The State of Kuwait yesterday hosted a gathering of Arabian Gulf University (AGU) alumni from Kuwait, organised by the Alumni Unit at the Deanship of Student Affairs. More than 100 alumni representing various cohorts and academic disciplines—including medical, educational, administrative, and technical specialisations—participated in the event.

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of the Arabian Gulf University, expressed his appreciation for the pioneering vision of the founding leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states who established the university. He extended his gratitude to the successive presidents who have guided the university’s journey over the past decades, and commended the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait for its steadfast support of students. Dr Al Fuhaid also acknowledged the efforts of the university’s Board of Trustees.

In his address, Dr Al Fuhaid stated that the university is proud of its Kuwaiti students and the leadership positions they have assumed after equipping themselves with knowledge, scientific expertise, and a spirit of innovation. He reviewed the latest developments in the university’s projects, foremost among them the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City project.

Dr Al Fuhaid affirmed that the university has adopted a policy of sustainable development, and is actively engaged in enhancing its organisational structure, administrative systems, regulations, software, and academic programmes at all levels, in order to advance e-learning and support scientific research and publication.

He further noted that the university’s development efforts have extended to the library, learning resources, and the activation of research centres, as well as the expansion of the Simulation and Medical Skills Centre. He highlighted AGU’s achievement of advanced positions in several Asian and international academic rankings, in addition to the university’s attainment of the ISO certification in recognition of its excellence in quality management and educational institution administration.

Dr Al Fuhaid concluded by emphasising that the aim of this gathering is to strengthen ties between the university and its alumni, noting that the success of alumni in their professional and academic endeavours reflects the success of the university itself.

On behalf of the alumni, Dr Shaimaa Al Asfour, Deputy Director-General of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Kuwait, family medicine consultant, and obesity treatment specialist, recalled fond memories shared with her colleagues at the university, where scientific and human experiences were intertwined in a holistic journey marked by challenge, passion, and dedication.

She stated: “Kuwait, known for its genuine generosity, opens its arms today to host the gathering of AGU alumni from across the Gulf. This meeting exemplifies the deep sense of belonging to a distinguished academic institution that has, over the years, embodied the integrated vision of the GCC.”

The event also featured an interactive dialogue led by Dr Ghazi bin Abdulrahman Al Otaibi, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Scientific Research, who listened to the ideas, aspirations, and suggestions of alumni towards establishing an effective partnership with their alma mater. Discussions centred on three main themes: the university’s role towards its alumni, the alumni’s role towards their university, and ways to enhance communication between the two.

Dr Al Otaibi underscored the importance of alumni in advancing the university’s mission and enhancing its distinguished reputation both locally and internationally, describing them as AGU’s ambassadors in various fields and Gulf communities. He stressed that alumni are a source of pride for the university, given their academic and professional achievements. He also pointed out that the relationship between alumni and the university does not end upon graduation, but continues through their active participation in university activities and events, thereby contributing to the development of a robust support network that fosters further progress and innovation.

In the same context, Dr Abdullah Ismail, Head of the Alumni Unit, spoke about the unit’s mission and vision, and invited alumni to register on the electronic platform of the association to strengthen ties and pave the way for the launch of further joint initiatives and projects in the near future.

The event concluded with recreational competitions presented by alumna Fiddha Al Musallam, the distribution of prizes to the winners, and a dinner banquet during which alumni exchanged conversations and shared memories.