Alumni Award
The RIT Dubai Distinguished Alumni Award aims to raise the profile of the university by highlighting and publicly recognizing the accomplishments of notable alumni.
Award Criteria
Award criteria are based on recognizing sustained and/or outstanding achievement of alumni that may include the following:
- Over an extended period of time, the awardee has significantly contributed to the advancement of his or her role and industry
- Initiated and sustained strikingly innovative service to the industry
- Served and/or led noteworthy civic, community, philanthropic, or service organizations
- Contributed philanthropically or professionally to RIT Dubai
Alumni Award Recipients
Discover the Trailblazers Awarded the RIT Dubai Distinguished Alumni Award
Aiham Al-Akhras brings 19 years of leadership and IT experience across EMEA, with a strong focus on leveraging technology and data for positive societal impact. An RIT graduate, he remains actively involved with RIT Dubai through curriculum advising and student mentoring. He was recognized with the Best Smart City Innovative Idea award in 2015. Aiham also mentors startups through Flat6Labs Abu Dhabi and Dubai Silicon Oasis 10X Academy. He currently serves as Vice President at Gartner, advising strategic clients on critical decision-making.
Mashal Waqar is a media entrepreneur, startup mentor, and accessibility advocate, best known as the founder of The Tempest, a global women’s media platform. At RIT Dubai, she served as Student Government President, championing student voices. Recognized with several prestigious awards—including Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 and Young Leader of the Year at the WIL Economic Forum—Mashal is also a two-time TEDx speaker.
Supreeta has been an actively engaged alumna, consistently supporting fellow students through personalized tutoring and dedicated mentorship. Her efforts have played a meaningful role in helping students overcome academic challenges, reach their full potential, and pursue their aspirations with confidence. Through her ongoing involvement, she continues to embody the spirit of giving back and fostering a strong, supportive academic community.
Amr has been instrumental in establishing a meaningful collaboration between RIT Dubai and Odoo, creating valuable opportunities for student engagement and industry exposure. As an active alumnus, he has consistently supported students through mentorship, career guidance, and opening doors to professional opportunities. His continued involvement reflects a strong commitment to empowering the next generation of RIT talent.
Hani currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Dell Middle East and has been a dedicated supporter of RIT Dubai. He has played a key role in building connections between the university and Dell, creating opportunities for collaboration and student engagement. Through his active participation in workshops, events, and mentorship initiatives, Hani has significantly contributed to enriching the student experience and supporting their academic and professional journeys.
Since graduating, Till has remained an active and dedicated member of the RIT Dubai alumni community. He has consistently supported both students and fellow alumni by creating employment opportunities, sharing valuable career resources, and offering mentorship. His commitment to giving back has made a meaningful impact, helping bridge the gap between education and industry. Till’s ongoing engagement reflects the true spirit of RIT Dubai.