Our Leadership Team
Together we build the Future.
Our leadership is an essential part of that effort, and they collaborate with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and others to create a new, better model of higher education that meets the needs of our accelerated, interconnected and ever-changing world. Through this work, the Australian University continues its commitment to being a private institution dedicated to the public good.
The Team meets regularly to guide AU’s strategic initiatives. The team, identifies challenges and opportunities, shares progress from their respective areas of responsibility, and receives feedback from President.
Prof. Isam Zabalawi
President
Prof. Isam Zabalawi
Excellence in Making a Difference
The Australian University (AU) is a well-established, modern and innovative University, indeed, we are a driving force for positive change. As a University, we educate, research, create, and impart knowledge. “Excellence in Making a Difference” is our strategic objective and continuing the legacy of AU to build an academic institution that will enable the human potential within a culture of care. AU is a dedicated higher educational institution operating since 2004 in the State of Kuwait, which centers on generating pioneering concepts and practical solutions that profit a significant lifelong learning mission.
At AU we offer a selection of degrees, programs, and opportunities to support students learning journey. In specializations within Engineering, Business, Aviation and Maritime studies, classified under: Bachelor’s Degrees (0-4) and (0-2) Diploma to Bachelor’s Degree (2+2). Our Bachelor and Diploma degrees prepare students for important and in market demand jobs. Through the skills they acquire as part of their studies, students learn solidly ways of thinking that are critical in their career and intelligent growth.
Our teaching and learning are built on the highest academic standards. AU places great importance on offering qualifications that have both industry and professional recognition. All of AU’s academic programs are progressive and accredited nationally and internationally.
Sustaining a diverse community of qualified educators is sine qua non at AU. In addition to their teaching roles, our faculty members are active contributors to the increasing of knowledge through research projects with international partners and local industry/commercial/research bodies. Moreover, AU students are given the chance to take part in such research and even to pursue their own with mentoring support.
Our key focus is to create opportunities and inspire students to achieve their goals. Accordingly, the implementation of the five learning pillars that is: Learning to know, Learning to do, Learning to live together, Learning to be, Learning to transform oneself and society, are all available at the University for every student to endorse the life/career philosophy with a healthy balance between work, personal and community goals, priorities and activities. The Australian University offers more than just a great learning experience. It broadens horizons and challenges assumptions in ways that help students make their way in the world with accountability and confidence, and in turn make that world a better place.
I encourage you to take the time and learn about all the information available on the website and to visit our campus to discover more about the opportunities offered to you at the Australian University.
Dr. Ayad Salhieh
Asst. to the President for Student Relations
Dr. Ayad Salhieh
A new era has begun at the Australian University, our new curriculums and programs are constructed to demonstrate the commitment we have towards our students, as by providing a high level of education, we are preparing our students towards stepping into the future with knowledge and confidence.
Each department in Student Relations is committed to serve our students and provide them with support. The Admissions & Registration are available to answer students’ questions with regards to required entry levels; range of programs across Engineering, Business, Maritime and Aviation; Academic Calendar and critical dates for applications, enrolment and registration. As well as any general matters students wish to discuss. They also welcome visits by parents and family members and can arrange individual and group campus tours.
Moreover, the Student Affairs Department is the focal point in providing the needed support to our students related to non-academic issues, as they are keen to solve students’ issues in line with AU rules and regulations.
In addition to that, the Center for Learning Differences offers accommodations for a wide range of LD and disability students and help them in the best way by ensuring that they get an equal education to all other students, delivered in a manner that suits their abilities and provide all the necessary support services.
Furthermore, the Student Counseling Center provides counselling and psychotherapy services to help students overcome their psychological and emotional difficulties and disorders, and support students’ psychological growth and development.
In Student Life, you will be enjoying an extraordinary student experience through different social activities within the campus and sports activities, as we believe that student life is a significant part of the student learning success.
Not only you will find support during your study, but also after graduation as the Alumni & Career Placement Center offers myriad of services to alumni and prospected graduates aiming to enhance their professional development and to assist them in finding the right career path, through facilitating career development workshops, organizing career days and career fairs, assistance in job search, networking opportunities, and more.
