From AUS to global impact: Salma Abdalla’s journey of ambition and achievement

Salma Abdalla’s journey from the classrooms of American University of Sharjah (AUS) to the global headquarters of Al Jazeera Media Network is a story of ambition, dedication and passion.

A Spring 2012 graduate with a degree in business administration and a major in marketing, Abdalla now holds the position of Global Head of Marketing for Al Jazeera in Doha, Qatar. She took her first steps into the professional world as an intern in Al Jazeera’s marketing department, where her passion for media truly blossomed.

“Starting as an intern was like diving into the deep end. I was surrounded by a high-performing team and incredible leaders who pushed me to grow. My enthusiasm and dedication quickly set me apart, propelling me from intern to executive, then senior executive and eventually to my current leadership role,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at AUS, Abdulla emhasized how her education laid the foundation for her success. 

“AUS was more than just a university; it was a transformative experience. The rigorous education, combined with the vibrant campus life, prepared me to not only join the workforce but to excel in it,” Abdalla said.

She added: “The diverse student body and lasting friendships I formed were crucial in shaping my character. Those years taught me resilience, openness and the importance of connecting with people from different backgrounds.”

In addition to her achievements at Al Jazeera, Abdalla co-founded Andariya in 2014, a digital platform dedicated to telling the stories of Sudan and East Africa, ensuring that the voices of people are heard.

“Andariya was born out of a need to empower people and give them control over their narratives. With the recent turmoil in Sudan, this mission has become even more critical, driving change by creating platforms for dialogue, fostering informed communities and supporting community initiatives through projects and collaborations with global institutions,” Abdalla explained.

Abdalla’s guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Having faith, putting in the work and speaking your mind is the surest recipe for success.” 

This belief has carried her through her journey, from AUS to Al Jazeera, and continues to shape her future with plans set to expand her expertise in marketing, especially as the field evolves with AI and technology. 

“The intersection of marketing, AI, education and media fascinates me and will likely shape my future endeavors,” she said.

Abdalla’s journey exemplifies the impact AUS graduates have on the world. Her story continues to inspire, demonstrating that AUS alumni are not just achieving personal success but are also making significant contributions to society, uplifting others and driving positive change.