Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Qatar, celebrated Saudi culture and heritage on 18 April at a Saudi Culture Day, which took place in the HBKU Student Centre.
The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Aifan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar, and in the presence of Dr Ahmad Hasnah, President of HBKU, Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, Vice President of Student Affairs, as well as members of the HBKU community.
The Saudi Culture Day highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and HBKU, and demonstrates the University’s continued support extended to Saudi students studying at HBKU and its partner universities across Education City. As part of the festivities, Education City students were invited to experience Saudi Arabia’s unique history, heritage, and contributions to the region.
Celebrations marking the Culture Day kicked off with a traditional Saudi folk performance, followed by a tour around a traditional Saudi tent where guests got the chance to view a collection of modern art pieces painted by various artists from Saudi Arabia. Other items on display included handcrafted abstract art pieces and books authored by Saudi writers, which revealed other unique aspects of the country’s cultural and social development. Visitors also got a taste of authentic, homemade Saudi cuisine. HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Aifan, Ambassador of KSA to Qatar said he was delighted to see the lively presentation put together by the organisers.
HBKU President Dr Ahmad Hasnah, during the event, said that the gathering has given students, faculty, staff and the wider community an opportunity to share the cultural bonds that Qatar have in common with neighbours. He added that HBKU is delighted to serve as a hub for cultural diversity and dialogue in the community.
Saudi Culture Day was the latest in a series of events at HBKU during the current academic year. Most recently, the university has celebrated the cultural heritage of UAE, India, Japan, Korea, and Yemen.
To find out more about HBKU and its various community initiatives and public events, visit hbku.edu.qa.