Latest news with #GlobalDay
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
AUS celebrates outstanding achievements of its students
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its students at the Annual Student Appreciation Awards 2025, held in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. During the ceremony, forty-nine awardees were honoured, comprising 21 individual and 28 group awardees recognised for excellence in leadership, athletics, volunteering and residential community engagement. The event was attended by more than 650 AUS students, acknowledged for their contribution to extracurricular activities throughout the year. Participating in extracurricular programmes is an essential part of the American University of Sharjah student experience, with more than 124 student clubs, over 30 sports teams and numerous community service opportunities open to students. A performance during the American University of Sharjah awards ceremony. The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from the student hosts. Guests then viewed a video presentation highlighting major initiatives and events organised by the Office of Student Experience during the academic year. Speeches were delivered by Dr Tod Alan Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and AUS alumnus Mahmoud Gaith, followed by a video highlighting AUS Global Day 2025. Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, congratulated the award recipients: 'At AUS, we believe that true achievement lies not only in personal success but also in the ability to uplift and inspire those around us. 'The students we honoured have demonstrated leadership, creativity, compassion and dedication to their community. Their accomplishments strengthen the spirit of AUS and serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when ambition and purpose come together.' The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards across various categories, including individual achievements, group recognitions, Global Day awards, and Student Council honours. Cultural dance performances by the Jordanian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Palestinian, Pakistani and Syrian cultural clubs brought the celebration to a vibrant close, showcasing how cultural exchange enriches the AUS experience for students representing more than 90 nationalities. Reflecting on her journey, Sanjana Bharwani, a management student and recipient of the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award, shared her experience of growth and leadership development at AUS, taking on roles with the Indian Cultural Club, as a Peer Leader and as a trainer for delegates to the National Model United Nations conference in New York. 'Beyond results, what has mattered most to me is empowering others to see their potential. 'Leadership, to me, is about inspiring and supporting those around you to reach heights they never imagined. AUS has given me a community where mentorship, encouragement and personal development are part of everyday life. 'Being recognised with the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award is a reminder of the incredible community we are all privileged to be a part of,' she said. These extracurricular achievements align seamlessly with the UAE's national priorities for developing future-ready graduates with both academic excellence and practical skills. Through a wide range of student engagement opportunities, AUS continues to foster essential leadership, teamwork, communication and organisational skills among its students — equipping them to thrive in their future careers and to make a meaningful contribution to society. Recently, WAM reported that AUS is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to transform the university's research environment and accelerate the adoption of advanced cloud technologies across the university. Through this collaboration, AWS will provide AUS with technical, infrastructural and strategic support, enabling the university to strengthen its digital foundation and expand cloud fluency across its community.
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
AUS recognises achievements at Student Appreciation Awards
During the ceremony, forty-nine awardees were honored, comprising 21 individual and 28 group awardees recognized for excellence in leadership, athletics, volunteering and residential community engagement. The event was attended by more than 650 AUS students, acknowledged for their contributions to extracurricular activities throughout the year. Participating in extracurricular programs is an essential part of the AUS student experience, with more than 124 student clubs, over 30 sports teams and numerous community service opportunities open to students. The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from the student hosts. Guests then viewed a video presentation highlighting major initiatives and events organized by the Office of Student Experience during the academic year. Speeches were delivered by Dr. Tod Alan Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and AUS alumnus Mahmoud Gaith, followed by a video highlighting AUS Global Day 2025. Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, congratulated the award recipients: "At AUS, we believe that true achievement lies not only in personal success but also in the ability to uplift and inspire those around us. The students we honored have demonstrated leadership, creativity, compassion and dedication to their community. Their accomplishments strengthen the spirit of AUS and serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when ambition and purpose come together." The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards across various categories, including individual achievements, group recognitions, Global Day awards, and Student Council honors. Cultural dance performances by the Jordanian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Palestinian, Pakistani and Syrian cultural clubs brought the celebration to a vibrant close, showcasing how cultural exchange enriches the AUS experience for students representing more than 90 nationalities. Reflecting on her journey, Sanjana Bharwani, a management student and recipient of the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award, shared her experience of growth and leadership development at AUS, taking on roles with the Indian Cultural Club, as a Peer Leader and as a trainer for delegates to the National Model United Nations conference in New York. 'Beyond results, what has mattered most to me is empowering others to see their potential. Leadership, to me, is about inspiring and supporting those around you to reach heights they never imagined. AUS has given me a community where mentorship, encouragement and personal development are part of everyday life. Being recognized with the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award is a reminder of the incredible community we are all privileged to be a part of," she said. These extracurricular achievements align seamlessly with the UAE's national priorities for developing future-ready graduates with both academic excellence and practical skills. Through a wide range of student engagement opportunities, AUS continues to foster essential leadership, teamwork, communication and organizational skills among its students—equipping them to thrive in their future careers and to make meaningful contributions to society. Through a wide range of student engagement opportunities, AUS continues to foster essential leadership, teamwork, communication and organizational skills among its students—equipping them to thrive in their future careers and to make meaningful contributions to society. For more information on the awards, visit
