University of Arizona GCC-UA Alumni Host 9th Regional Reunion
Established in 2010, one of the largest affinity groups of UA alumni in any region outside the U.S. continues to forge strong connections between the University of Arizona and the Gulf region.
In March 2022, after a year’s hiatus due to COVID-related travel restrictions, members of the University of Arizona Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-UA) alumni group gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for their 9th regional alumni reunion.
Established in 2010, the GCC-UA is one of the largest UArizona alumni affinity groups in any country outside the U.S. and includes alumni, friends, and affiliates of the university from the GCC countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries form a political and economic union with shared objectives that include formulating similar regulations across various fields, establishing scientific research centers, and fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water, and animal resources.
GCC-UA reunions are more than just an annual catch up, they showcase the host city and facilitate networking and the development of regional connections for both members and the University of Arizona.
From March 16-18, the GCC-UA host committee arranged for several cultural outings and events and arranged for representatives from the University of Arizona to meet with key current and potential partners in the United Arab Emirates.
“Despite the pandemic, our GCC alumni have continued to consistently and actively engage with our UA teams to keep us connected to the region, allowing us to accomplish great things together,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Liesl Folks in her welcome speech at the reunion event, held March 17. “From past and ongoing collaborations such as the Million Date Palm Project, to the recent Eller Executive Education agreement with the Government of Oman, and the Emirates Group Security program here in Dubai, we continue to build strong bonds with the region.”
Over the three days in Dubai, University leadership met with the U.A.E. Minister of Education, His Excellency Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, as well as two universities to discuss microcampus partnerships and joint research and exchange opportunities. The group met with the Dubai Health Authority, an organization that oversees the COVID situation in Dubai, to talk about public health issues and explore possible collaboration in health-related disciplines.
“The meetings and events organized during the GCC-UA reunion are instrumental in strengthening our ongoing partnerships, discussing new education and training opportunities, and exploring future collaborations,” said Associate Vice President for Global Affairs Daniel Palm. "We are proud to have a growing network in the region that now includes Gulf Medical University in Ajman, American University of Iraq, Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan, and Emirates Group Security in U.A.E.”
The Gulf Cooperation Council-UA (GCC-UA) alumni group was started in Dubai by Dr. Mohammed Sharaf (’85, Business Administration & Management) to create a time and place for fellow Arizona alums to reminisce and reflect about their time at the University. In 2010, Sharaf and three other UA alumni from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined together to reminisce about their college years in Tucson. Present were Dr. Mohammed Sharaf, Mr. Ahmed Anoohi, Mr. Sami Al Hashemi, and Mr. Abdulaziz Malik. The four merely intended to rekindle social connections, not realizing this gathering would grow into something much larger.
Word of their inaugural reunion spread to alumni throughout the Gulf Region, marking the inception of the GCC-UA. Over the past decade, its members have helped to create strong connections amongst themselves, and between the University and the region. Nearly every year since that first meeting, a group of University of Arizona alumni have gathered in the Gulf region to network and connect with their Wildcat friends and colleagues.
The GCC-UA 2017 reunion was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 2020 reunion took place in Muscat, Oman.
This year, with travel and COVID restrictions lifted, GCC-UA organizers arranged for the 100+ attendees and guests to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, which focuses on sustainability. Showcasing projects from around the world that have provided impactful and sustainable interventions, the Expo also highlights innovators whose creative solutions are making a difference to societies and the environment.
“We were so pleased to be able to hold a memorable and long-awaited reunion at the unforgettable Dubai Expo 2020,” said Dr. Nabil Bastaki, chair of this year’s organizing committee. "It was a pleasure to see current University of Arizona leadership connecting with graduates from as far back as the 1970's at the reunion and carrying on this tradition of gathering that we are honored to host."
Dr. Sharaf, GCC-UA founder and a graduate of the Eller College of Management, was Assistant Foreign Minister of Economic and Trade Affairs at the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2016 to 2019. While he is still involved with the GCC-UA, management and coordination of the group and events shifts to regional host committees for each gathering, to organize locally relevant activities and meetings with current and potential partners.
“This reunion was historic for us in that we had the opportunity to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai,” said Dr. Sharaf. “The theme of Expo is Connecting Minds and Creating the Future. We believe the University of Arizona is connecting minds and creating the future by keeping us connected and playing an important role in shaping the future of our respective countries. We thank our alma mater for their world class education and staying in touch with their alums around the globe.”
The strong connection between the University and alumni in the region has resulted in many notable collaborations and initiatives, many accomplished in the past few years, despite the challenges of a global pandemic.
“The affinity this group has for the University of Arizona is truly unique,” said Senior Director for Middle East and North African Affairs Hassan Hijazi. “They have a deep connection to their college experience and have become wonderful advocates for the UA in the Gulf Region. Throughout the years, the membership has grown, and alumni continue to unite to advance higher education and philanthropic opportunities on behalf of the UA in the region.”
These strong bonds with UA are beginning to span generations and are indicative of both the personal connections and the academic reputation of the university in the region.
Speaking to the value of alumni relationships, Provost Folks presented a basketball signed by Aida Barnes, head coach of the women’s basketball team, to Ahmed Anoohi, one of the GCC-UA founders, noting that all four of Anoohi’s daughters are also UA Wildcats – two are graduates, the third is a current student, and the fourth has been admitted and will be matriculating after graduating high school this year.
Provost Folks also presented a basketball signed by the University of Arizona men’s basketball team to Dr. Nabil Bastaki, chairman of the organizing committee, as a thank you for his continued support.
Reunions such as this are only possible when a group of interested and dedicated alumni take the initiative to make it happen. This year’s country host committee from the UAE made the reunion very memorable, and University of Arizona Global and the Alumni Association thank these individuals for the time and effort they put into creating a wonderful event that supports Arizona alumni, old and new.
All students from the Gulf Region who attended the University of Arizona are welcome to join the GCC-UA. The group ranges in age from recent graduates to retirees, all of whom shared a positive learning experience and appreciation of their time and experience at the University of Arizona. To join the GCC-UA, please contact Hassan Hijazi.