Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Marks Masdar Institute International Day

Students from Nearly 30 Countries Showcase Distinctive Customs, Traditional Attire, Entertainment and Cuisine

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 15 April, 2015 – Faculty, students and staff from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds celebrated their heritage to mark the fifth annual International Day at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

The Masdar Institute Multi-Use Hall was the scene of cultural milieu as people from 30 countries converged to share their distinctive customs, traditional attire and cuisine. Students set up special stalls featuring their homelands while traditional music and dance performances, including the Emirati Ayala dance, enlivened the day’s festivities. An exclusive UAE stall offered visitors a glimpse into the aspects of traditional Emirati way of life.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Dean of Students, Masdar Institute, said “The fifth International Day offers an ideal opportunity to showcase the cultural and ethnic identity of each individual at the Masdar Institute community. The remarkable enthusiasm displayed by students, in sharing and learning about each other’s cultures, reveals the spirit of collaboration and diversity of Masdar Institute.”

As part of the day-long program, students from countries including Egypt, Jordan, Columbia, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Spain, Armenia, Germany, India, Pakistan, Thailand and the UAE offered special presentations portraying the unique characteristics of their cultures.