Abu Dhabi-based AlHosn University recently celebrated UAE’s 41st National Day with a series of events paying homage to national culture and identity that took place at its male and female campuses.

On the first day, historian and archeologist Dr Fatima Al Sayegh delivered a lecture entitled ‘The Union: Challenges and Successes’, a statement from the university said. An Emirati handicrafts exhibition and bazaar was also held at the female campus.

The following day featured the bulk of AlHosn’s festivities, highlighted by a lecture delivered by renowned journalist Howaida Ata at an event sponsored by the university’s reading club on the early days of the UAE and the influence of the country’s founding fathers on its enduring success. Ata also presented an overview of her upcoming book entitled “Passengers of the Empty Quarter – About Mubarak bin London”.

Bin London was the name given to Sir Wilfred Thesiger, a British explorer who traversed the Empty Quarter twice and led the last greatest expedition across Arabia. One of his companions during his epic journey, Sheikh Salem bin Kabina, narrated their adventures to the lecture attendees.

The reading club also hosted a culture-based contest for children focusing on the historical and heritage aspects of the UAE. A dance performance by Emirati students and the cutting of a special National Day cake enlivened the celebrations, the statement said.

“The UAE is a relatively young state and yet it has achieved so much in a span of just four decades. A big part of this nation’s success is due to its commitment to uplifting the unique Emirati spirit in all its endeavors. Our activities pay tribute to the UAE’s unique vision of progress,” said professor Abdul Rahim Sabouni, vice chancellor and CEO of AlHosn University.

AlHosn University was founded in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company in response to growing demand for quality higher education. The university offers 12 undergraduate and 7 graduate programmes under the faculties of arts and social sciences, business, and engineering and applied sciences. – TradeArabia News Service