AU Alumni as Partners in Impact

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Chairman of Ajman University’s Board of Trustees, Ajman University convened its inaugural Alumni Conference under the theme “Together, We Can Transform Lives.”

Held as the university prepares to commemorate its 40th anniversary, the conference brought renewed focus to the role alumni can play in shaping the future of higher education. With a global community of more than 45,000 graduates, Ajman University is seeking to build deeper connections between alumni expertise and the university’s academic, professional and societal mission.

The conference explored how structured, long-term alumni engagement can strengthen mentorship, innovation, talent development, lifelong learning and global networks. It also highlighted opportunities to connect alumni more closely with students, research and industry, creating an ecosystem in which graduates continue to contribute to the university long after completing their studies.

Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, emphasized this evolving relationship in his welcome address: “Our graduates are essential partners in shaping the university we are becoming. Their achievements, their leadership, and their service to society embody the mission we uphold every day. As a non-profit institution, we are committed to building deeper, more purposeful pathways that connect alumni expertise to student learning, research, and community impact. This conference strengthens a shared commitment to advancing education as a public good, and to ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead with insight, creativity, and integrity.”

The conference brought this vision to life through the experiences of alumni working across finance, digital transformation and innovation-driven economic development.

Mustafa Al Khalfawi ’07, CEO of Ajman Bank and one of Arabian Business’ 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025, reflected on how his education at Ajman University contributed to his leadership journey in the financial sector. Lacina Koné ’93, Director General and CEO of Smart Africa, discussed digital transformation and a €100 million plan to establish a Single Digital Market in Africa. Dr. Laila Faridoon ’99, CEO of the New Economy Academy and recognized as one of the Top 30 Women Leaders to Look Out For in 2023, shared insights into developing innovation-driven, knowledge-based economic ecosystems that support sustainable national and regional development.

The program also connected alumni engagement with the wider questions facing universities and economies today. In a fireside chat, Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman of Wamda Group and Founder of Aramex, joined Loulou Khazen Baz, Founder and Managing Partner of Spade Ventures, to discuss entrepreneurship, sustainable economic development and the role universities can play in enabling emerging talent and innovative thinking.

Two panel discussions further examined the evolving relationship between universities and their graduates. Alumni leaders from diverse sectors explored how graduates can contribute to institutional development through mentorship, advocacy and global collaboration, while also considering how universities can continue supporting graduates through academic, professional and executive learning opportunities throughout their careers.

For Ajman University, this relationship is becoming increasingly important as the institution advances its mission as a non-profit university. Alumni can contribute not only through professional expertise and mentorship, but also by helping expand access to education through scholarships, supporting research aligned with national priorities, strengthening connections with industry, and creating opportunities for students through entrepreneurship and professional networks.

As Ajman University approaches its 40th year, its inaugural Alumni Conference signals a broader ambition: to build an al