Alumni

Ms. Muneera Aldossary

CEO at Franklin Templeton

With over 20 years of experience in the financial and investment sectors, I have held leadership positions at both local and international investment firms. Throughout my career, I have managed approximately SAR 30 billion in assets across various investment products, including equities, real estate, private equity, and sukuk. I have been honored to serve in several prominent leadership roles, including Chief Investment Officer at HSBC Saudi Arabia, Head of Asset Management at Al Arab Financial, and CEO of Mulkia Investment. Prior to these, I led the equities division at Saudi Fransi Capital. Currently, I serve as a Board Member at Saudi Industrial Services Company (SISCO), a publicly listed firm in the Saudi stock market.

Dr. Eisa Alharbi

Dean of the Fuclty of Computer Studies

The Dean of a faculty is responsible for leading and managing the operations of a university faculty, encompassing both academic and administrative functions. This role involves establishing educational standards, supervising faculty and staff, ensuring efficient operational procedures, representing the faculty in external matters, and promoting advancement in teaching, research, and student achievement.

Dr. Faris Al Shammari

Faculty member at the International University of Kuwait

Dr. Fares Al Shammari is an accomplished English language educator whose journey began at AOU. He went on to obtain a Master’s from Anglia Ruskin University (UK), a Ph.D. from Almansoura University, and a CELTA license from Cambridge University. Currently a faculty member at the International University of Kuwait, Dr. Al Shammari has over a decade of teaching experience, specializing in both general English and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). His work bridges academic learning with professional communication across disciplines like engineering, science, and medicine. Dr. Al Shammari’s passion for language education began at AOU, where he co-founded the English Literary Club (ELC). Later, he founded the Professional Academy, which runs immersive English Summer School programs in the UK for youth, promoting language learning through cultural experiences. Deeply committed to education and community development, Dr. Al Shammari continues to inspire students, crediting AOU for laying the foundation for his academic and professional success.

youssef Tarek

Regional Community manager @ CyberX

Job Title: Regional Community Manager - CyberX 2025 Organization: CyberX - a Saudi cybersecurity company Professional Profile: He serves as the Regional Community Manager at CyberX, a leading Saudi cybersecurity company. He is responsible for overseeing all community initiatives and engagements led by the company, from schools and universities to the private sector and government partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Achievements: Recorded in the 2025 World Book of Records as the person with the largest number of collaborations with companies in the field of vulnerability discovery by a single person.

Abduallah Zidan

Gold Microsoft Ambassador

Abdallah Zidan is a Network Engineer at Automation Technologies in Cairo, Egypt. He joined the company in March 2024. Currently pursuing a BSc in Cyber Security from Arab Open University (AOU), Abdallah combines his academic pursuits with practical experience in network infrastructure. He is actively engaged in the tech community, serving as a Loader at MLSA Egypt Community and a Gold Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador at Microsoft. His previous leadership role as President of the Microsoft student club - AOU and as a mentor of Microsoft communities at New Mansoura University - Tanta University highlights his initiative and engagement within his academic environment. Abdallah has invested in professional development, acquiring training and certifications in critical areas such as Penetration Testing, Networking and security.

Ammar Ahmed Al-Afou

Ammar Al-Afou – Class of 2014 Current Position: Human Resources Manager, Flow IKEA

Ammar Ahmed Al-Afou, a 2014 graduate of the Arab Open University in the Kingdom of Bahrain, holds a bachelor's degree in Information Technology and Computing. His journey is a compelling example of how academic experiences, coupled with adaptability and continuous learning, can lead to diverse career opportunities. Ammar began his academic path after receiving a scholarship to study Information Technology and Computing at AOU. Like many students, he faced moments of uncertainty—particularly after completing nearly three semesters. However, with the support and encouragement of his professors and participation in the university’s peer-learning program, he regained confidence in his path. This program played a pivotal role in helping him master essential programming languages such as Java and SQL, ultimately allowing him to secure employment while still pursuing his degree. Following graduation, Ammar transitioned into the field of Human Resources. To prepare for this shift and expand his expertise, he began enrolling in specialized HR courses and training programs. Interestingly, his graduation project had foreshadowed this move: he designed an integrated system for human resources, training, and recruitment, which reflected his ability to merge technical knowledge with practical, organizational needs. Today, as the Human Resources Manager at Flow IKEA, Ammar draws on both his technical background and HR qualifications. He firmly believes that changing one’s career direction after graduation is not a setback but a new beginning. His story highlights that success lies in applying the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained—regardless of the field—in purposeful and efficient ways. "The key to success," Ammar notes, "is making the most of your specialization and the skills you acquire—then using them wisely to add value to your role, no matter the industry.

Faisal Al-Asfour

Senior Manager of Group Learning and Development

Faisal Al-Asfour, a proud 2010 graduate of the Arab Open University in the Kingdom of Bahrain, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management Systems). His journey is a compelling example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to both academic and professional success. At the age of 23, Faisal embarked on a dual path—beginning his studies at AOU while simultaneously taking on the role of Assistant Manager of Training and Development. Juggling professional responsibilities and academic commitments was no easy task, especially as he worked to establish himself in a newly appointed position. Yet, the flexible learning model provided by the Arab Open University played a pivotal role in helping him manage his time and succeed across all areas of his life. Through resilience and determination, Faisal transformed challenges into stepping stones. Today, he holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Middlesex University in the UK. His continued growth and commitment to lifelong learning have led him to his current position as Senior Manager of Group Learning and Development at Yusuf Khalil Almoayyed & Sons. Faisal’s story reflects the power of balancing education and career development—an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset and support, nothing is out of reach.

Wafa Yahya

Senior Accountant at AOU

Wafa Yahya, a distinguished alumna of AOU, graduated in 2012 with a deep passion for business and finance. Determined to advance her academic and professional journey, she went on to earn her Master of Business Administration with distinction—an achievement that reflects both her academic excellence and unwavering determination. Today, Wafa proudly serves as a Senior Accountant at AOU, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the university's financial operations and strategic goals. Her journey from a dedicated student to a trusted financial professional within the same institution is a testament to her commitment, hard work, and loyalty to the AOU community.

Mazen Lahham

CTO and Co-Founder of boxMind.ai

My journey in computer science began in 1986 with an introductory course on punch card programming. Over the past 3 decades, I've developed extensive expertise across a broad spectrum of technology domains, from ERP enterprise software and Artificial Intelligence to Robotics, Security, and Blockchain. In 2016, I received the Best Arab Software Developer award at the Smart Government ceremonial in Kuwait, attended by UN diplomatic officials and under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. I've led and collaborated on large-scale projects with the United Nations, Dubai Municipality, numerous governmental entities, and the World Bank. Most recently, I co-founded boxMind.ai, an AI-focused company that specializes in Generative AI and open-source LLM models, Stable Diffusion, and a new AI revolution that I firmly believe will change the world.

Mishel Botros Youssef

Manager – Group Internal Audit Department at ACICO Group.

After I graduated from AOU with a degree in Accounting, I started my career in Internal Audit and consulting field (Fraud Investigations, Business Advisory, Risk Advisory and Executive Trainings). Worked with international conglomerates like Alghanim Industries and ACICO Industries, and consulting firms like Protiviti. Executed Internal Audit and Advisory engagements in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, South Africa and France. Presently working as a part of leadership group of ACICO Industries, as Manager of Group Internal Audit Department, managing Internal Audit activities of the group across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and South Africa operations.