AQU organises "Memories of Construction and Development"

The Majlis hosted His Excellency Bilal Al Badour, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association and President of the Arabic Language Association, along with a number of academic and cultural figures and university students.

Supporting foreign scholarships

Al Badour highlighted the role of the wise leadership in supporting and encouraging foreign scholarships, which have contributed to the formation of an educated generation that has contributed to the UAE's scientific renaissance.

Renaissance before and after the Union

Al Badour highlighted the cultural and social renaissance in the UAE before and after the formation of the Union, praising the pioneering role of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting the cultural and intellectual scene and establishing Al Qasimia University as an academic edifice that reflects the spirit of coexistence and cultural openness.

Al Badour also addressed the development of education, starting with the Kuttab (elementary schools) and Quran memorisation, and ending with Kuwait's support for modern education in the 1950s, and the introduction of philosophy, logic, and English.

Cultural diversity is Key

Al Badour reviewed the cultural transformations seen in the UAE, beginning with the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and literary and sports clubs, which produced an elite group of journalists and writers, and ending with specialised associations such as the Writers', Engineers', and Lawyers' Associations, which contributed to building a strong cultural base.   He also discussed the concept of cultural diversity in Emirati society, which includes more than 210 nationalities, considering this diversity an opportunity to promote cultural dialogue and spread a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Al Badour cited the experience of the Ship for World Youth Programme (SWY) to Japan as an example of the importance of cultural interaction.

Al Qasimia University role

Al Badour praised the role of Al Qasimia University in preparing students to be ambassadors of tolerance and moderation, commending the courses related to globalisation, the culture of coexistence, and Emirati society that the university teaches to its students to enhance their awareness and develop their societal consciousness.

At the conclusion of the Majlis, His Excellency Professor Awad Al Khalaf, University Chancellor, honoured His Excellency Bilal Al Badour in recognition of his cultural contributions and outstanding contributions to the UAE's cultural scene.