Come and join us to begin your journey with the Australian University.
Mr. Sager A. A. Al-Sharhan
Asst. to the President for Support Services
Mr. Sager A. A. Al-Sharhan
The Australian University is one of Kuwait great private universities, distinguished by an extraordinary strength and scope of excellence. AU’s campus and strategic location in one of Kuwait’s great cities providing students with a transformative educational experience, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed to navigate our rapidly changing world. The Support Services Division is the supporting backbone of AU.
At AU we believe that students learn much beyond the contents of the book in a campus life. The Australian University consists of well-designed buildings, smart classrooms and laboratories, and thoughtful furniture. Also, a variety of food outlets are provided throughout the campus. We are proud to be functioning properly managed Facilities to ensure smooth operation order, and remaining a friendly and inviting environment for students, staff, and visitors. Promoting a Health & Safety working atmosphere is an AU focus. Providing healthy methods, intensive awareness and reliable Security measures for learners and workers to foster a safe and secure campus.
Our teaching and learning are built on the highest academic standards. AU places great importance on offering qualifications that have both industry and professional recognition. All of AU’s academic programs are progressive and accredited nationally and internationally.
AU’s motto has always evolved around enabling human potential within a culture of care. Through Corporate Training, provision of practical skills and knowledge aligned with industry requirements, we provide lifelong learning experience for our students and allow effective contribution to serve the State of Kuwait and achieve its 2035 Vision.
The University firmly believes in nurturing student-centered philosophy to ensure a well-rounded and holistic yet exciting student experience. Therefore, our Public and powerful social communication channels are always keen on providing an open and transparent interaction with the public and students are continually up to date with AU activities agenda and future events.
Please take a minute to explore the Australian University website to learn more about our Support Services and feel free to visit any Supporting Department while on campus for any further details and/or questions.
Dr. Mohamad Abdul Niby
Dean – College of Engineering
Dr. Mohamad Abdul Niby
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
– William A. W.
On behalf of our faculty and staff, we would like to welcome you to the College of Engineering at the Australian University (AU). Whether you’re a student, parent, graduate, or just curious, we hope you find our website helpful and informative.
The College of Engineering at AU has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, technically proficient, and innovative problem solvers in a variety of disciplines. This reputation has been built on the quality of our education, the success of our graduates and the accomplishments of our faculty. Our goal is to prepare students for exceptional technical careers as leaders and entrepreneurs.
It is truly an exciting time to be part of the College of Engineering family, and even better times are yet to come.
So have a look around our website. Explore links and learn more about the College of Engineering here at AU. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us; we welcome your interest and will happily assist you however we can.
Dr. Farid Abdallah
Dean – College of Business
Dr. Farid Abdallah
Welcome to the College of Business at the Australian University(AU).
With our prime objective being that of providing excellent student education, we pride ourselves with being among the most diverse business schools in Kuwait. With a body of faculty and students with various nationalities and backgrounds, you will encounter an international educational experience at the College of Business.
Our recent change of status from being a college to that of a university carries with it many exciting and beneficial aspects to our students. We now offer a diverse number of degrees at Diploma and Bachelor level, in the disciplines of Human Resources, Management, International Business and Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Digital Marketing and Communication, Banking and Finance, Accounting, Events Management and MIS.
Our programs have been designed to meet the needs and skill requirements of employer organizations at local and international levels. Thus, the College of Business differentiates itself by combining theory with practice, through the adoption of a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach. we strive to stimulate students to think critically, communicate effectively, utilize technology, develop problem-solving skills and behave with virtue and accountability. Hence, our students will experience a combination of classroom learning, case-study problem-solving exercises, research, the use of industry-related software and conduct internships at leading organizations. This will prepare them to identify and solve real business and social problems faced by firms and communities. Throughout their studies, our students receive the support and guidance of instructors who work collaboratively with industry and community partners to deliver practical curricula.
