Uppsala University’s Conflict Data Program (UCDP),” provided a deep dive into how this globally renowned database tracks and analyzes armed conflicts around the world.

The UCDP is a comprehensive resource, respected for its detailed information on wars, violent incidents, and conflicts. Dr. Hawach explained how the database serves researchers, policymakers, and international organizations, helping them better understand conflict trends and explore solutions for peacebuilding.

Dr. Hawach also elaborated on the UCDP’s reach, which includes monitoring current conflicts and archiving historical events dating back to the post-World War II period. This extensive database covers a range of conflicts, including state and non-state actor disputes, as well as genocides. He highlighted the program’s rigorous data verification process, which ensures that the information remains accurate and timely.

By bringing in global experts like Dr. Hawach, AUK continues to offer its students unique international perspectives that enrich their understanding of global issues.
  
  
  

Website screenshot of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program
AUK Hosts Global Expert for Insights on Conflict Data
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