Various Nationalities in Traditional Attire Reflect Rich Cultural Diversity at Research-Driven Institution
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 February, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced faculty, students and staff members enthusiastically participated in the second annual International Fair, highlighting the institution’s rich cultural diversity.
Students representing 28 countries were joined by faculty and staff members from their respective countries in what became a confluence of colors representing various nationalities in traditional attire. The event held at the Wind Tower area of the Masdar Institute campus showcased cultural aspects of each country, offering everyone an opportunity to understand and appreciate customs and practices that make each country unique.
Most of the events that were independently lined up by the students of each country included traditional Jordanian dance performance, ‘dabkeh’ – an Arab folk dance native to the Levant countries, and ‘bhangra’ from India. In addition to exclusive stalls showcasing calligraphy from South Korea and colorful bangles (bracelet) from India, an array of multicultural cuisine from nearly every country was also on offer. Contemporary and folk music from most of the countries played throughout the event.
Ameirah Aldahmani, President of Student Government Association (SGA), Masdar Institute, said: “The second annual International Fair was built on the success of the previous year’s event that also witnessed intense participation from across the students, faculty and staff members. This year’s event proved even more inclusive with a marked increase in the number of students representing various countries. Events such as these bind the communities together and the day’s activities offered an opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures, evolution of modern traditions from ancient practices, and region-specific customs.”
Abdulla Alshamsi, Executive Vice-President of SGA, Masdar Institute, said: “This is a platform for showcasing practices that are unique to a country. We organized folkdance and showcased traditional culinary delights. Each group representing the 28 countries signifies the diversity within the campus that makes learning from Masdar Institute a comprehensively rich academic as well as a cultural experience.”
Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change.
