AUS Blockchain Club joins IEEE Blockchain Technical Community’s global student club network

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Blockchain Club has been officially recognized by the IEEE Blockchain Technical Community (IEEE BCTC) as a student blockchain club, joining a global network of university-based student communities engaged in blockchain education, research and technical programming.

Founded in November 2025 within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the AUS Blockchain Club aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world blockchain applications by fostering a community of students passionate about decentralized technologies. The club focuses on empowering students with practical blockchain knowledge, connecting them with industry leaders and positioning AUS as a regional hub for blockchain innovation and research.

The club serves as AUS’ primary extracurricular platform for blockchain education and industry engagement, organizing technical workshops, facilitating research collaboration and creating networking opportunities with regional and international blockchain professionals. The club is chaired by Mouaz Kassouma, a computer science student, and is advised by Dr. Anastassia Gharib, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering.

Dr. Gharib highlighted the importance of student technical communities in supporting national priorities and future-ready skills. 

“Blockchain is a strategic priority for the UAE, reflected in national initiatives and sustained public and institutional investment aimed at advancing blockchain adoption, innovation and the digital economy,” she said. “These efforts align with the UAE’s long-term vision, which emphasizes advanced technology, innovation and preparing future generations with the skills needed for a knowledge-based economy. The AUS Blockchain Club creates a structured pathway for students to build applied capability, explore research directions and engage directly with industry as the ecosystem evolves.”

“Being recognized as the first student blockchain club in the Middle East featured on the IEEE Blockchain website is a profound honor that validates our vision of making the region a competitive player in blockchain innovation,” said Kassouma. “This recognition is proof that student-led initiatives can drive meaningful impact in emerging technologies when combined with rigorous technical work and strategic industry partnerships. It motivates us to set even higher standards and shows other students across the Middle East that age and experience aren't barriers to contributing to the global blockchain community. We’re just getting started.”

Flagship activities and technical engagement

The club’s recognition reflects sustained technical activity and active engagement with the IEEE blockchain community. Over the previous semester, members participated in IEEE Blockchain Middle East’s multi-day technical program on emerging applications and attended the IEEE Region 8 Blockchain Meeting in Dubai to contribute to regional roadmap discussions. The club also visited Ghaf Labs (Sui Hub) to gain first-hand insight into professional blockchain development and real-world use cases. On February 4, 2026, the club delivered its first workshop on building and deploying a cryptocurrency on the Sui blockchain. 

Student leadership team

In addition to the chair and advisor, the AUS Blockchain Club leadership team includes Abdelrahman Abdo (Co-Chair, computer science), Tala Abed (Executive Assistant, computer science), Karam Khazali (Treasurer, economics and mathematics), Faris Abushaqra (Public Relations Coordinator, computer science), Mustafa Al-Abdullah (Technical Engineer, computer engineering), Hana Alameen (Technical Engineer, computer engineering), Hamza Alcharif (Internal Coordinator, computer science) and Farah Tawalbeh (Internal Coordinator, computer engineering).

Through the AUS College of Engineering, AUS is building an ecosystem that turns emerging technologies into applied learning and industry-relevant experience for students. The college’s focus on partnership-centered, practice-based and innovation-oriented education, its emphasis on hands-on learning through extensive laboratories, its makerspace and its strong ties with industry and research clusters create the conditions for student-led technical communities like the AUS Blockchain Club to thrive, connect with global professional networks and translate skills into real projects and career readiness. Click here to learn more.