Latest news with #ReemBardan
Sharjah 24
14-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi attends "Get Active for Education" event
Bringing together more than 500 AUS alumni, students, faculty, staff and participants from over 20 organizations, the event created a dynamic space for community engagement through wellness. A 2km walkathon saw participants registering under their affiliated colleges or organizations, with special recognition awarded to the academic unit and corporate team with the highest number of participants—demonstrating the collective commitment to making education accessible for all. 'At AUS, we believe that talent and potential should never be limited by circumstance. Education must be accessible, inclusive and empowering,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'This initiative demonstrates the strength of our community and its determination to open doors for those who deserve every opportunity to succeed. It's through events like this that we turn our values into action.' Adding to the momentum of the day, the Corporate Games introduced a series of friendly competitions—including football, padel, basketball shootouts, relay races and tug of war—promoting teamwork, wellness and engagement in a spirited environment. 'This event is the culmination of months of planning, collaboration and heartfelt commitment from our team and partners,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS. 'Our mission is to open doors for students who need it most, and initiatives like this allow us to engage the community in ways that are both meaningful and impactful. It's incredibly rewarding to see so many come together to champion educational access and invest in the future of AUS students.' Get Active for Education was made possible through the generous support of its main sponsors, Alef Group and Crescent Petroleum; its mobility sponsor, smart UAE; and its supporter, The Fresh Market—all of whom share the university's commitment to making quality education accessible to students from all walks of life. Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Petroleum, and a main sponsor of AUS institutional advancement programs, said: 'We are proud to be supporters of AUS and its institutional advancement events to empower the next generation of young people in the region to reach their full potential. We believe that activities like the Get Active for Education can create meaningful connections between students and members of the industry to empower students and prepare them for the future of work.' Participants also had the option to purchase a limited-edition Get Active for Education t-shirt, generously sponsored by KnoWear, a brand by Najm Suhail Investment, with 100 percent of the proceeds directed to the Pay It Forward scholarship fund. The registration platform offered an option to contribute additional donations, allowing individuals to amplify their impact. Abdulmunam Mohamed Lootah, Chief Executive Officer of Najm Suhail Investment, said: 'Following in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed, who taught us that a nation's progress begins with education, KnoWear proudly joins hands with AUS to support scholarships and uplift communities through sport. As a brand founded to fund education through every purchase, this collaboration aligns perfectly with our core mission—to create lasting impact by changing the lives of underserved students worldwide.' Event participants also entered into a raffle draw, powered by Samsung, with prizes distributed at the conclusion of the event. Meanwhile, the AUS Student Council also hosted the ongoing AUS Olympics, featuring sports competitions between the university's student cultural clubs. The event also offered family-friendly activities, food and beverage outlets and entertainment, making it a meaningful and enjoyable day for the entire AUS community. For more information about the Pay It Forward campaign or upcoming initiatives by the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, visit
Gulf Today
26-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has confirmed — through an official fatwa — that supporting higher education is a recognised form of zakat. A fatwa, meaning a formal clarification or ruling on Islamic law, affirms that the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is eligible to receive zakat contributions for student scholarships. This designation allows donors to fulfil their zakat obligations while directly transforming the lives of students facing financial challenges. Zakat – meaning purification or almsgiving – is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need. For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations. By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption. Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. 'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.' The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences. 'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. AUS invites individuals and organisations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan — a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility — by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success. To contribute or learn more, please visit or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at [email protected] .
Mid East Info
25-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
Scholarships funded through zakat help Muslim students pursue education across disciplines, including engineering, business, arts and sciences Sharjah, UAE, March, 2025 – The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has confirmed—through an official Fatwa—that supporting higher education is a recognized form of zakat. A Fatwa, meaning a formal clarification or ruling on Islamic law, affirms that American University of Sharjah (AUS) is eligible to receive zakat contributions for student scholarships. This designation allows donors to fulfill their zakat obligations while directly transforming the lives of students facing financial challenges. Zakat—meaning purification or almsgiving—is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need. For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations. By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption. Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. 'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.' The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences. 'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. AUS invites individuals and organizations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan—a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility—by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success.
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Now, donate your zakat to support student scholarships at this university
A recent Fatwa issued by the Islamic Affairs authority in Sharjah has officially approved the American University of Sharjah (AUS) for receiving zakat contributions for student scholarships. The Department of Islamic Affairs in the emirate has officially declared the university zakat-eligible. The ruling confirms that supporting higher education qualifies as a valid form of zakat, allowing donors to fulfill their obligations while directly assisting students in financial need. What is Zakat? Zakat, meaning purification or almsgiving, is a fundamental pillar of Islam that provides financial support to those in need. For many students, financial limitations can hinder their academic ambitions. By allocating zakat contributions to scholarships, the university strives to support talented students facing financial difficulties, enabling them to pursue their education without interruption. Members of the AUS business community have already started contributing their zakat to scholarships, further strengthening the university's dedication to academic excellence and accessibility. 'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.' Who will be the beneficiaries? The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences. Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, said, 'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background.' She added, 'We work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community.' To contribute or learn more, please visit or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at giving@
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AUS declared zakat-eligible for student scholarships
Sharjah, UAE – The Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah has confirmed—through an official Fatwa—that supporting higher education is a recognized form of zakat. A Fatwa, meaning a formal clarification or ruling on Islamic law, affirms that American University of Sharjah (AUS) is eligible to receive zakat contributions for student scholarships. This designation allows donors to fulfill their zakat obligations while directly transforming the lives of students facing financial challenges. Zakat—meaning purification or almsgiving—is an essential form of charitable giving and pillar in Islam, ensuring financial support for those in need. For many students, financial constraints can be a barrier to achieving their academic aspirations. By directing zakat contributions toward scholarships, AUS ensures that talented students facing financial challenges receive the support they need to continue their education without disruption. Members of the AUS business community have already begun contributing their zakat to scholarships, further reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and accessibility. 'Education is a powerful tool for opportunity and progress. By contributing zakat toward student scholarships, our community is playing an essential role in shaping futures and removing financial barriers to success,' said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'The generosity we are witnessing is a testament to the profound impact education has in transforming lives and we deeply appreciate the trust and support of our donors.' The scholarships funded through zakat are designated for Muslim students facing financial difficulties and cover a range of academic disciplines, including engineering, business and the arts and sciences. 'Scholarships have long been a cornerstone of AUS' mission to provide a world-class education to talented students, regardless of financial background. At AUS, we work throughout the year to ensure that students have access to financial support, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with confidence. The acceptance of zakat contributions adds another meaningful dimension to these efforts, allowing even more students to benefit from the generosity of our community,' said Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. AUS invites individuals and organizations to embrace the spirit of Ramadan—a time of giving, compassion and shared responsibility—by contributing to student scholarships and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational success. To contribute or learn more, please visit or contact the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at giving@ -Ends- For more information, please contact: Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, smahmoud@ About AUS American University of Sharjah (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. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating 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 our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
