HE Khawla AlSerkal From Sharjah to Community Impact

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

When HE Khawla AlSerkal 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. Eversense AUS carried the promise of academic excellence under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the visionary Ruler of Sharjah and a member of the UAE Supreme Council. 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, the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club 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. At the beginning of my career in SLC and working closely with Her Highness 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.