a quote that nded me of our dream is just a ; g with a plan and timeline.’ This is precisely what we strive to achieve at Effat. We start with a vision, refine it into actionable goals, and meticulously plan and adjust our strategies with clear timelines and deadlines. These dreams and goals evolve into the shared aspirations of the Effat family, and together, we work tirelessly to realize them. This collaborative effort is the cornerstone of Effat University’s vibrant family environment, spirit, and remarkable achievements.”
-EffatUniversityProvost
Marah Al-Jassem
Architecture students
Students Wud Marwas, Marwa Haqos, Sarah Bakhshwain, and Shahd Al-Obaidi from the Architecture and Interior Design Track have proudly secured 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th places respectively in the Munir Sendi Award, recognizing outstanding innovation and creativity in design.
Two student teams from the Urban Design Track have proudly won 3rd and 4th places in the Munir Sendi Award, recognizing exceptional collaborative and creative urban design projects.
Aseel Moustafa
Effat alumni Aseel Moustafa from Design Department has been proudly selected for the INDEX Saudi Arabia Future Stars Competition, recognizing emerging talent in design and innovation.
Effat alumni Hala Kajak from the Architecture Department and Areej Alghonaim from Product Design Department have proudly had their graduation projects
selected for exhibition at the prestigious Ithra Tanween Grad Expo. This recognition places their innovative and creative work among a curated selection of top projects from across
Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Marking a significant achievement, this is the third consecutive year that Effat University’s Architecture and Design projects have been featured in the Expo, reinforcing the University’s reputation as a hub for excellence in design education and creative leadership.
Layal Tariq
Effat Student Layal Tariq has proudly won the gold medal in beach volleyball at the Saudi Games competition for females, showcasing excellence in sports and team spirit on a national stage. Representing outstanding athletic talent, Layal's achievement highlights the strength of Effat students in competitive sports.
Asmaa Al-ganawi
Effat Master’s alumni, proudly won first place in the Redefining Plastic Competition: Young Innovators for a Changing Future, organized by King Abdulaziz University, SABIC, and the Oil Sustainability Program. Her innovative approach reflects the impact of Effat graduates in driving sustainable solutions for the future.
Lama Jamjoom
Effat student, Lama Jamjoom, proudly won multiple awards at the Elgona Film Festival for her project “Remind Me to Forget,” securing funding and prizes totaling up to $90,000. Her remarkable achievement highlights the creative excellence and global reach of Effat filmmakers.
Dr. Burhan Uluyol
Dr. Burhan Uluyol proudly won the Best Paper Award at the European Journal of Islamic Finance 10th Anniversary Conference in Turin, Italy. His paper, titled “Testing the Impact of Major Events on Conventional and Islamic Stock Indices of G7 Countries,” was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the field of Islamic finance.
Jawaher Alamri
Effat Alumni Jawaher E. Alamri proudly won the Special Jury Award at the Cairo International Film Festival for her film “The Last Dismissal.” The same film also received a Special Mention from the jury at the Saudi Film Festival, marking a significant recognition of her talent and storytelling on both regional and international stages.
Sabeen AlHarthi & Lina Aboulnaga
Student Sabeen AlHarthi and Lina Aboulnaga proudly won 2nd and 3rd places, respectively, in the SSLA Student Charrette held at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. This prestigious event was part of the IFLA Global Studio, linking top landscape architecture Charrettes across Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East.
Effat University's women ' s volleyball team
Effat University's women's volleyball team secured first place in In the Universities Volleyball Championship in Jeddah, held under the supervision of the Saudi Universities Sports Federation:
Nour Jazzar
Wejdan Alsharif
Renad Buqis
Sara Alashar
Jana Hariri
Layal maamoun
Sara Ghouth
Amoon Alyafie
Wajd Almadani
Hanouf Alamoudi
Lulwah Alghubaysh
Alana Kayal
Hadeel K. Moharam
Effat alumni, Hadeel K. Moharam, proudly won two awards at the Red Sea Film Festival Souk to produce her film “I Didn’t Sign Up For This,” securing funding of up to $70,000.
Her success reflects the growing impact of Effat filmmakers in the regional and international cinema scene.
Ibtisam Saleh
Effat student, Ibtisam Saleh from the English and Translation Department, proudly won first place in the Wikidata competition at the Emirates Festival of Literature. Competing against over 100 students from 10 countries and top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Carnegie Mellon, Ibtisam's achievement is a remarkable testament to her excellence and Effat’s global academic standing.
