10th annual Cultural Village launched

Qatar University (QU) students from 18 nationalities came together to celebrate the organization’s diversity of backgrounds and traditions in the 10^th annual Cultural Village. The theme of this year’s event is “Our Village Lanes”.

Organized by QU’s Student Activities Department, the 5-day event (February 19-23) is an annual festival showcasing cultural and folkloric displays, theater and dance performances, traditional costumes shows, exhibitions, art, poetry, food, singing and music. It aims to bring students together to celebrate and share their culture, heritage and traditions. It is also an opportunity for students to unlock their potential and demonstrate their teamwork, volunteerism and interpersonal relations skills. The festival was opened yesterday by QU Director of Student Services & Activities Mr Abdulla Al-Yafei in the presence of Iraqi Interim Chargé d’Affaires to Qatar Mr Salah Mahdi Hussein, as well as QU leaders, staff, faculty, students and members of the wider community.

The 5-day event which will be held in the Activities Buildings on the male and female campus, will feature 6 booths on the male campus and 18 booths on the female campus representing Qatar, Bangladesh, Chechnya, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Commenting on the event, Mr Abdulla Al-Yafei said: “The Cultural Village reflects QU mission to highlight the cultural diversity within its community. It also demonstrates the students’ efforts to organize and participate in such significant event that aims to familiarize QU members with various traditions and customs.”

Student Activities Department Section Head of Events and Campus Activities Ms Salwa Darwish Zainel said: “Over the years, QU Cultural Village has attracted members within and outside QU community to learn about different cultures. What makes this annual event so special is the fact that it is a students’ creation that reveals their imagination and communication skills.” QU College of Engineering student and participant in the Qatari booth Abdullah Saeed Al Harandi said: “The Qatari booth showcases the heritage of our ancestors. Visitors will be familiarized with the fishing and diving tools that have been used many years ago.”

QU College of Engineering student and participant in the Palestinian booth Abdulrahman Kasem said: “The booth design demonstrates the aesthetic dimension of the Islamic architecture. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch Al-Aqsa Mosque through a virtual reality headset.” QU College of Business and Economics student and participant in the Egyptian booth Osama Tareq said: “Our booth highlights the different eras of the Egyptian History through showcasing the remarkable landmarks of each period such as The Karnak Temple Complex, Salah Al Deen Al Ayoubi Mosque, and the Pharaonic inscriptions and drawings.”