Ahmed Zewail, a 1967 graduate in chemistry from Alexandria University, made history by becoming the first Egyptian to wi... View More

Ahmed Zewail, a 1967 graduate in chemistry from Alexandria University, made history by becoming the first Egyptian to win a Nobel Prize in a scientific field. He received the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in femtochemistry, which involves studying chemical reactions on the scale of femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second). His breakthrough allowed scientists to observe the movement of atoms in a molecule during chemical reactions in real time. Zewail's journey from Alexandria University to becoming a professor at Caltech in the United States serves as a powerful symbol of academic excellence and global scientific leadership rooted in Egyptian education View Less

Mo Ibrahim graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Alexandria University in 1969. He later wen... View More

Mo Ibrahim graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Alexandria University in 1969. He later went on to study in the UK and founded Celtel, one of the first mobile phone companies in Africa. Mo became a billionaire by providing mobile connectivity to millions across the continent. Beyond business, he is globally respected for his philanthropic work through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which promotes good governance and ethical leadership in Africa. His commitment to both technological innovation and civic responsibility makes him one of Alexandria University's most influential and inspiring alumni View Less

Dr. Yahya El-Mashad graduated in 1952 from the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University and later became a renown... View More

Dr. Yahya El-Mashad graduated in 1952 from the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University and later became a renowned nuclear physicist. He was instrumental in the development of nuclear programs for Iraq and collaborated with other international institutions on peaceful nuclear energy use. Tragically, El-Mashad was assassinated in Paris in 1980, allegedly due to his scientific role in the Arab world. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as a pioneering Arab scientist lives on, and he is remembered for his contributions to nuclear science and dedication to Arab technological advancement. View Less

Tawfiq Saleh, a 1949 graduate of Alexandria University, was a prominent Egyptian film director and screenwriter whose wo... View More

Tawfiq Saleh, a 1949 graduate of Alexandria University, was a prominent Egyptian film director and screenwriter whose work left a lasting impact on Arab cinema. Known for his critical social themes and realist storytelling, he directed acclaimed films such as The Dupes and Struggle of the Heroes. Saleh's films often addressed class struggle, social injustice, and political unrest, making him a voice for the marginalized in Egypt and the broader Arab world. He also contributed significantly to the training of future filmmakers and left an indelible mark on Egypt's cultural and cinematic identity. View Less

Boutros Boutros-Ghali graduated from Alexandria University’s Faculty of Law in 1946, before going on to earn advanced ... View More

Boutros Boutros-Ghali graduated from Alexandria University’s Faculty of Law in 1946, before going on to earn advanced degrees from the University of Paris. He later served as the sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1992 to 1996, becoming the first Arab and first African to hold the position. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the Rwandan genocide and the Yugoslav wars, yet he was praised for his efforts to reform the UN system. Boutros-Ghali also served as Egypt’s Foreign Minister and left behind a legacy of diplomacy and international cooperation rooted in his early legal education in Alexandria. View Less

Ismail Serageldin, who graduated from Alexandria University in 1964, is a globally recognized scholar, economist, and th... View More

Ismail Serageldin, who graduated from Alexandria University in 1964, is a globally recognized scholar, economist, and the founding Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria. A former Vice President of the World Bank, Serageldin has been an advocate for development, knowledge sharing, and cultural dialogue. Under his leadership, the new library became a major hub for intellectual and scientific activities in Egypt and the world. He is celebrated for blending technology, culture, and education in his mission to make knowledge accessible and preserve heritage for future generations. View Less

Farouk El-Baz, who earned his degree in geology from Alexandria University in the mid-1950s, is an Egyptian-American spa... View More

Farouk El-Baz, who earned his degree in geology from Alexandria University in the mid-1950s, is an Egyptian-American space scientist known for his critical role in NASA’s Apollo program. He trained astronauts for lunar missions and was part of the team that selected landing sites on the Moon. His career also includes pioneering work in desert research and remote sensing. El-Baz later became a prominent advisor to the Egyptian government on water and desert development. His success story—from Alexandria University to NASA—stands as a powerful example of how strong foundational education can lead to cosmic-level achievements. View Less

Mohamed ElBaradei earned his law degree from Alexandria University in the early 1960s before obtaining a doctorate in in... View More

Mohamed ElBaradei earned his law degree from Alexandria University in the early 1960s before obtaining a doctorate in international law. He served as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and won the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, along with the organization, for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes. ElBaradei later became a prominent political figure in Egypt and a vocal advocate for democratic reform. His career bridges diplomacy, science, and governance, reflecting the university’s ability to produce globally influential leaders. View Less

Abdel Halim Mahmoud graduated from Alexandria University in 1939 and later studied at Al-Azhar University and the Sorbon... View More

Abdel Halim Mahmoud graduated from Alexandria University in 1939 and later studied at Al-Azhar University and the Sorbonne. He served as Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Egypt’s highest religious authority, during the 1970s. Known for his moderate and intellectual approach to Islam, he worked to bridge traditional Islamic scholarship with modern science and contemporary life. His leadership emphasized education, dialogue, and reform within religious institutions, and he remains a respected figure in Egypt’s spiritual and intellectual landscape. Mahmoud’s legacy is one of enlightenment and integration of faith with modern thought View Less

Although primarily associated with Lebanon and France, Amin Maalouf spent a brief period studying at Alexandria Universi... View More

Although primarily associated with Lebanon and France, Amin Maalouf spent a brief period studying at Alexandria University in the early 1970s, during political turmoil in the region. He later moved to France and became one of the most celebrated Francophone authors of Arab origin. His works, including Leo Africanus and Samarkand, explore themes of identity, displacement, and cultural dialogue. In 2011, he was elected to the Académie Française, becoming the first Lebanese-born member. His brief connection to Alexandria University reflects the institution’s historical openness and intellectual influence across the Arab world View Less