Queen Rania of Jordan is one of AUC’s most globally recognized alumnae. Graduating in 1991, she studied Business Admin... View More

Queen Rania of Jordan is one of AUC’s most globally recognized alumnae. Graduating in 1991, she studied Business Administration and actively engaged in student life. As Queen, she has become a powerful advocate for education reform, women’s empowerment, and global literacy initiatives. Her work includes co-founding the Jordan River Foundation and launching the Madrasati initiative to refurbish hundreds of Jordanian schools. She frequently speaks at the UN and international forums, championing cross-cultural dialogue and innovation in education. Her reign exemplifies how an AUC education can underlie leadership on the world stage View Less

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Thomas Friedman graduated from AUC in 1974. He completed his BA in political science be... View More

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Thomas Friedman graduated from AUC in 1974. He completed his BA in political science before heading to Oxford as a Marshall Scholar. At The New York Times, he authored bestsellers like “The World Is Flat”, exploring globalization, technology, and geopolitics. His reporting has shaped global discourse on the Middle East, climate change, and international diplomacy. Friedman credits his cross-cultural education at AUC for deepening his understanding of Arabic culture and regional dynamics—essential tools for his journalistic insight. His thought-leading work continues to influence global policy and public awareness. View Less

Another two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Nicholas Kristof, earned his BA in political science at AUC in 1984. He rose to ... View More

Another two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Nicholas Kristof, earned his BA in political science at AUC in 1984. He rose to prominence at The New York Times, writing deeply human-interest columns addressing global injustices—ranging from gender inequities to human trafficking. His reported stories often bring light to marginalized voices, blending empathy with investigative journalism. Kristof attributes his nuanced world view and on-the-ground reporting mindset to early experiences in Cairo. Today, he actively promotes social activism and awareness through books, podcasts, and speaking engagements, showcasing AUC’s global influence. View Less

Haifaa Al‑Mansour is Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker and a trailblazer in the region’s cinema. A 1997 gradua... View More

Haifaa Al‑Mansour is Saudi Arabia’s first female filmmaker and a trailblazer in the region’s cinema. A 1997 graduate, she studied English and comparative literature—foundational for her narrative storytelling. Her groundbreaking film Wadjda (2012) was the first feature shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the country’s first Oscar submission. She subsequently directed Mary Shelley (2017) and The Perfect Candidate (2020). Recognized as one of Foreign Policy’s “Top 100 Global Thinkers,” Al-Mansour continues to push boundaries in Middle Eastern film, advocating for the portrayal of women’s lives and rights through her art View Less

AUC alumna Yuriko Koike graduated in 1971 and went on to make history as the first female governor of Tokyo. With prior ... View More

AUC alumna Yuriko Koike graduated in 1971 and went on to make history as the first female governor of Tokyo. With prior ministerial roles in defense and the environment in Japanese government, she has prioritised sustainability measures, disaster preparedness, and women’s empowerment in public service. Fluent in Arabic and deeply committed to cross-cultural understanding, Koike’s education and experiences in Egypt helped shape her global perspective. Her trajectory exemplifies AUC graduates’ global impact in high-stakes leadership roles View Less

John Brennan, who spent time at AUC’s School of Arabic Studies in 1975, became Director of the CIA (2013–2017). Spec... View More

John Brennan, who spent time at AUC’s School of Arabic Studies in 1975, became Director of the CIA (2013–2017). Specializing in Middle East policy and counterterrorism, he shaped U.S. intelligence operations in the post‑9/11 era. His fluency in Arabic and deep understanding of regional dynamics stem from formative years in Cairo—preparing him for leadership during critical global events. Brennan remains an influential voice in intelligence ethics and national security policy, often speaking on current developments and the role of civil liberties. View Less

Adventurer and motivational speaker Omar Samra, class of 2000, made history as the first Egyptian—and first Arab—to ... View More

Adventurer and motivational speaker Omar Samra, class of 2000, made history as the first Egyptian—and first Arab—to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, including Everest, the North Pole, and South Pole. AUC’s supportive environment spurred his spirit of challenge and exploration. After achieving feats like climbing Everest at 27, he co-founded Wild Guanabana, an adventure travel company. Samra now inspires others through public speaking and life-coaching, urging audiences to break barriers and confront their own "Everests. View Less

Sara Sabry graduated in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 2022, she flew to space on Blue Origin’s NS�... View More

Sara Sabry graduated in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 2022, she flew to space on Blue Origin’s NS‑22, becoming the first Egyptian, Arab, and African woman to do so. Her education at AUC was foundational: she minored in biology and chemistry, paving the way for advanced studies in biomedical and aerospace engineering. Founder and CEO of Deep Space Initiative, Sabry fosters STEM education and space advocacy across the region. Currently a doctoral candidate in aerospace sciences at University of North Dakota, she also researches NASA-funded spacesuit technology View Less

Hassan Abdullah, class of 1982 (BA) and 1992 (MBA), is the current Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt and former CEO ... View More

Hassan Abdullah, class of 1982 (BA) and 1992 (MBA), is the current Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt and former CEO of Arab African International Bank. His journey exemplifies leadership in economic policy and finance. He began his banking career at AAIB in 1982, rose through international assignments, and became CEO in 2002. Appointed to key national roles, Abdullah plays an influential role in Egypt’s financial stability and economic reforms. He also serves on AUC’s Board of Trustees, strengthening the university’s connection with national development View Less

Anthony Shadid graduated in 1992 and became a celebrated reporter for The New York Times. His distinguished career inclu... View More

Anthony Shadid graduated in 1992 and became a celebrated reporter for The New York Times. His distinguished career included coverage of the Iraq War; he won two Pulitzer Prizes in 2004 and 2010. Shadid was celebrated for his vivid storytelling, empathy, and on-the-ground insight until his untimely death in 2012. His work humanized conflict and brought global attention to displaced and disenfranchised communities. AUC’s liberal arts environment nurtured his critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and narrative style—qualities reflected in his powerful body of work. View Less