The American University of Kuwait is a private liberal arts institution based on the American model of higher education in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Although established in 2003, the University opened to students, faculty and the general public in September 2004. It is sister colleges with Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Dr. Winfred Thompson currently serves the office of the President. The AUK campus is located at the intersection of Salem Al Mubarak Street and Amr Ibn Al 'As Street, a major intersection in the upscale shopping and residential district of Salmiya. It is located near several major malls, including the famous Marina World and Al Fanar Mall, as well as bordered by the Hotel Missoni Kuwait and Olympic Council of Asia Headquarters. Formerly a public high school, the campus was completely rehabilitated, renovated and rebuilt. New buildings and facilities were added in order to bring the university up to standards for its September 2004 opening. In 2006, a five-story building for the Liberal Arts was opened.