From the Desk of Chancellor Seghir

A Monthly Statement Issued by the Chancellor of Ajman University

Ajman University’s 45,000 alumni, spread across 102 countries, embody who we are and everything we stand for: compassion and innovation, diversity and inclusion, empowerment and entrepreneurship, service and impact. These timeless heroes are etched into the very DNA of our pioneering history, current identity, and pathway to possibilities.

A Monthly Statement Issued by the Chancellor of Ajman University

Karim Seghir, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ajman University

© Ajman University. All rights reserved.

University St., Al jerf 1, Ajman
United Arab Emirates

University St., Al jerf 1, Ajman
United Arab Emirates

October 2025

An institution’s alumni are the cornerstone on which its reputation is built. And AU is exceptionally fortunate to have alumni who have forged a deep and strong foundation – on which we have flourished since 1988.

Now is the time to sound the celebration horn and press the activation button on our alumni voices. We want the world to hear their stories of success and amplify their support for the next generation of trailblazers and changemakers. In fact, this is precisely why we are hosting the first-ever Alumni Conference on November 15, 2025: to renew what has been and to commence what could be.

Areej Jadallah, a 2001 graduate of AU’s College of Pharmacy, moved to Jordan to work in community pharmacies, where she became a member of the Jordan Pharmacists’ Association. In collaboration with other pharmacists and doctors, she began volunteering time to assist the Syrian refugee community in combating disease and maintaining their health under difficult conditions. For the last 8 years, Ms. Areej has been a leader with Mercy Corps in several positions, including the WASH (Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation) & Shelter program. Today, she is the Program Coordinator for the team based in northwest Syria.

The lives and livelihoods our graduates are forever linked with AU’s story. And, as the living embodiment of our vision and as ambassadors in countless circles vital to our mission, they are our prime storytellers.

Areej Jadallah ’01 Leads Humanitarian Team for Syria.

Convening Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

AU's transformative change over the last eight years has been trailblazing as well. International bodies – from ranking organizations to accrediting agencies – now classify us as top tier in academic programs, research output, faculty qualifications, employer reputation, and student internationalism. We are a full-blown comprehensive and competitive university on the rise. And our long-term strategy is to soar.

Our alumni are an integral part of this massive capacity-building trajectory. The time is now to engage them as the heart of our story and deploy them as the best of our storytellers. We are shifting to high gear in the way we communicate with them, the way we serve them, and the way we integrate them into the life of the university.

The countdown to our 40th Anniversary in 2028 will witness a major revival in AU alumni relations. We are already taking significant bilateral and reciprocal steps to bring our alumni and our university closer together, including the conference in November. Our shared journey will be mutually beneficial, as alumni will give AU additional visibility and we will give them enhanced institutional support.

The entire university – students, staff and faculty – is excited about moving alumni relations to the next level. We are primed and ready to make the forthcoming conference a huge success and a landmark on the roadmap to forever.

Alumni Stories. AU Storytellers.

Ajman University has much to rejoice about the success stories of our alumni. Indeed, we rejoice with them and for them because of their extraordinary achievement record.  Wherever our graduates go from here, we have witnessed the trademark AU “Make It Happen” spirit in action. Clearly, there are no limits when a sound education is grounded in ethics and service.

Alumni success has a multiplier effect – inspiring communities and galvanizing the will of younger generations to do so as well. AU alumni are torches for light to encompass every corner of our society. There really is no better roadmap to understanding our institution's values and vision than by looking at our alumni.

I’m honored to use my platform to share some of their stories:

Shaban Wafi ’05 Leads Asia Division of Eyecare Charity Foundation

Shaban Wafi, who graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in computer information systems, went on to earn an MBA in Organizational Behavior Studies and a Doctorate in Management at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Twenty years later, Dr. Shaban is the Asia Regional Director of the Al Basar International Foundation, helping to transform lives through eye care and eye hospitals in underserved communities. He is also the Executive Director of Al Basar’s Dubai office, where he oversees strategic operations and regional partnerships.  

Mustafa Al-Khalfawi, a 2007 graduate with a degree in marketing and management, is the Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank. Mr. Mustafa was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Union of Arab Banks – a distinguished role secured through his nomination by the UAE Banks Federation to represent the nation’s banking sector at a regional level. His appointment not only honors his personal accomplishments but also underscores the caliber of leaders emerging from Ajman University – leaders who shape industries, elevate the UAE’s global standing, and set new benchmarks for innovation in the Arab world.

Collectively and individually, our alumni are a gift to this great country, to the GCC region, and to the world at large. A gift wrapped in commitment, shaped by diligence and resilience, and equipped with an ethical compass steeped in culture and rich traditions.

AU alumni are living proof that giving back is more than a one-time act. Giving of yourself is the journey of a lifetime. A journey we are honored to share with them. Forever.

Sincerely,

Mustafa Al-Khalfawi ’07 Charts New Frontiers in Arab Banking.