The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has named Professor Bassam Alameddine as its new president, marking what the institution calls a “bold new era” as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Professor Alameddine, an internationally recognised academic leader, brings a track record of institutional transformation across the Gulf and beyond. He succeeds Dr David Schmidt, under whose tenure AURAK earned the prestigious QS 5 Stars Plus rating in 2023, joining an elite group of universities worldwide.
In a statement, Professor Alameddine said he was “delighted” to lead the university, describing AURAK as “a reputable institution that has carved a niche for itself in record time.” He emphasised that the future of higher education will require both technological advancement and a renewed focus on human-centred values.
“The Fifth Industrial Revolution is about more than technology; it’s about placing humanity at the centre while leveraging machines as collaborative partners,” he said. “That vision begins with a student-centred present.”
He added that AURAK would continue to prioritise quality education, skills training, and international partnerships, ensuring graduates are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
Strategic moment for AURAK
The appointment comes as Ras Al Khaimah positions itself as a growing hub for investment, innovation and education. AURAK has already secured accreditation from global bodies including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Professor Alameddine arrives with significant experience in higher education leadership. Most recently, he served as president of the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) in Kuwait, where he oversaw institutional growth, academic innovation, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, GUST rose to 36th in the QS Arab Region Rankings, gained major accreditations, and boosted research output fivefold.
He also launched interdisciplinary programmes aligned with market needs and introduced the Students’ Performance Enhancement and Active Retention (SPEAR) system, which increased student retention and success rates by more than half.
Academic and research excellence
Alongside his leadership roles, Professor Alameddine is an accomplished scholar. He founded the Functional Materials Group, a research body focused on carbon capture, hydrogen storage and environmental remediation — work that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
His research has attracted more than $2.5m in competitive funding and resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications.
His academic career includes roles at Columbia University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Fribourg. He holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry, a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Senior Leadership from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Trilingual in English, French and Arabic, he is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and advises organisations across the energy, cosmetics and scientific sectors.
Looking ahead
AURAK officials said the appointment of Professor Alameddine comes at a pivotal time as the university seeks to expand its impact globally while aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for growth.
The new president has pledged to focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in higher education.
“Our mission is to prepare graduates to thrive in the future economy,” he said.