Gulf Today
13-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Ajman University celebrates Global Day 2025
Ajman University organised the Global Day 2025 under the theme "Unity in Diversity," reaffirming its role as a leading non-profit educational institution committed to cultural exchange and inclusivity. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, in the presence of the University Cabinet; Dr. Nahla Al Qassimi, Dean of Student Services, and Dr. Mohamed Helal, Director of the Student Life. The celebration took place in a vibrant and festive atmosphere, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that defines the university, reinforcing interaction and openness among various nationalities and cultures. The event featured competitive contests, including awards for the top five booths and the best five traditional dance performances. Participating communities showcased their creativity, adding excitement and engagement among attendees. Additionally, the event witnessed a strong presence in artistic and cultural performances, with 15 communities including the UAE, India, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Iran, Spain, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, as they presented captivating stage performances that highlighted their unique heritage and traditions. Spain also made its debut participation in this year's event. Furthermore, the Global Day featured a special traditional fashion show with participants from 30 countries, where students displayed their national attire, embodying the diversity of identities and cultures. In this context, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stressed that the university's celebration of Global Day reflects its vision of fostering an inclusive and integrated academic community. He added: "The cultural diversity we witness today highlights the university's distinguished global standing, as it ranks #3 and#6 for international students and faculty members respectively worldwide, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings. This event embodies the university's commitment to creating a vibrant educational environment that enriches students' academic and social experiences while fostering interaction and understanding among diverse cultures." In line with this vision, for the first time, this year's event featured 14 presenters from diverse nationalities, further enhancing its global character. This unique aspect reflected the spirit of diversity and cultural integration that defines Ajman University as a hub for students from different backgrounds. The event was also supported by several sponsors, with various communities, including the UAE, Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, securing sponsorships that contributed to the success of the celebration and enriched the cultural experience for visitors.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
AURAK salutes diversity by showcasing cultures of 35 countries at 12th Global Day
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: Echoing its avowed commitment to molding graduates with an international outlook, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) celebrated the sights, sounds, and cuisines of 35 different countries at the 12th Global Day celebrations on its campus recently. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, said: 'At AURAK, we take great pride in fostering an environment where people from different backgrounds, nations, and experiences can learn from one another, collaborate, and build lifelong connections. Global Day provides the opportunity to learn about different cultures' languages, customs, and histories.' Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost, AURAK, added: 'A university is more than a place for pursuing academic excellence; it is a community for promoting inter-personal relationships. So, Global Day is of major importance because it plants the seeds of harmony, tolerance, and teamwork. In this event, it was heartwarming to see our students exploring and appreciating the cultures of their fellow students and interacting as a happy global family.' One of the highlights of the event was a colorful fashion show featuring students from 19 countries. Each country had male and female participants who warmly engaged with the audience. Among the stage performances, the most memorable were the following: Egypt, which represented its multifaceted diversity and cultural richness; Palestine, featuring a captivating bridal performance; a scintillating solo musical act from Syria; colorful costumes and instrumental performances from Pakistan; a creative collaboration between the UAE and Oman celebrating the bonds between the two countries; a dramatic presentation from Russia and Kazakhstan that included song, dance, gymnastics, and music; an authentic representation of culture from Sudan and South Sudan featuring a bridal dance; and a dazzling performance from India characterized by vibrant movements, colors, and cultural glimpses. The Best Performance award was won by Regional Africa showcasing the unity and individuality of African nations – Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Niger, Comoros, Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, Chad, Uganda, and Nigeria. The second place went to India and Bangladesh. Algeria won the award for Best Booth for its national costume, which vibrantly reflected the country's rich cultural heritage and celebrated each region's distinct styles, colors, and embroidery. UAE and Oman were runners-up in this category. An AURAK student musical band provided a fitting finale to the event by performing music from different countries. Dr. Kevin S. Konecny, Associate Provost for Student Affairs/Assistant Professor of Education, AURAK, said: 'The activities of Global Day 2025 reflected the values of this university. The enthusiasm shown by the students in creating this event has been tremendous. The performances on stage and the demonstrations at the different booths were a true reflection of the international outlook of our students.'