As AU is a higher education institution that promotes research capacity, our students are given the opportunity to work very closely with faculty members on a wide variety of research projects, while they benefit from top quality classroom instructions. We are proud of our business faculty members as they are known for their commitments to excellence in teaching, research and service, and for their efforts in advancing human capacity and preparing our students to become future business and community leaders.
At AU College of Business, we educate tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs with today’s leading management knowledge and tools.
Capt. Abdulhammed Al Refai
Senior Director – School of Aviation
Capt. Abdulhammed Al Refai
The school of Aviation is perhaps the most visible part of the AU Campus in West Mishref. People driving past the University cannot miss the sight of the hangar that houses full size Boeing 737-200 aircraft.
Students can enroll in a range of aviation programs ranging from short courses to full diplomas with pathways to Bachelor degree qualifications based on transfer credits and remedied courses that should be taken.
The Aviation industry is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the world economy. Aviation graduates from AU receive qualifications that are recognized internationally. There are plenty of opportunities for employment inside Kuwait as well as globally.
It is my pleasure, as the Senior Director of Aviation and on behalf of our faculty and staff, to welcome you to the School of Aviation at this exciting phase in the development of aviation globally and specifically here in Kuwait. As our student, you will develop a wide range of skills and attributes to underpin positive and critical attitudes towards change and enterprise, to reflect the dynamism and vibrancy of the aviation environment. Safety and environmental awareness are embedded in everything we do to prepare you for a career in aviation industrial related positions as a confident and articulate aviation professional and an effective global citizen.
Captain Liam C. Toner
Senior Manager – Maritime
Captain Liam C. Toner
Welcome to Australian University Maritime
Due to its strategic location, Kuwait has historically been a regional hub for maritime trade. The New Kuwait 2035 Vision and the associated major port developments will provide the infrastructure for Kuwait to expand local economic activities and regional transport links. The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port development on Bubiyan Island will become a key juncture for shipping and transit services along the Silk Road.
This port, together with the new Mina Al Zour Port for oil and gas will substantially increase maritime activity and provide opportunities for additional related industry and business. Along with this growth will be an expansion in maritime related employment and therefore associated training and certification for a wide range of professional roles.
The Maritime department within the Australian University is well established with a history of providing training programmes for major local industries and governmental organisations. The AU Maritime facilities include state of the art simulators that allow trainees to gain the knowledge, skills and experience required to perform safely in the demanding workplace.
Our courses are delivered by experienced competent instructors that guide the trainee’s attendees through the training process.
Prof. Alper Ertürk
Head of Department – Business Management
Dr. Steven Telford
At the Department of Management, we prepare students for rewarding careers in the world of business. In line with our move to becoming the ‘Australian University’ we have endeavored to widen and deepen our course offerings to be in sync with what one world typically expect of a modern university. Our courses provide the opportunity for students to acquire critical skills and knowledge in organizational behavior, leadership, strategy development, planning, Finance, entrepreneurship, and international business that meet the ever-changing needs of today’s immensely comparative market. Drawn from a wide and diverse berth of nationalities and cultures, our faculty is comprised of a highly qualified team of individuals with combinations of experience that encompass both traditional academia and contemporary industry – each of which looks forward helping to develop the bright young minds of modern Kuwait.
Ms. Marcelle de la Roche
Acting Head of Marketing & Events Management / Senior Instructor –
College of Business
Ms. Marcelle de la Roche
We would like to welcome all students who decide on an exciting career in Marketing. Our department will ensure that students are fully prepared for the business world. We’ve designed our curriculum around critical skills and knowledge required by industry in Kuwait and internationally. Courses related to Marketing Principles, Digital Marketing, Retail Marketing, Marketing Research, Social Media Marketing and Market Planning guarantee students have contemporary knowledge that can be applied once they graduate. Our College prides itself on ensuring that contemporary majors and knowledge are offered to students, thereby ensuring that graduates are productive and add value on the first working day. In line with this we are offering our new Bachelor in Digital Marketing and Communication.
