AUS students celebrate Khalifa’s safe return

The Student Council of the Office of Student Affairs at American University of Sharjah (AUS) held at the AUS Student Center today a special ceremony in celebration of the safe return of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the country. The ceremony was opened by AUS Chancellor Dr. Peter Heath and was also attend by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director General of the Office of the AUS President; Dr. Moza Al Shehhi Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Salem Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; Dr. Nada Mourtada Sabbah, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs; Yousef Al- Gaberi, President of the Student Council, Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organizations; deans and other senior university officials. The celebration held in association with the Emirati Culture Club, also welcomed faculty, students, and elderly visiting from elderly institutions in the country.

The celebration started with a traditional Emirati dance performed by a traditional art band and was followed by poem dedicated to H.H Sheikh Khalifa. The Student Council members presented a large poster that expressed the happiness of AUS community for the safe return of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The gift, which was decorated with celebratory phrases, was on behalf of AUS faculty and students.

AUS Chancellor Heath said in a statement on the occasion that such events were very important to host as they gave students a chance to take an initiative and plan. "They also reflect national importance by expressing Emirati culture," he added.

The Student Center was transformed into a portrayal of Emirati culture, with flags, decorations and traditional Emirati food. Emirati music filled the Student Center, adding to the festive mood and the Emirati identity of the event. "Not only is this a way to show other people around them, especially in a multi-cultural environment, our culture as Emirati people. This is a good opportunity to educate and show others our culture and tradition," said Dr. Al-Shehhi.

Mr. Al Qaseer congratulated the UAE nationals and residence on the safe return of Sheikh Khalifa, praising his keen interest in supporting higher education in particular and development of the country in general.

The celebrations were concluded with the signing ceremony of a letter of love for Sheikh Khalifa by the AUS senior officials and student representatives. The letter will be handed over to His Highness the UAE president later on.