Emirati student awarded prize at cultural competition organised by TCA Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 1 July 2012 - Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi student, Mr. Majed Khamis Alkhemeiri, won third place in the research category in a cultural competition organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. The competition centred on the 'Water: H2O=Life' exhibition which took place from 19 September 2011 to 5 January 2012. At the award ceremony, Dr. Brigitte Dumortier, Head of the Department of Geography and Planning, received the award on behalf of Mr. Alkhemeiri who was attending university examinations at the time of the event. 

The 'Water: H2O=Life' exhibition enlightened students about the many cultural manifestations of water, its substantial role in art and civilisation in the region and its unique aspect of enriching the UAE's cultural heritage. The main objectives of the competition were to raise awareness of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's ardent efforts in securing water resources for the UAE. The competition also promoted research into the falaj water distribution system together with its economic and social significance and emphasises the influence of the Arabian Gulf as a major commercial hub, a fish reservoir as well as being   favoured by pearl divers. The competition comprised of three categories - research, reportage (high school and university students) and drawing/colouring (elementary students) and the jury included education experts from TCA Abu Dhabi's Intangible Heritage Department and specialists from the Strategic Planning Department and the Arts & Culture Department. The 20 winners of the competition were all awarded trophies and prize money.

It was the first research project for Mr. Alkhemeiri who was compelled by the theme of the competition and devoted his two week university break to the research. Currently working on his Bachelor's degree in Geography and Planning alongside a Master's of International Law, Diplomacy and International Relations, Mr. Alkhemeiri analysed reference material and wrote a 10 page essay that included the historic role of Sheikh Zayed in promoting the falaj system, analysis of renewable and non-renewable resources, future challenges of sustainable management as well as the role of the government in promoting prudent consumption of this finite resource.

Prof. Dr. Jean Yves de Cara, Executive Director of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said, "Mr. Alkhemeiri's research project exemplifies the calibre of distinguished students enrolled at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. He is a motivated and enthusiastic student with many talents and I'm delighted his intense efforts have paid off. Initiatives like this competition are critical in encouraging and nurturing the youth about the importance of conservation and utilisation of our natural resources and for this, we are highly grateful to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority."

Mr. Alkhemeiri said, "It's an incredible honour I was excited to participate in this competition because it addresses our nation's history, in particular the role of our late ruler and Father of the Nation. On a personal level, my research enhanced my appreciation of the tremendous value of our vital water resources. I'm grateful to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority for organising this exhibition and competition and I hope this motivates our citizens and residents to accelerate their efforts in reducing wasteful water consumption. I'm delighted with this win and it certainly has encouraged me to seek new research project possibilities that will benefit my courses at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi."

Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi is a UAE University offering exceptional French education aligned to the country's federal objectives of creating a knowledge-based society. Programmes offered in Abu Dhabi are the same as those offered in Paris with the added value of a customised curriculum corresponding to the emerging needs of the region. The university's presence in the region presents students in the UAE with the option of pursuing higher education without having to travel or relocate. Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi offers courses that are on par to those delivered in Paris with the added advantage of programmes primarily catering to the country's expected market demands.

About Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi   www.sorbonne.ae
Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a prestigious higher education institution that offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Social Science and Art, Law and Economics, and Business Management disciplines. Located on Al-Reem Island, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi offers a world-class diploma, Sorbonne education in Abu Dhabi, with degrees granted by Paris that are globally recognized. The courses are exclusively delivered by lecturers from Paris following the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Established in May 2006, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Paris-Sorbonne University, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi combines the legacy and experience of two significant and legendary French universities - Paris-Sorbonne University, dedicated to arts and humanities, and Paris-Descartes University, specialized in Law, Political Science and Economics.

At present, more than 650 students from over 60 countries are enrolled at Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi for the new academic year 2011-2012.

For further Information, please contact:
Maysoon Barber, Public Relations
Tel: (+971) 2 656 9555/ Dir 9562 
GSM: (+971)50 699 9825
Maysoon.Barber@PSUAD.AC.AE
www.sorbonne.ae

© Press Release 2012