Feature Stories

From the Desk of the Chancellor

We’re excited to introduce From the Desk of Chancellor Seghir – a new monthly statement series designed to keep our community informed about key initiatives, strategic decisions, and AU’s ongoing transformation.

In this inaugural edition, Chancellor Seghir reflects on AU’s historic transition to a non-profit institution and what it means for our mission, academic excellence, and long-term sustainability.

Read the first statement here

Ajman University Ranks in the Top 100 Universities Worldwide and #1 in the UAE for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

Ajman University, a leading non-profit University in the UAE, is proud to announce that it has been ranked in the top 51-100 institutions worldwide for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. AU holds the #1 ranking in the UAE for this subject, standing as the country’s sole representative in this field. Furthermore, AU secured a top 151-200 global ranking and the #1 position in the UAE for Pharmacy & Pharmacology. The University also excelled in other subjects, ranking among the world’s top 201-250 for Computer Science & Information Systems and for Mathematics (#2 in the UAE for both), and within the 251-300 range globally for Accounting & Finance. In broad subject rankings, AU made impressive gains across several subjects moving up as many as 200 places in some subject areas. AU ranked #284 worldwide for Social Sciences and Management this year, up from #451-500 last year. The university now holds the #3 position in the UAE for this subject.

Senior Class Gift Challenge

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs launches the Senior Class Gift Challenge, a friendly competition among AU’s nine colleges designed to achieve the highest senior participation rate in giving back. This initiative is a unique opportunity to instill a culture of philanthropy among graduating students while strengthening their bond with Ajman University as they step into their next chapter.

The college with the highest participation rate will be recognized and celebrated in an exclusive event. We will be sharing progress updates on campus monitors, AU Connect, and AU Roundup, highlighting the top three colleges every Friday. The final results will be announced at the end of the term.

This week’s top three winning colleges are:

College of Architecture Art and Design
College of Business Administration
College of Engineering and Information Technology

We appreciate your support in encouraging seniors to participate. Faculty members can play a vital role in spreading the word and inspiring students to give. Seniors can contribute online via AU Community Donation Form or visit our Student Hub booth to donate in person and receive a special token of appreciation.

Faculty and Staff Spotlight

Dr. Raghavendra M. Shetty Secures Two Patents for Innovative Pediatric Dental Devices

Dr. Raghavendra M. Shetty from the College of Dentistry, Department of Clinical Sciences, has been granted two patents by the Patent Office, Government of India, for groundbreaking dental devices. The "RMS Elbow Guard" helps children break the thumb-sucking habit, while the "RMS Semi-Fixed Space Maintainer" preserves space for permanent teeth after premature loss of primary teeth. These patents highlight Dr. Shetty’s dedication to advancing pediatric dental care and improving treatment solutions for young patients.

Dr. Dinesh Rokaya Publishes Book on Masticatory System and Dental Occlusion

Dr. Dinesh Rokaya, Assistant Professor, at the College of Dentistry, Department of Clinical Sciences, has published a book titled Masticatory System and Dental Occlusion with Wiley-Blackwell, USA. This book has 11 chapters covering the anatomy of the masticatory system, tooth alignment, functions, bruxism, nervous system regulation, age-related changes, occlusal concepts, and treatment of occlusion issues. The book provides an in-depth introduction to the masticatory system, covering topics such as tooth alignment, occlusal concepts, and treatment of dental occlusion issues. Designed for dental students and professionals, it serves as a valuable resource for both education and practice. This achievement reflects Dr. Rokaya’s dedication to advancing dental research and education.

Alumni and Students Corner

Noor Nedal Mohamed Sakr Selected for Women in MEP Powerlist 2025

Noor Nedal Mohamed Sakr, a Doctor of Business Administration student, has been selected for the Women in MEP Powerlist 2025 and featured in the March edition of MEP Middle East magazine. This prestigious list recognizes the Top 30 Women in MEP for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

For more details, please refer to the attached email or visit the magazine link: MEP Middle East – March 2025.

Ajman University Student Wins Best Architectural Design Award at Best CAAD Students Awards

Ajman University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Design is proud to announce that Sara Abid, a talented student under the supervision of Dr. Muna Salameh, has won the Best Architectural Design Award for the last academic year at the prestigious Best CAAD Students Awards. Her outstanding school project was recognized among all design projects across all levels, showcasing a comprehensive educational facility that included a main school building, a theater, a gym, a multipurpose hall, and all essential facilities. What made this project truly exceptional was its strong focus on sustainability, integrating climate-responsive solutions to mitigate climate change and promote a greener future.

