A group of 4 female ADU students traveled to Scotland in order to take part in an academic training program, which is organized by the Al Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, focusing on multiculturalism in Scotland. This group is the 4th to represent ADU at this international training program which hosts students from all around the world. The focus is on contemporary global issues of multiculturalism and tolerance, in addition to building effective bridges of cultural and educational communication between the Arab and Western civilizations.
H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi University Chairman of the Executive Board, praised the sponsorship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and the Patron of the Al Maktoum Foundation, for this unique initiative. Not only does it give ADU students the opportunity to participate in this unique experience, but it also allows these students to widen their horizons in terms of an awareness and understanding of international cultures, specifically the norms and traditions of the Scottish society.
Bin Harmal added that the university took all the necessary measures to ensure that the students were chosen according to highest standards in order to be successful university ambassadors. They are to reflect the university’s image and norms in terms of being a national university that takes into consideration the highest quality and standards of education, scientific research, and service to society.
Mrs. Sally Mabrouk Student Engagement & Development Manager, the university’s student chaperone, noted that this group of students, which includes Zainab Al Refaei, Shereena Al Shamsi, Alyaa Al Qubasi and Nada Al Harbi, presented several topic discussions regarding Bethlehem Multi-Cultural Experience as a melting pot of various religions, traditions and cultures. Their presentations also include topics such as the work environment in the UAE as a model for cultural and educational communication, the Emirati woman and her active role in the country’s development process, and Abu Dhabi University as an educational environment with a unique and diverse student body.
Mrs. Sally added that the students have so far benefited tremendously from this training program where they have been taken on scientific trips and participated in cultural debates with famous community figures on several topics such as globalization, cultural identity, cultural communication, tolerance, and the vital issues of Islamic teachings.
Zianab Al Rafia described her experience as a unique and extraordinary one. She added that she’s very thankful to the University for allowing her to experience such an opportunity, which made her aware of the Scotticsh culture, and the norms and traditions of the Scottish society. She enjoyed meeting several delegates and benefiting from their experiences.
Sherina Al Shamsi also noted that she commends the University’s hard work in that it ensured that the students participate in such opportunities that open wide horizons of networking, while enabling the students to know more about international culturals. Such programs also develop the students’ teamwork, presentational and open discussion skills.
About Abu Dhabi University:
Abu Dhabi University was chartered as a private institution of higher learning in the year 2000 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and President of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Trustees. The University is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with all its degree programs accredited. The University of Abu Dhabi currently serves over 3800 students at its two campuses in Abu Dhabi & Al Ain.
ADU Colleges are open to students from all nationalities and are based on the American model of higher Education. ADU comprises of the following Colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business Administration and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. ADU has also most recently established the College of Research and Graduate Studies, which is committed to applied strategic research to contribute to the UAE’s economic knowledge and its society, as well as evolving into a national and regional leader in graduate education. The College integrates discovery, teaching and learning with interdisciplinary focus and public service.
