Under the patronage of the Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration at Kuwait University, Prof. Ali Rashid Al-Mutairi, and through a generous initiative and sponsorship by the family of the late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim, the College launched the third edition of the Late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim Student Research Award 2024/2025, aimed at encouraging and motivating scientific research. The ceremony was attended by the former Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Yousef Al-Ibrahim, the father of the late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim and his family, distinguished guests and college leaders, several former and current faculty members, and a large audience of Kuwait University students. The event was held at the College of Business Administration Theater at Sabah Al-Salem University City on Monday, 16 February 2026.

In his speech on this occasion, Prof. Ali Al-Mutairi stated that the passing of the late Dr. Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, a faculty member in the Accounting Department, had a profound impact not only on the Accounting Department family but also on the entire College of Business Administration at Kuwait University, including academic staff, supporting academic staff, and administrators. He noted that Dr. Faisal represented a promising youthful spirit characterized by determination, ambition, and a forward-looking vision toward achieving scientific and research accomplishments. He added that, in commemoration of the late scholar and to continue his academic and research legacy, the College—through a generous initiative from his family—established a student research award bearing his name, as a tribute to his excellence and aspiration to help shape a promising generation.

For his part, Dr. Khaled Abdulsalam, Chair of the Late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim Student Research Award Committee and faculty member in the Accounting Department, affirmed that this award represents a continuation of the late Dr. Faisal’s legacy, which was marked by sincerity and dedication in serving science and education—qualities recognized by many inside and beyond the hall. He emphasized that Dr. Faisal was not only distinguished in knowledge and professional practice, but was also keen to share that excellence with others. He added that although students and faculty at the College of Business Administration did not have sufficient time to learn from and work alongside him, his legacy continues to provide them with an avenue for learning and collaboration through this award. He also praised the exemplary initiative of the Al-Ibrahim family in commemorating his memory through enduring knowledge that benefits future generations.

He stated:
“Today we gather for a cherished occasion that carries a name of significance and impact—the name of the late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim, associated with giving, and the deep belief in the importance of education and human development. His vision was grounded in the idea that true investment lies in young minds, and that empowering students academically and intellectually is the path toward building a strong and sustainable nation. From this perspective, this award serves as an extension of that positive legacy, becoming an academic platform that enhances the culture of scientific research, encourages critical thinking, and connects academic knowledge with societal issues and developmental needs.”

Dr. Abdulsalam explained that the committee began preparations for the award by setting participation criteria, opening submissions to all Kuwait University students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including those registered as well as  graduates of the previous academic year 2024/2025. The number of researchers per paper was limited to three, the research had to be written in English and previously unpublished, and the work was required to be student-led, with academic staff participation limited to guidance and supervision.

He added that 23 research papers were submitted for the award (4 master’s and 19 bachelor’s), and that the research was evaluated according to four scientific criteria: innovation and creativity of the research idea, methodology, research impact and practical applicability of results, and overall quality of writing.

Dr. Abdulsalam noted that the committee adopted a peer-review mechanism similar to that used by scientific journals to ensure the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and objectivity. Each participating paper underwent evaluation by two academic reviewers—one from within the committee and another external specialist in the research field.

He also praised the generous support of the late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim’s family, noting that three prizes were allocated: 1,000 Kuwaiti Dinars for first place, 600 Kuwaiti Dinars for second place, and 400 Kuwaiti Dinars for third place. The committee further decided that at least one of the prizes would be allocated to undergraduate research to ensure equal opportunities.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Ibrahim, brother of the late Dr. Faisal and Associate Professor in the Industrial Engineering Department, expressed his gratitude—on behalf of himself and his family—to all those who contributed to this initiative, particularly Prof. Ali Al-Mutairi, Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration; Dr. Khaled Abdulsalam, Chair of the Evaluation Committee; and all committee members and reviewers who organized the submission and evaluation process according to the highest standards. He expressed hope that this initiative would continue and grow as a reflection of his late brother’s enduring legacy.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the winners of the Late Dr. Faisal Al-Ibrahim Award were honored as follows:

• First Place: Mohammed Eiad Daaboul, graduate of the College of Engineering and Petroleum, for his research titled “Shear Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Minimal Transverse Reinforcement Using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer.”

• Second Place: Taiba Nassar Al-Nassar, graduate of the College of Business Administration, for her research titled “The Impact of Gasoline Subsidy Reform, Demographic Imbalances, and Population Density on Fuel Consumption: The Case of the State of Kuwait.”

• Third Place: Students Moudhi Jassim Al-Kharafi, Hasan Nayef Hamed, and Abdulkarim Ahmed Al-Essa, for their research titled “Integrating Renewable Energy in Sabah Al-Ahmad City.”