Ruba Saati and Rawan Al Saigh
2 Effat Alumni from Effat College of Architecture and Design Ruba Saati and Rawan Al Saigh, have won the first and second place in the industrial designMarsam Competition by the Architecture and design commission over more than 700 projects are supervised by Dr Sajid Khalifa and Dr Ahmed Kassab.
Effat University female students
Effat University female students excelled in the Billiards Championship under the Saudi Universities Sports Federation, securing a bronze medal in the team competition at Jeddah International College. This achievement showcases their determination and highlights Effat University's commitment to promoting female participation in university sports. Congratulations to the winning team: Mariam Khalil (Psychology), Rashad Alzahrani (Architecture) Rimas Alzahrani (Design) Ghufran Zagzoog (Design) for their outstanding performance.
Rana Matar
Effat alumni, Rana Matar, has proudly won the prestigious Netflix Award for Best Documentary Film, under the guidance of Ms. Mahassine El Hachadi. This remarkable achievement showcases the strength of Effat’s film program and the global impact of our graduates in the creative industry. Rana’s compelling documentary stood out for its powerful narrative and cinematic excellence, earning recognition from one of the world’s leading streaming platforms.
Effat University students
Effat alumni Asmaa Awad and her team, Flow, proudly won 1st place in the Architecture Track at #CampusThon, held at King AbdulAziz University. The competition focused on innovative solutions for enhancing campus environments, and their outstanding achievement was recognized by HH Prince Saud bin Jalawi and Dr. Tareef Alaama, President of KAU.
Effat University students
Effat University students proudly secured 3rd place at the prestigious Amazon Transcend competition in Saudi Arabia, competing against over 160 teams nationwide, the competition, focused on creating cutting-edge solutions using Amazon's technology stack, this success was driven by a team from both the College of Business (ECoB) and the College of Engineering (ECoE).
Elaf Al Amri
Effat alumni, Elaf Al Amri, who won the Excellence in Job Performance Award for the year 2024, presented by the Royal Commission of AlUla. This honor reflects her outstanding professional dedication and the impactful presence of Effat graduates in key national initiatives. Elaf’s recognition highlights the high standards of Effat’s programs and its role in preparing graduates for real-world excellence. Her contribution to the development of AlUla is a source of pride and inspiration for the entire Effat community
Effat University students
Effat University proudly swept all three top categories at the 12th Effat International Film Festival.
“The Ocean” by Wijdan Wayani won Best Saudi Student Animated Film, recognized by SADAF Media for its creative reflection of Saudi cultural and environmental diversity.
“Strange in Grease” by Wijdan Yousuf Hashim earned Best Saudi Student Documentary Film, awarded by NEOM for its insightful portrayal of modern Saudi culture.
“Left Rip” by Ghazal Al-Asa’di received Best Saudi Student Narrative Film, also presented by NEOM, for its powerful human storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Areej Al-Ghunaimi
Areej Al-Ghunaimi, a proud Effat University alumni, together with Dr. Sajid Khalifa and Dr. Ahmed Kassab, was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva—marking Effat University’s second win at this prestigious global event. A true testament to our legacy of innovation and excellence! Their groundbreaking work stood out among hundreds of international entries, earning global recognition for creativity and impact. This remarkable achievement continues to inspire a new generation of innovators at Effat University.
Muhammad Yar Khan
Dr. Muhammad Yar Khan, esteemed faculty member at Effat University, received the Best Paper Award at the 2nd UCB International Conference – “Sustainable Business Futures: Innovating for a Greener Tomorrow”, held in Manama, Bahrain, on April 23–24, 2025. His paper, “Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting Transparency: Evidence from an Emerging Market,” was celebrated for its outstanding contribution to the field of accounting and finance. A proud moment for Effat, highlighting our commitment to impactful, world-class research.
Saja Mamo & Eman Bawazeer
Saja Mamo and Eman Bawazeer, talented Effat University Design students, raced to success by winning 2nd place in the "Mini Helmet Design Contest" organized by Formula 1 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025. Their creative flair and innovative designs made a strong impression, reflecting the artistic excellence nurtured at Effat
Abdulmajeed Marzouq
Effat PhD student, Abdulmajeed Marzouq, secured second place in the Individuals Sector of the prestigious Local Content Award. His recognition reflects the dedication, innovation, and impact that Effat Ambassadors continue to bring to the national stage.
Farouq Al-baik
Effat University proudly celebrates the incredible achievement of our student ambassador, Farouq Albaik, who won the gold medal at the 2025 Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Dammam.
