Sharjah: American University of Sharjah (AUS) welcomed its graduates back to campus for the AUS Alumni Reunion 2026, held under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. The reunion took place on Saturday, January 24, at the AUS Main Plaza, and drew alumni from across the UAE and abroad together for an evening of reconnection, shared memories, and celebration of the AUS community.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikha Bodour emphasized the significance of the community over physical structures during her address, noting that being an AUS alumnus equates to being a partner in the university's future. Hosted by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA), the event carried the theme 'Together We Rise'. This year's celebration also marked the 25th anniversary of AUS' first graduating cohort, the Alumni Pioneers (Class of Fall 2000 and Spring 2001), who participated in a ceremonial procession, tribute video, and commemorative photograph with the President.
Ansar Babu, Director of Global Distribution and Operations at the Royal Commission for AlUla, Saudi Arabia, reflected on the privilege and responsibility of being part of AUS' first graduating class, highlighting the university's growth into a globally recognized institution. Babu noted the lasting impact of the values instilled in them at AUS and the significance of returning to campus.
A significant highlight of the evening was the launch of the Graduate-Level Alumni Scholarship, a new initiative offering eligible alumni the opportunity to pursue a fully funded graduate degree at AUS. Fatima Alshamsi and Karim Elsadek were selected through a draw led by the AUS President, each winning scholarships valued at approximately AED200,000. This announcement was met with enthusiasm, reflecting AUS' commitment to lifelong learning and supporting the academic progression of its alumni.
The event, presided over by Master of Ceremonies Rania Hammad, featured networking spaces and affinity corners for alumni to reconnect. The reunion program included talks by Dr. Khaled Ghattass on topics like positive psychology and cultural diversity, and Mostafa Salameh, who shared his journey from a refugee camp to completing the Explorer's Grand Slam.
The evening concluded with a live performance by singer Diana Haddad, bringing the event to a celebratory close. Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS, expressed pride in the university's growth and its impact on graduates, noting the reunion as a powerful reminder of AUS' progress and the strength of its community.