Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi (centre) at the inaugural event.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), officially inaugurated the newly renovated Student Center, which has been reimagined as the heartbeat of student life on campus. It is now a fresh, vibrant space where the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of AUS students and alumni come alive, providing a blend of entertainment, social engagement and health-conscious eateries. Sheikha Bodour said the Student Center was a cornerstone of the AUS experience that reflected the university’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and community.

“This Center embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that defines AUS at every level,” she said. “It’s a stimulating, mindful environment where students and alumni can gather, eat healthy food together, share their ideas and ambitions and take them forward. I’m very grateful to Al Rawabi Dairy and AUS alumnus Pallavi Dean, whose generous contributions made the vision of this facility a reality. Their support was instrumental in creating this vibrant space for our students and the wider university community.”

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Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Founder and Chairman of Al Rawabi Dairy, said: “At Al Rawabi Dairy, we recognise the vital role national companies play in supporting educational institutions such as the American University of Sharjah, empowering future generations while introducing them to local products. Our contribution to the Student Center aims to create a comfortable and inspiring space where students can connect, collaborate and innovate, enriching their university experience. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to fostering community development and advancing our national goals.” “Designing the Student Center was an opportunity to create an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We focused on incorporating flexible spaces that can easily adapt to different uses, from study sessions to social events. Being able to draw on my experiences as a former AUS student to shape a place that supports the needs of today’s students was a unique and fulfilling challenge,” said Pallavi Dean, Founder of Design By Roar. The event was attended by members of the AUS leadership, including Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS; Bedour Al Raqbani, Board of Trustees member; Dr. Abdullatif AlShamsi, Special Advisor to the President for Academic Affairs; Ali Al Suwaidi, Acting Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; Shaima Bin Taliah, Acting Vice Chancellor for Student Experience; Amina Abdulrahim, Executive Director of ICT and IT Security; Haifa Ismail, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership; Khalid Al Rumaithi, Director of Procurement and Logistics; Hayder Awni, Director of Project Management; and members of the wider AUS community.

  A view of the Student Center.

The Student Center now hosts a diverse range of alumni-run businesses, who aim to provide fresh, nutritious and healthy meal options. They include Miramiah, wedallas and Allo Cairo, along with new other additions such as Boba Bae Bubble Tea, Filli Cafe and Healthy Farm Eatery. The Thumbay Food Court by Thumbay Group, also offers options such as Veg Corner, Hello Panda and The Terrace, which have a wide range of wholesome meal choices for the campus community. Healthy Farm Eatery, led by Executive Chef Luka Cobre, is considered a key addition to the Center, offering health-conscious dining options that prioritise locally sourced, nutritious ingredients. Under Chef Cobre’s guidance, the eatery provides a variety of meal plans tailored to the needs of students, with a focus on delivering nourishing, research-based meals. “This aligns with the Center’s mission to promote a healthier lifestyle for the AUS community by making nutritious and sustainable food choices readily available,” says AUS.

Akbar Thumbay, an AUS alumnus and Board Member of the Thumbay Group, was full of enthusiasm on returning to his alma mater and offering a contribution to it. “It’s inspiring to witness AUS supporting initiatives that encourage healthy living and sustainable practices,” he said. “Seeing my fellow alumni lead the charge in creating a wellness-focused campus through their entrepreneurial ventures, makes me proud.” The goal of AUS Student Center is to be more than a mere building — it aims to embody the university’s commitment to a healthy, sustainable student lifestyle. As a central hub for relaxation, social interaction and nutritious dining, it also provides students with opportunities to engage in a wide range of clubs and associations, fostering personal growth and collaboration.

AUS was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS now represents the best in teaching and research. It is accredited internationally and recognised by employers the world over for developing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.

“AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace its dynamic campus life and embody ideals of openness, tolerance and respect,” says AUS. “This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures the university is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of the present and tomorrow.”