Dubai, April 8, 2007- The evening of April 4, 2007 was a night to remember for all those who gathered to celebrate the rich cultural fabric of the AUD community on the occasion of tenth anniversary of the International Night event. This year's mesmerizing folkloric dance and music and fashion performances were carried out by 19 different cultural and special interest clubs. Each club attempted its best to bring out a portrayal of its country's own customs whether in terms of the booth it had installed, the shows it performed on-stage, or the traditional cuisine it served. Dr Lance de Masi, President, Mr Elias Bou Saab, Vice President and Dr Jihad Nader, Provost, joined a huge crowd of students, faculty and staff gathered to enjoy the myriad of events that celebrated the cultural diversity of AUD.

AUD's campus was transformed into a miniature globe with cultural depictions lingering in every section. This Inter- AUD Cultural Competition, organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) at AUD, featured activities highlighting diversified traditional themes such as the Emarati wedding, the Lebanese Dabkeh, the Egyptian "Saidi" dance and the Indian "Bollywood" dance.

Mrs. Marrakech Abruckle, the Coordinator of Student Activities at AUD, commented on the success of the event stating, "One of the wonderful aspects of AUD is its rich cultural diversity. International Night is a display of that diversity in action, the clubs work together to create a brilliant evening of entertainment for AUD and the community at large. This event truly symbolizes the dialogue between cultures that we promote at AUD."

This year's jury members consisted of the following AUD faculty and administrative personnel: Dr Khaled Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering, Nycole Prowse, Assistant Professor of English, Lana Chaar, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Ghada Makarem, Registrar, and Raymond Prucher, Assistant Professor of Visual Communication

The awards were presented at the end of the event to the clubs with the best cultural booth, and best performance. The Persian Club was granted the trophy for the best cultural booth award, whereas the Palestinian Club bagged the best performance award.

The event was sponsored by Panasonic and Al Habtoor Motors.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Ms Rim Ibrahim,
Administrative Assistant of External Affairs,
Tel (04 3183139),
Fax (04 3998899)
ribrahim@aud.edu

© Press Release 2007