Organized by the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the event brought together top-tier athletes from clubs and specialized academies worldwide. Farouq’s victory is a testament to his strength, discipline, and unwavering determination—an inspiration to the Effat community!
Effat Male Students
Effat University proudly congratulates our dodgeball team for securing third place in the First Recreational Dodgeball Championship, held under the supervision of the Saudi University Sports Federation. A huge thank you to our champions for their outstanding performance
Mohammed Alyami
Khalid Alassiri
Maan Alghamdi
Turki Hassan
Belal Mourad
You’ve made Effat proud!
Asma AlSaggaf and her Team
Effat University students proudly won 1st place in the InnoFinTech Hackathon held at the University of Jeddah. This innovative event focused on financial technology solutions. The team, including student Asma AlSaggaf from Effat University, collaborated with University of Jeddah students and won first place with their smart FinTech innovation “FinSage.”
Effat Researchers
commitment to research excellence on the global stage.
Salwa Samargandi & Dana Al Amri
Salwa Samargandi and Dana Al Amri, distinguished Architecture alumni of Effat University, were proudly featured among the 100 Best Designers in the Middle East and North Africa. Their creative vision and excellence in design continue to shine on the regional stage—an inspiring achievement for our Effat community!
Lama Jerkas
Yam Fida
Rana Matar
Jannatul Ferdous
Dr. Ahmed Kassab
Dana Al-Qudahi
Effat Students
Manager of Student life
This section is dedicated to sharing the inspiring efforts, experiences, and journeys behind the awards we proudly present each year. Beyond the recognition lies a story, of hard work, resilience, and passion. Through these stories, we honor not just the outcomes, but the people and moments that make them meaningful. with multiple championships and success across various sports. At the heart of this achievement stands the university’s Manager of Student Life, Dr Tamer Murad, whose leadership, vision, and dedication have played a pivotal role In this exclusive interview, we explore the story behind the victories, the challenges faced, and the passion that continues to drive our athletic excellence. We asked Dr. Tamer the following questions:
What impact do you believe student involvement in sports has on their personal and academic growth?
What impact do you believe student involvement in sports has on their personal and academic growth?
Any advice or message you’d like to share with students or colleagues about perseverance and teamwork?
What impact do you believe student involvement in sports has on their personal and academic growth?
Student involvement in sports has a significant and multifaceted impact on both personal and academic growth. Here are some key areas of influence:
( Personal Growth )
1.Discipline and Time Management: Athletes learn to balance practice, competitions, and academics, enhancing their organizational skills and responsibility.
2. Resilience and Mental Toughness: Sports teach students how to cope with failure, deal with pressure, and persevere through challenges.
3. Confidence and Self-Esteem: Regular participation and success in sports build self-belief and a sense of achievement.
4. Leadership and Teamwork: Students learn how to work in groups, communicate effectively, and lead both on and off the field.
5. Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Sports encourage physical activity, better nutrition, and awareness of mental and physical well-being.
( Academic Growth )
1.Improved Cognitive Function: Physical activity has been linked to enhanced memory, focus, and brain function, which positively impact academic performance.
2- Better Attendance and Engagement: Active students often show higher motivation, classroom participation, and commitment to school life.
3- Higher GPAs and Academic Success: Studies have shown that studentathletes frequently maintain higher academic standards due to structured routines and accountability.
4. Opportunities for Scholarships: Sports involvement can open doors to athletic scholarships and opportunities for higher education. Student involvement in sports fosters a holistic development, building not only a stronger body but also a sharper mind and stronger character. It prepares students for reallife challenges by instilling values that go far beyond the classroom.
2. They reflect how effort and commitment lead to success Empowerment and Inspiration because Each win is a message to other young men & women: you can excel in any field, including athletics. It empowers the entire student body and inspires future athletes. Team Spirit and Community Growth: It strengthens the sense of community within Effat. Every win is not just individual it’s a collective triumph that boosts morale and unites students, faculty, and staff.
1 Visibility and Legacy:
2.Success in sports brings visibility to Effat University on regional and international platforms, enhancing its reputation and opening new doors for student opportunities
3.In essence, when Effat students win in sports, it’s not just about medals— it’s about breaking barriers, building confidence, and shaping future leaders
3- Any advice or message you’d like to share with students or colleagues about perseverance and teamwork?
