AUS Alumna HE Khawla Al Serkal: A Journey Rooted in Sharjah, Shaped at AUS, and Devoted to Community

HE Khawla Al Serkal: A Journey Rooted in Sharjah, Shaped at AUS, and Devoted to
Community

When HE Khawla Al Serkal reflects on her early years, she recalls a sense of certainty about
where she wanted to pursue her higher education. Growing up in Sharjah, the newly founded
American University of Sharjah felt like the natural choice—a cosmopolitan environment that
matched the diversity and cultural openness of the UAE itself. Even in its infancy, AUS
carried the promise of academic excellence under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr.
Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Khawla, like many early students, was drawn to the
opportunity to be part of something transformative.

Her time at AUS became a defining chapter—academically rigorous, personally eye-opening,
and deeply formative. Moving from an all-girls, segregated school into a multicultural, co-
educational environment was a significant shift. But it was one that opened her worldview.
She found herself learning alongside peers from across the region and the world—building
friendships with students from Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, and Lebanon. The
academic environment challenged her to think critically, write with purpose, debate
confidently, and develop a strong work ethic. On a personal level, it instilled independence,
resilience, and a sense of belonging that would anchor her future choices.

Several mentors and moments helped shape her leadership style. Her professors and
advisor encouraged independent thought, responsibility, and clarity of purpose. They trusted
her with tasks that often felt beyond her readiness, gently pushing her to discover her own
capabilities. Group projects, National Day celebrations, and International Day activities
taught her teamwork, respect for diversity, and the importance of listening—qualities that
later became the foundation of her leadership philosophy.

Over the years, she carried with her the values AUS had deeply embedded: integrity, critical
thinking, respect for diversity, discipline, and a commitment to community. These principles
became the compass guiding both her career and personal life.

A Leadership Journey Grounded in Trust and Empowerment

Khawla’s leadership story is defined by the trust placed in her early in her career. When she
was appointed to major responsibilities—especially during her decade as Director General of
Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC)—she did not shy away from challenges. Instead, she rose to them,
supported by the unwavering belief of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al
Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Their confidence became a turning point,
shaping her philosophy of empowering others, removing limitations, and leading with
purpose rather than authority.

Her journey also unfolded during periods of change and cultural development within Sharjah.
These moments taught her the importance of clarity, calm decision-making, and thinking
long-term while staying grounded in practical realities. Working closely with Sheikha Bodour
back when she was the Vice Chairperson of the club—whose wisdom, humanity, and
visionary outlook left a lasting imprint—reinforced Khawla’s belief that leadership is a
responsibility to community, not a position of power.

For her, leadership is about inspiring people, not directing them. Watching team members
grow, gain confidence, and evolve into leaders remains one of her proudest markers of
success.

From Sharjah Ladies Club to Community Wellbeing: A Legacy of Impact

One of the initiatives dearest to her heart is Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC). When she took the
role in 2005, she embraced the club as if it were her own business—infusing it with passion,
creativity, and a vision for excellence. She sought to introduce services and experiences that
matched global standards, creating a safe, inspiring, and holistic space for women across
Sharjah. Under her leadership, SLC earned national and regional recognition, driven by a
rigorous approach to quality, international benchmarking, and continuous innovation.

Her work across community development, sports, culture, and charity is a reflection of
Sharjah’s broader vision: to be a place where wellbeing, creativity, and women’s
empowerment flourish. Whether designing wellness programs, launching cultural initiatives,
or nurturing children’s spaces, Khawla’s focus has always been on enhancing quality of life
and creating meaningful opportunities for growth.

She describes her leadership across diverse sectors as adaptive and intuitive—anchored in
empathy in charity work, focus and speed in sports, and long-term vision in community
development. Above all, she remains flexible, always tailoring her approach to the people
and context at hand.

A Heart for Philanthropy

Khawla’s commitment to philanthropy began early, with her involvement in “Salam Ya
Seghar” in 2006. From there, she continued to champion humanitarian efforts, culminating in
her formal appointment to Friends of Cancer Patients in 2021. For her, giving back is not an
act of charity—it is a moral compass, a reminder that meaningful impact begins with
compassion.

Some moments have left a lasting emotional imprint. Organizing “Salam Ya Seghar” event
with Majida Al Roumi showed her the power of collective generosity. Listening to cancer
survivors share their journeys at FOCP events reshaped her understanding of resilience and
humanity. These experiences reaffirmed her belief that success is measured not by personal
accomplishment, but by the lives uplifted along the way.

She believes AUS alumni have a powerful role to play in advancing community-focused
initiatives. With their skills and global perspectives, alumni can support institutions such as
The Big Heart Foundation, Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, and Friends
of Cancer Patients—bringing new ideas, strengthening existing programs, and amplifying
social impact across the UAE.

Balancing Leadership and Motherhood

As a mother of four daughters and a leader for over two decades, Khawla approaches
balance with honesty. For her, perfect balance doesn’t exist—what matters is prioritizing
what is most important each day. Family remains at the center, even as she commits herself
fully to her work.

Her motivation comes from purpose, structure, and the energy she gains from serving the
community. Hearing even one story of someone positively impacted by her team’s work is
enough to recharge her. Prayer, discipline, and a commitment to personal
wellbeing—including a regular workout routine—help her stay centered and resilient during
challenging periods.
Today, her daughters understand her work in ways they didn’t when they were young. As they
grew older, visited the club’s facilities, and even interned there, they began to see the scale
and meaning behind their mother’s responsibility. Khawla hopes to inspire them not through
titles, but through values—dedication, kindness, integrity, and passion. She wants them to
understand that leadership is about showing up, serving others, and making a difference.

Looking Ahead: A Vision Rooted in Sharjah’s Future

As she looks to the next chapter of her career, Khawla is focused on empowering young
women and contributing to the continued development of the emirate that shaped her. She hopes her story reminds current AUS students that leadership is a journey—built on consistency, resilience, and the courage to take on challenges even when life feels full.

And if she could speak to her younger self at AUS, she would say:

Trust the journey. Don’t rush. Every step—even the shaky ones—will lead you exactly where
you need to be. Enjoy these years, stay true to your values, and embrace every experience,
because each one shapes who you become.