Ajman University Students Join Sustainability Heroes Innovation Competition

The Management Department of the College of Business Administration participated in the launch of the National Innovation Competition, Sustainability Heroes, organized by Nestlé and Injaz. This event offered students a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore key topics in business, marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students attended insightful talks by Nestlé executives, gaining valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives on business excellence. After the presentations, student teams showcased their projects and received feedback. Notably, three teams from Ajman University are participating in Injaz’s Company Program, receiving mentorship from Nestlé-Injaz experts to refine their ideas for the final national competition in May 2025.

Events

Ajman University Hosts Iftar to Celebrate Faculty and Staff

Ajman University hosted an Iftar for its esteemed faculty members and administrative staff, bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and gratitude. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen connections and share meaningful moments. The evening was filled with warmth, conversations, and a sense of togetherness.

The Dean of the College of Mass Communication Honors the Organizing and Media Coverage Team

In recognition of the College's commitment to motivating its students and Alumni, the Dean, Dr. Hossam Salama, honored the College's Organizing and Media Coverage Team, led by Dr. Dina El-Khattat, the College's Training Coordinator and Alumni Coordinator. Since they played a key role in several local and global events during the past academic year, the team received certificates of appreciation for their contributions in organizing and covering several international events, most notably the "MENA Forum" for Higher Education Leaders in Africa and the Middle East, and ICIP International Conference 2024.

The College of Law Hosts a Lecture on Trial Procedures and Judicial Discretion

The College of Law organized an insightful lecture titled "Trial Procedures: Final Investigation, Criminal Evidence, and Judicial Discretion in Forming Convictions," delivered by His Excellency Dr. Ali Hassan Kaldari, Judge at the Criminal Appeals Court, Dubai Courts. The session provided an in-depth exploration of key legal principles in criminal trials, offering attendees valuable insights into the final stages of investigations, the role of evidence in criminal cases, and the discretionary power of judges in forming judicial convictions. The event served as a significant learning opportunity for students and legal professionals, enhancing their understanding of the judicial process.

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Hosts Student-Led HPV Awareness Event

In celebration of International HPV Awareness Day and under the direction of the Dean, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences organized a student-led health awareness event on Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Pharmacy and Nursing students took the initiative to educate their peers on HPV risks, including cervical cancer, and the importance of vaccination. Held at the J1 building, the event featured an HPV vaccination awareness drive, interactive activities, and a student-led presentation on transmission, prevention, and the role of vaccination. This initiative underscored the college’s commitment to community health education and highlighted the vital role future pharmacists and nurses play in promoting public health beyond clinical settings.

The College of Humanities and Sciences Celebrates UAE National Reading Month

The College of Humanities and Sciences has launched a series of engaging initiatives to celebrate UAE National Reading Month this March under the slogan "UAE Reads." The Department of Languages and Culture has organized four key activities: a Reading Station for immersive on-campus reading, a Book Donation Area to encourage knowledge-sharing, a Reading Salon featuring discussions with guest authors, and a Creative Writing Workshop covering essential writing techniques. These initiatives aim to promote literacy, spark book discussions, and enhance writing skills within the university community. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate and contribute to a culture of reading and learning.

The College of Medicine Hosts EmiratesMEDs National Competency Framework Task Force Meeting

The College of Medicine hosted the EmiratesMEDs National Competency Framework Task Force Meeting, bringing together Deans and faculty members from all medical colleges in the UAE. This gathering fostered meaningful discussions on shaping medical education in alignment with international standards, followed by a faculty development session led by distinguished experts, including Prof. Mohi Eldin Magzoub. Strengthening collaboration among medical institutions, this meeting marked a significant step in advancing academic excellence across the UAE.

The College of Mass Communication Enhances Students' Photography Skills Through "The Shutter Bus" Initiative

The College of Mass Communication enhanced students' and alumni's photography skills by participating in The Shutter Bus initiative, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and featuring Emirati photographer Yousef Al Qasimi. Dr. Dina Al Khattat, Training and Alumni Coordinator, coordinated the initiative for the college. During the Xposure International Photography Festival, participants received hands-on training in photography and composition at key Sharjah landmarks, from Al Noor Island to Al Shanasiyah Market. Students praised the experience for its educational value in refining their skills and understanding of visual creativity.