1.Success in sports and in life, is rarely the result of talent alone. It’s built on perseverance, discipline, and the willingness to keep going even when things get tough. Every missed shot, every setback, is a lesson, not a failure. In a team, no one wins alone Great athletes lift each other up, share responsibility, and trust the process together. Teamwork means celebrating each other’s victories and standing strong through defeats.
2 So keep training Keep encouraging Keep believing in each other. The journey will shape you, and the team will define you."
Narjesse Kabbaj Ph.D
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Effat college of Engineering.
Dr. Narjisse Kabbaj is recognized for her dedication to innovative and student-centered teaching. She is known for making complex engineering concepts accessible, integrating real-world applications into the classroom, and inspiring academic curiosity. Her commitment to academic excellence, curriculum enhancement, and student engagement exemplifies the values of the Queen Effat Prize for Excellence in Teaching. She actively mentors students, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a collaborative learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Teaching for Effat College of Engineering 2024-2025
Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department, Effat college of Engineering
Dr. Sohail Khan is honored for his exceptional commitment to teaching and student development in cybersecurity. He effectively combines his extensive knowledge of information security and machine learning with interactive, practical teaching methods. Dr. Khan fosters an engaging learning environment that encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for realworld challenges. His dedication to academic excellence and mentorship reflects the core values of Effat University’s teaching award.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Teaching for Effat College of Architecture and Design 2024-2025
Sajid A. Khalifa, Ph.D
Assistant Professor, Chair of Design Department Effat College of Architecture & Design
Dr. Sajid Khalifa is recognized for his leadership in advancing product design education in Saudi Arabia. With 16 years of industry experience—including training professionals at Jaguar Land Rover, RollsRoyce, and Cummins in the UK—he brings deep expertise to his academic role. Since joining Effat University in 2016, he has integrated cutting-edge technologies into the curriculum and championed talent development. Through studio-based learning and advanced theory, he inspires students to innovate and apply practical skills. His commitment to academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and impactful research reflects the values honored by Effat University’s Teaching Award.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Teaching for Effat College of Business 2023-2024
Assistant Professor, Operation & Supply Chain Management Department, Effat College of Business
Dr Hasan is recognized for his dedication to advancing education in supply chain and operations management. Dr. Balfaqih has published extensively on supply chain performance and serves as an Editorial Board Member and reviewer for leading journals and conferences. His active involvement in professional organizations such as the Saudi Council of Engineers, ASCM, and IEOM highlights his commitment to both academic excellence and industry engagement, embodying the values of Effat University’s teaching award.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Teaching for Effat College of Humanities 2024-2025
Mohammad Khalid, Ph.D
Assistant Professor, General Education Program, Effat College of Humanities
Dr Mohammed Khalid is honored for his outstanding contributions to teaching and scholarship in Islamic Studies. He integrates his deep expertise in premodern intellectual history of Islam, Qur'an hermeneutics, and Sunni legal theory with engaging, research-informed teaching methods. Dr. Khalid creates a stimulating learning environment that inspires students to think critically, explore diverse perspectives, and connect classical scholarship with contemporary issues. His dedication to academic excellence, active research, and mentorship exemplifies the values celebrated by Effat University’s teaching award.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Community Service
Manzar Ahmed, PhD
Assistant Professor, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Strategies Department, Effat College of Business.
For over a decade, Dr. Manzar has demonstrated a legacy of excellence in teaching, service, and mentorship at Effat University. he is the recipient of six prestigious awards, including recognition for Teaching and Learning and Community Service. A pioneer in innovative servicelearning courses, he has enriched the academic and social impact of his students. His transformative mentorship has guided countless learners to
2024-2025 success, most notably leading Effat University to a historic twelve-year national winning streak in the L’Oréal Brandstorm Challenge. In acknowledgment of his outstanding achievements, Dr. Manzar continues to inspire excellence across the University community.
Winner of Effat University award for Excellence in Research 2024-2025
Edib Smolo, Ph.D
Assistant Professor, Accounting & Finance Department Effat College of Business.
Dr. Edib Smolo earned his Ph.D. from the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), Malaysia. He is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Effat University and has previously served as Chair of the Finance Department and Director of the Master of Science in Finance program. His research focuses on Islamic banking and finance, economic growth, and financial markets, with significant impact across
multiple regions. He has authored books, journal articles, and international reports, and is a recognized speaker and consultant in the field. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Smolo received the Effat University Award for Excellence in Research for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Liszkiah Zubaeri Jum Worker
Effat University Awards Unit presents its annual newsletter as a source of inspiration, to celebrate talents that embody the pursuit of excellence and creativity.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to continuing to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Effat University family.