Both programs will support students in careers and occupations such as Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Account Executive, Sales Manager, Retail Merchandising Manager, Brand Manager, and Market Research Manager.
Our diverse faculty are highly qualified and present a mixture of both academic and industry experience.
Dr. Abdessattar Mahfoudhi
Head of Department – English Language Program
Dr. Abdessattar Mahfoudhi
Dear students/parents,
On behalf of my colleagues at the Australian University (AU), I welcome you to our vibrant learning community. At AU, we aspire to engage our students in well-rounded educational programs that will help them prosper as students, employers or employees, and citizens. Some of the main pillars in our programs in each of the colleges and schools of our university are communication, study, research and critical thinking skills. These skills are essential not only to grant you access to the content of the subjects of your specialty, but also help you secure a job after graduation in an increasingly competitive market. More importantly, they equip you with the necessary skills of a life-long learner. The mission of our internationally accredited program is to help you acquire these skills using the most up-to-date evidence-based methods in a collaborative learning environment.
I wish you a happy learning journey!
Dr. Ahmed Bani Mustafa
Head of Department – Mathematics
Dr. Ahmed Bani Mustafa
The Mathematics Department offers Mathematics and Physics courses for Engineering and Business students. Our department fosters a dynamic learning environment across Engineering and Business programs addressing the demand in the marketplace.
Our faculty are dynamic and dedicated to providing a top-quality educational experience for all level of students. Thus, our commitment to student excellence is a testament to the philosophy of our institution and the goals of our stakeholders. I would like to welcome you to our department.
The department offers a variety of courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Chemistry and has a flexible curriculum based on solid foundation courses as well as challenging with a more focus on Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics.
The department also provides free peer assistance for most of our service Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Chemistry courses.
I would like to welcome you to our department and please feel free to contact me if you need more information about our department.
Dr. Fadi Alkhatib
Head of Department – Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Fadi Alkhatib
Welcome to the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering at the Australian University. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A degree in Mechanical Engineering open doors to a wide range of career choices. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with core and specialized Mechanical Engineering discipline knowledge together with practical skills required to launch into a professional career.
Our department offers an innovative academic programs and training to our students. A distinguishing feature of our program is its emphasis on hands-on engineering through PBL courses, capstone design experience and management. Building on the core disciplines of Mechanical Engineering such as thermo-fluids, renewable energy, mechanics, materials, design, manufacturing and biosystems. Our pioneering research is addressing some of the most current and future needs of the society.
The department has diverse, highly qualified faculty members, including distinguished researchers in multiple mechanical engineering disciplines, with extensive levels of expertise over a broad range of subject areas. Our faculty members strive to produce graduates at the highest level that can face the constantly changing and challenging demands of the industry.
Our graduates are prepared for positions in the various Mechanical Engineering fields of industry (including the oil and gas sector) such as automotive component design, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), energy systems, process and component design, product development, technical support and sales. Students receive hands-on experience using the industrial equipment in the Department’s state of the art laboratories as they develop skills in problem solving, written, oral communication and computing. These abilities can then be further applied in the design, analysis, development, implementation, and control of mechanical systems.
Dr. Hassan Salti
Head of Department – Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Dr. Hassan Salti
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at the College of Engineering at the Australian University.
The Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department has been growing considerably during these last years due to the success of its graduates in proving themselves as highly skilled and professional engineers.
Our programs are designed to reflect the diverse needs of our students and the society we live in whilst retaining academic rigor. They equip our students with the required knowledge and skills to work as a professional and active engineers and engineering technologist in a wide range of career disciplines such as electrical, electronics, communication, instrumentation, automation, signal processing and computer control industry. Our programs also open the doors for our graduates to continue their graduate studies at universities around the world.
Our highly qualified academic staff carefully design their courses to ensure our graduates have the skills they need to make a significant contribution to Kuwait’s future. We strive to develop graduates who are ready for the changing needs of the local and global industry.
As we look to the future, the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department will continue to fulfill its aim to contribute to the Kuwait society with research, scholarship, teaching and learning, and with its commitment to excellence.
