HBKU celebrates Emirati Culture Day

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the UAE embassy, celebrated Emirati heritage at an event at the Student Centre in Education City yesterday. Students from across universities in Qatar were invited for a chance to experience the Emirates’ unique history, culture, and contributions to the region. The event, attended by the UAE ambassador Saleh Mohamed bin Nasra, was part of the International Culture Day series of HBKU that takes place from October through March each academic year. Countries invited to showcase their achievements and core values are representative of the diverse student body at HBKU and its partner universities across Education City. Previously this year, HBKU has featured the embassies of Palestine and Iran.The event presented a traditional UAE folk band show from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, after which attendees had a chance to visit booths managed by organisations affiliated with the country that operate in Qatar, including Emirates and Etihad airlines, perfume franchise Hind El Oud, and Dolphin Energy. On display and available for consumption was authentic Emirati cuisine, traditional dresses, arts and crafts, perfumes, and books authored by UAE nationals. Other activities included henna painting and travel booking.  Maryam Hamad al-Mannai, vice president of Student Affairs at HBKU, noted that ‘a celebration of UAE’s culture shows that we have so much in common with our neighbours.’