Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Celebrates International Day

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi held at its campus the annual International Day celebrations for the 7th consecutive year, opening its doors to visitors, representatives of diplomatic missions, students, parents and friends, alongside with the university’s faculty and staff.

International Day aims to highlight the diversity of cultures and nationalities fostered at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The event is a great opportunity for visitors and participants to learn about other communities and to showcase the culture of tolerance and acceptance, in addition to sharing knowledge, and exploring practices of the participating nationalities.

HE Salah Attia, Ambassador of Algeria in the United Arab Emirates, said: “I am pleased to participate in the ‘International Day’ organized by Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi which brings together a large number of students from than 70 different nationalities from around the world. This multiculturalism is a real asset to this prestigious university which constitutes an important cultural hub on different levels”.

HE Attia added: “I am very proud of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s students for their great efforts to showcase their cultures and traditions along with their talents in front of their colleagues from other countries. I would also like to thank the university’s administration for organizing this outstanding event”.

Expressing his enthusiasm about International Day activities, Afra Al Zaabi, Law student from the UAE said: “The International Day event that Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi organizes, is fun and educative all at once. Participating in this day gives me the opportunity to get to know the bright side of different civilizations while recognizing the common aspects they share. I appreciate the efforts put into organizing this day and here we are witnessing a remarkable success for the 7th year in a row”.

Saleh Al Muharami, geography student from the UAE underlined the importance of the rich cultural life at the university and he said: “We are so lucky to be students of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi for it is home to a wide range of students of various nationalities. This adds to our cultural understanding and spreads tolerance and enthusiasm to learn from the different cultures’ heritage”.

International Day celebrations kicked off with an expo of the participating countries during which students showcased their cultures and traditions. Students from each country displayed souvenirs and traditional costumes of their respective nations as a symbol of the abounding cultural diversity at the university. The Japanese Cultural Center took part in the activities with a demonstration of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony that was very enjoyable. This was followed by folkloric performances and dances representing the heritage of each community. Also, a fashion show took place in an atmosphere of cultural wealth that symbolized the interaction between the different civilizations. Finally, a buffet was offered to the public including traditional cuisines from around the world where guests were able to savor a wide range of tasty dishes.