Whether you are a first-time visitor, student, parent, alumni or employer, I invite you to explore our department webpages and discover by yourself the ample opportunities at our department as a first choice in electrical and electronics engineering education.
Dr. Mortadha Alsaba
Head of Department – Petroleum and Chemical Engineering
Dr. Mortadha Alsaba
Welcome to the page of the Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department at the Australian University. The Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department is one of six departments in the College of Engineering. The department has gone through several re-structuring stages to reflect the needs of Kuwait in the area of natural resources and its related fields.
Our programs in the department in collaboration with other departments at AU strives to equip students with quality petroleum and chemical engineering education, carry out basic and applied research and provide an environment, which will enable our students to gain the required skills, knowledge, and innovative practice to significantly contribute towards the Kuwait 2035 Vision.
We are dedicated to offering high quality teaching and a very strong linkage with the industry so that our students acquire fundamental and specific knowledge and develop the necessary skills and attitudes for the entry and success in the professional practice of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering. Our students have contact with the latest practices and research in Petroleum and Chemical Engineering and they are always encouraged to participate in local and international extracurricular activities and competitions. With this, they are adequately prepared to face the contemporary demands of the profession and technological challenges of the future.
We are proud of our recent accomplishments and believe in a prosperous future, with even more developments. We hope you share our vision and enthusiasm!
I encourage you to explore our website and learn more about our programs offered as well as our faculty, who has a diverse research interests in both Petroleum and Chemical Engineering core areas including but not limited to; production engineering, drilling engineering, enhance oil recovery, renewable energy, produced and wastewater treatment, biomass and biofuels, biotechnology, etc.
Feel free to browse our page and get in touch if you need any additional information.
Dr. Ahmad Saad
Head of Department – Civil Engineering
Dr. Ahmad Saad
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Civil Engineering Department at the Australian University. Being the cornerstone of development in the old and modern worlds, Civil Engineering discipline still plays a vital role in the advancement in human life.
Our programs are designed to equip the civil engineering graduates with the required knowledge, skills, techniques, and technology that allow them to tackle any given task, problem, or project, while considering different angles to achieve the best possible results. The program enables our students to achieve a high level of competency in several disciplines; this includes Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, Material Science, Geotechnical Engineering, and Transportation Engineering. Our graduates over more than a decade proved that their hands-on experience during their study time had paid off and reflected on their status in the current challenging marketplace.
Our highly qualified staff design their courses in close connection to the industrial practices and the local and global industrial needs. The civil engineering laboratory includes the state-of-the-art equipment and software packages that allow students to hit-the-ground running upon graduation. The civil engineering department at the Australian University is also proud of involving civil engineering students in various research projects that are internally and externally funded, resulting in numerous scholarly achievements.
Feel free to browse our page and get in touch if you need any additional information.
Dr. Oualid Abidi
Head of Department – Human Resources Management
Dr. Oualid Abidi
The Human Resource Management Department has been newly established with the objective of leading the efforts toward offering high quality programs in human resource management (HRM). We currently offer a diploma of HRM with courses that have been designed to meet the learning needs of the students and the expectations of the employers in Kuwait. Students are introduced to a variety of subjects that reflect the major HRM functions such as recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development and talent management. Our teaching approach promotes independent learning among students with an interest into exploring the crucial issues and latest trends that characterize the HRM area. With the support of experienced and dedicated faculty members, students participate in hands-on learning activities that revolve around problem solving assignments, groupwork, project-based learning and research-based activities. Our programs are regularly audited and approved by local and international accreditation bodies which allows us to aim for delivering an outstanding education journey to our students and increase their employability in Kuwait and elsewhere.
In addition to HRM, our department offers a new Bachelor of Management Information Systems (MIS). The introduction of the new program is a response to the growing aspirations of organizations and policy makers to rely on people endowed with strong technical and managerial knowledge in different aspects that could be transformed into sustainable competitive advantages, e.g., business analytics, machine learning, data science, and Python programming.