Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
The Student Affairs Department of Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) organised the fifth edition of its Cultural Day, which is held annually in the Holy Month of Ramadan to celebrate cultural, social, and linguistic diversity and richness, one of its distinguishing features.
The event, in which students from diverse nationalities took part, featured activities and performances that highlighted the cultural heritage of the participants’ home nations, their traditions and folk heritage as well as cuisine, costumes, history, languages, and dialects.
The events featured poetry readings, folk rhythm competitions, the Prophet’s Praise Band (Al Midih Al Nadawi), Qatari crafts, shipbuilding, and a variety of cultural acts in a festive and colourful setting.
Iman Al-Sulaiti, executive director of the Administrative and Finance Division at the DI, stated on this occasion that this event is the best illustration of the diversity and wealth of cultures that set the DI’s atmosphere apart from others.
Students, professors, and staff from all around the world participate in the event making it a chance to learn about various cultures, their past, languages, costumes, and traditions.
Al-Sulaiti noted that the idea for the behind the annual cultural day is that the event can serve as a vital link for intercultural dialogue and understanding.
It provides a great opportunity for harmony and synergy as students present their countries and educate us on aspects of their respective cultures.
Its goals include enriching values of diversity and interacting closely with the cultures, customs, and traditions of other nations through leisure activities in a fun and positive atmosphere.
Nasima Abdeen, director of Student Affairs Department, pointed out that this event is the best illustration of the richness and variety in cultures that marks and differentiates the DI’s environment.
Abdeen said that Ramadan has a special spirit in Qatar, where there is an atmosphere of love, friendship, tolerance and affinity among different sections.
She also added that the DI hosts more than 40 Arab and foreign nationalities, and it is important to activate community activities within the campus, to increase and enrich cultural values and knowledge.