Welcome to the Gulf States Society at the University of Oxford
About us
Established in 2024, the Gulf Society at Oxford is a student-led society that brings together students from, and residents of, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. We are united by a shared passion for showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of the Gulf, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Through cultural events, discussions, and social gatherings, we aim to foster a close-knit community that feels like a ‘home away from home.’ Our society serves as a bridge, connecting students to their roots while encouraging dialogue and collaboration with the broader Oxford community.
Legacy
The establishment of the Gulf States Society at the University of Oxford would not have been possible without the vision, dedication, and passion of our founders. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant community for students from the Gulf region, as well as those with an interest in its culture, history, and contemporary affairs, laid the foundation for what our society is today. Through their efforts, they created a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration of Gulf heritage, ensuring that future generations of students at Oxford can continue to connect and thrive.
Assim Al-Thani
Aasim Alwaleed Ali Al-Thani is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Gulf International Forum and a Young Fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy. He completed his master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies (DSP) and is the youngest member to attend the programme. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Qatar (SFS-Q) in 2021 and is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. Aasim won the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for obtaining the Highest Mark in Qatar for Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) in 2017 at Sherborne Qatar and has served as a board member of the Education City Student Leadership Council in 2019. He was the Co-Founder and President of the Gulf States Society at the University of Oxford est. 2024. He was a member of the Cambridge MENA Forum Young Leaders Initiative 2023.
Nowara Al-Hedfa
Nowara Al-Hedfa is from Qatar and has completed her MSt in Diplomatic Studies at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford. She was the Secretary and co-founder of the Gulf States Society at Oxford.
Nowara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, where she specialized in International Politics at the School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q).
Her interests lie in international cooperation, diplomacy, and public policy. Outside of her work with the society, she enjoys reading, equestrian sports, and spending time with animals.
Reema Alnami
Reema was an MSt Diplomatic Studies student from Saudi Arabia at Wolfson College.
Our committee
President: Maryam AlKetbi
Maryam AlKetbi is from the UAE and is a second-year undergraduate pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Hebrew with Persian at Wadham College.
Vice President: Mohammed Alweleyee
Mohammed is from Saudi Arabia and is pursuing his DPhil in Engineering Science (Biomedical Engineering) at Keble College
Secretary: Saoud Al Eshaq
Saoud is from Qatar and is pursuing his MSc in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at Wolfson College
Our committee
Treasurer: Mashail Bakolka
Mashail is from Saudi Arabia and is pursuing her MSt in Diplomatic Studies at St. Anne’s College
IT Officer/ Webmaster: Sara Al Najjar
Sara is from the UAE and is pursuing her MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Welfare Officer and General Member: Hanouf Almutairi
Hanouf is from Saudi Arabia and is pursuing her DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at Wolfson College
Our committee
Senior Member: Dr. Afifi Al-Akiti
Subscribe to our mailing list
gulfsociety@maillist.ox.ac.uk
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Instagram: Gulfstates.society
Facebook: Gulf States Society at Oxford
TikTok: gulfsocoxford
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Gulf Society at the University of Oxford 