AUS Club Fair sets new record, celebrating diversity, growth and student leadership

A dazzling display of 115 cultural, academic and interest-oriented clubs and associations

The campus of American University of Sharjah (AUS) buzzed with excitement as students attended the highly anticipated biannual Club Fair on September 17–18. With a record-breaking 115 cultural, academic and interest-oriented clubs, the event showcased AUS' dynamic campus life, encouraging students to explore their interests and develop skills beyond academics.

As students entered the Main Building, they were greeted by an array of colorful stalls and cultural showcases, each representing one of the 31 cultural clubs on display. The atmosphere was more than just festive—it was a celebration of the diversity and inclusion that define AUS, a university renowned for its student body representing over 90 nationalities.

"At AUS, our mission is to foster a campus environment where every student feels empowered to pursue their passions and actively engage in campus life. The Club Fair is a true reflection of this commitment, offering students the chance to explore a wide variety of interest-oriented clubs and activities. It brings together a community of like-minded individuals, fostering personal growth and creating lasting connections throughout their university journey," said Shaima Bin Taliah, Acting Vice Chancellor for Student Experience. 

Participation in student clubs at AUS offers much more than just the chance to connect with fellow students; it provides opportunities to cultivate leadership, communication and organizational skills that are highly prized in today’s competitive job market. By taking on active roles within these clubs, students gain hands-on experience in teamwork, project management and creative problem-solving, all while pursuing their interests in a multicultural environment.

Among the standout booths was the UAE Cultural Club, which invited students to experience the essence of Emirati life through an interactive display. 

“Our booth at this semester’s AUS Club Fair gave students a glimpse into Emirati life, with a special focus on the Friday Market—a favorite stop for many Emiratis. We made the experience more interactive by setting up a traditional majlis next to our booth, where we welcomed first-year students and exchange students from all over the world. This space allowed them to experience Emirati hospitality firsthand. We also wanted our booth to reflect the vibrant spirit of the fair, so we elevated our creativity to ensure everyone felt at home at AUS,” said Alia Ahli, President of the UAE Cultural Club.

The Indian Cultural Club also stood out with its lively and colorful booth, bringing a special theme inspired by Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s most iconic and bustling marketplaces. 

“We aimed to create a rich representation of India, with traditional decorations and music that brought our culture to life. Club Fair is an opportunity for us to share our heritage with the broader AUS community, and this semester we were able to showcase the beauty and diversity of India in a way that connected with both new and returning students,” said Jash Rangwani, President of the Indian Cultural Club.

The fair’s second day added even more excitement with the unveiling of the new AUS mascot during a flash mob performance, followed by cultural performances that further highlighted the university’s diversity. Awards for the best club stand in the categories of cultural clubs, academic associations and interest-oriented clubs were also announced, celebrating the creativity and dedication of students.

AUS’ dedication to fostering a global and inclusive community is reflected in both national and international recognition. Worldwide, AUS is among the top five universities with the highest percentage of international students, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2023). It is ranked third in the Arab region for its international student ratio (QS Arab Region University Rankings 2024) and among the UAE’s top five universities for its number of international students (QS World University Rankings 2025).

For more information on student clubs and organizations at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/student-life/clubs-and-organizations.