MSc and BPharm Students Participate in the Inaugural National Pharmacy Conference (NaPhCo 2025)

A group of Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmacy students attended the first National Pharmacy Conference (NaPhCo 2025) at Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan, Dubai. Organized by the Emirates Pharmacy Society, the conference, themed “Innovating Pharmacy Practice: Bridging Gaps, Building the Future,” brought together pharmacists, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss advancements in pharmacy practice. Over two days, 20 interactive sessions covered topics such as pharmacy leadership, AI in practice, integrated pharmacy models, and pharmacotherapy advancements. The event also featured a student poster competition, where BPharm students from COPHS participated as both organizers and competitors. Doaa Rafeq secured second place for her project, "EcoPharm AI: Smart Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal."

The College of Architecture, Art and Design Showcases Sustainable Park Designs at UAE Innovation Month 2025 - Dubai Municipality

Dr. Muna Salameh proudly led the College of Architecture, Art, and Design in the UAE Innovation Month 2025 Exhibition, organized by Dubai Municipality’s Excellence and Knowledge Management Department. The event served as a platform for showcasing innovative, sustainable park designs. The showcased projects highlighted environmentally responsible urban development through solutions such as renewable energy integration in public parks, climate-responsive shading, smart irrigation, and biodiversity enhancement. The exhibition attracted urban planners, sustainability experts, and government officials, fostering valuable discussions on sustainable urban development. This participation reaffirms the College's commitment to fostering future architects and designers who are dedicated to sustainability, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions.

The College of Humanities and Sciences Hosts a Community Event on Air Pollution

The Environment, Health, and Safety Committee of the College of Humanities and Sciences organized an engaging awareness lecture on "Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollutants and Their Risks". The event attracted a diverse audience, including faculty members, students, staff, and the college's student environmental ambassadors, fostering meaningful discussions on air quality and public health. Dr. Ahmed Abdul Sattar, Head of the Environment, Health, and Safety Committee, delivered an insightful presentation on the various sources of air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, and their potential health risks. The session provided attendees with valuable knowledge on recognizing common pollutants and adopting preventative measures to minimize exposure.

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Hosts a Session on Perioperative Nursing

The Nursing Department at COPHS hosted Ms. Caroline Bilen, CEO of Compass Health Consultancy and Chairperson of the ENA Operating Rooms Nursing Society, for an insightful lecture titled "The Perioperative Path: A Rewarding Career in Nursing". Ms. Bilen highlighted the growing demand for perioperative nurses, career opportunities in surgical nursing, and the vital role nurses play in patient care. She emphasized the importance of registering with the Emirates Nurses Association (ENA) to stay updated on industry advancements, specialized workshops, and professional development opportunities. The interactive session engaged students through Q&A discussions, career insights, and success stories, providing valuable guidance and inspiration for those considering a career in perioperative nursing.

Community at Heart

The Office of Community Engagement Leads Ramadan Food Distribution Initiative

In the spirit of Ramadan and in alignment with the Year of Community 2025, the Office of Community Engagement led a food packaging and distribution initiative to support campus workers, uniting volunteers in a collective effort to give back. The College of Humanities and Sciences, led by Dr. Mahra Aal Malek, and the College of Mass Communication, led by Dr. Alyaa Anter, played a vital role in this initiative, contributing to the mission of ensuring food security for lower-income individuals. Volunteers from the AU Entrepreneurship Club also took part in this effort, assisting in the packing and distribution of 200 food boxes containing essential dry items such as oil, lentils, tuna, tomato paste, rice, macaroni, dates, cream, and Lebanese bread.

Watch the video

AU in the News

Ajman University Ranks in the Top 100 Universities Worldwide and #1 in the UAE for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Al Khaleej , WAM , World News ,Zawya , Al Bayan , Al Watan , Gulf365 , ENN , 7enews , Nas News , NABD , UAE News , Masr Alyoum , Daily Hunt , Urdu Point

Ajman University Celebrates Global Day 2025 Under the Theme "Unity in Diversity: Gulf Today , Al Khaleej , Daily Hunt , Arabs Voice , NABD , Elyom New

Share Your Submission

AU Roundup is published every Friday at 11:00 AM. To share stories for consideration, contact us at auroundup@ajman.ac.ae before the cut-off time every Thursday at 12:00 PM.

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