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Gulf Today
Bodour-graced AUS event shows classic cultural mix
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated its 25th annual Global Day, a vibrant showcase of cultures, traditions and performances that brought together thousands of students, faculty and visitors for a spectacular two-day celebration of cultural diversity. Aligning with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, the event, themed "Bridging Cultures: Building Communities," highlighted the transformative power of cultural exchange in nurturing understanding, inclusivity and a deeper sense of belonging — values that lie at the core of both AUS and the UAE's vision for a united, diverse and thriving society. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, inaugurated the event, reinforcing the university's role as a hub for cultural engagement and global collaboration. With 36 cultural clubs participating — nearly 25 per cent more than last year — this year's event expanded its offerings with immersive pavilions, dynamic performances and interactive activities, providing a rich exploration of the 90 nationalities represented at AUS. Held across multiple venues, including the Main Auditorium and Plaza, the event transformed the campus into a global stage. Attendees embarked on a journey through world traditions, with student-led pavilions offering experiences in history, art and cuisine. Rich heritage The Emirati Cultural Club invited visitors to experience the UAE's rich heritage through its theme 'Between The Desert and The Sea,' a tribute to the country's deep cultural roots, from the vast dunes of Liwa to the pearl-diving traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors engaged in hands-on activities such as painting shells, making pearl necklaces and playing traditional board games, offering an interactive glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the UAE's history. 'The opportunity to educate those around us about our heritage is an honour,' said Omar Alali, Executive Assistant of the Emirati Cultural Club. 'Through our pavilion, we aimed to showcase the rich traditions and values of the UAE and build a more inclusive society here at AUS.' India pavilion draws crowds The Indian Cultural Club, known for its elaborate showcases, captivated audiences with a pavilion inspired by Emperor Shah Jahan's legendary Peacock Throne. Carefully handcrafted with intricate gemwork and lace, the pavilion reflected India's artistic and architectural heritage. The club also presented Navarasa, a stunning dance performance inspired by the nine primary human emotions in classical Indian storytelling, blending tradition with contemporary choreography to create an electrifying stage presence. 'The most special part of Global Day was the way our entire committee came together— placing every gem on the throne, perfecting every dance move, and ensuring every visitor had an unforgettable experience,' said Sanjana Monish Bharwani, Vice President of the Indian Cultural Club. 'From the first day of planning to the final performance, the hard work is always worth it when we see the smiles, hear the cheers and feel the energy of the crowd.' International face As one of the university's most anticipated annual events, Global Day reflects AUS' international character, which was seen it named among the UAE's top five universities for its ratio of international students (QS World University Rankings 2025), and third in the Arab region for its international student ratio (QS Arab Region University Rankings 2024). Reflecting on the success of this year's event, Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, said: 'Global Day embodies the spirit of AUS — a place where cultures come together to celebrate, learn and build lasting connections. This year, the event demonstrated our community's shared commitment to unity through cultural exchange. Seeing students embrace their heritage while sharing it with others is a powerful reminder of how AUS continues to bridge cultures and build an inclusive community where every student feels welcomed and valued.' As the 25th Global Day concluded, it reaffirmed the power of cultural traditions in bridging communities and reinforcing the UAE's role as a global crossroads. Through shared experiences and dialogue, the event keeps diversity and understanding at the heart of AUS and the UAE's multicultural society. Last year, Sheikha Bodour inaugurated the event, marking the start of the festivities held under the theme 'Peace Around the World.' In attendance was Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS and other high-level university officials.
