For Farhad Azizi (B.S. ’05), CEO of Azizi Developments, The University of Tulsa wasn’t just an academic institution — it was a launchpad for success, a second home, and a place that forged lifelong friendships. His journey from a young international student to the leader of a multibillion-dollar real estate empire is a testament to both his determination and the nurturing environment of UTulsa.
A home away from home
Arriving in Tulsa from Dubai, Azizi was venturing into the unknown. “Nobody in my family had ever been to America before,” he recalls. “But UTulsa representatives made me feel safe and comfortable.” The size of the campus was perfect—not too big to get lost in the crowd, but not too small to limit opportunities.
More than just an educational experience, UTulsa offered Azizi an immersive introduction to American life. The warmth of the Tulsa community, the hospitality of its people, and the strong bonds he built with professors and classmates all contributed to what he describes as “the perfect place to experience the ‘real’ America.” Even in the wake of 9/11, a time when international students, particularly those from Muslim majority countries, faced uncertainty, he found unwavering support from his peers and faculty. “I felt safe, loved, and integrated,” he says.
An education that transcended the classroom
Azizi’s time at UTulsa from 2001 to 2005, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, was about much more than textbooks and lectures. “Education doesn’t just stem from books and research — it comes from the community,” he emphasizes. The accessibility of faculty members, the university’s open-door policies, and the collaborative learning environment gave him confidence. He also made the most of extracurricular opportunities, from student organizations to road trips across the U.S., all of which broadened his horizons and solidified his leadership skills.
A career built on global foundations
After graduating, Azizi earned his MBA from Suffolk University in Boston before moving on to leadership roles within his family’s business empire. He spearheaded ventures in banking, oil & gas, and real estate across Europe and the Middle East, eventually taking the reins of Azizi Developments, a powerhouse in Dubai’s luxury real estate sector. Under his leadership, the company has delivered over 30,000 homes and is currently developing the world’s second-tallest skyscraper and a state-of-the-art opera house as part of its landmark Azizi Venice project.
Beyond business, Azizi is deeply committed to philanthropy. His charitable initiatives span the UAE, Afghanistan, and beyond, funding hospitals, orphanages, and educational scholarships while supporting global hunger relief efforts. “Giving back to the communities we operate in is a part of our impact on this world and is of very high importance to me personally,” he says.
The UTulsa advantage
Looking back, Azizi credits UTulsa with shaping his worldview and preparing him for the challenges of global business. His advice to prospective students? “Go for it. You’d struggle to find a university that is more inclusive, people-focused, and academically prestigious.” He strongly encourages students to live on campus, immerse themselves in the community, and take advantage of the university’s unique blend of academic excellence and cultural warmth.
“If my children decide to attend UTulsa one day, I would be proud and rest assured that they are getting the absolute best start to both their social and professional lives.”
With leaders like Azizi carrying the UTulsa legacy onto the global stage, it’s clear that the university’s impact extends far beyond its campus—shaping futures, building connections, and making a difference in communities around the world.