A successful pilot of Arabic language evening classes and training seminars for workers in Tayside Health Board on how to deal with the cultural, religious and spiritual requirements of the area’s growing Muslim population were highlighted in the annual report presented by the principal of the Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies to his general council today (Friday Nov 7 2003).
Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi was also able to reveal a growth in student numbers following the educational success of their first batch of students, two of whom gained PhDs with a further 12 gaining an MLitt award, seven with distinction.
In addition, external examiners had given the Institute – now in its third year – a very favourable report for both their teaching and research work. Following her two-month visit to teach a module on “ Women in Islam,” Dr Anne-Sofie Roald commented: “The atmosphere among staff and students was one of harmony and good humour, I always received good treatment from the head of the Institute. I have been given full academic freedom to teach in the manner I want. All in all I had a very pleasant stay both intellectually and personally speaking.”
Students are both Muslim and non-Muslim and come from a diverse range of national and cultural backgrounds.
The central ethos of the Institute, which is wholly funded by the Dubai-based Al-Maktoum Foundation, is the promotion of a multicultural Scotland.
Since opening its doors three years ago the Institute has worked hard to foster good relations with other partners in Dundee and work is still on going to identify a site for the construction of a Cultural Centre.
Early next month a second delegation, headed by Professor El-Awaisi will travel to Dubai for a series of meetings aimed at building on the good relationships established when a similar mission travelled to the Middle East last year.
As part of their “good neighbour” policy the Institute has also sponsored research work at Abertay University, a production of “Twelfth Night” at Dundee Rep Theatre, the Lochee Freestyle Karate Club, the Fun Factory Out of School Club and the provision of dinner for Islamic students during the month of Ramadan.
Professor El-Awaisi reported that over its first three years student numbers had grown from a total of 12 to 34 last year and now 38.
Academic links have been established with several other institutions worldwide including the Ajman University of Science and Technology, the Euro-Arab research network, the University of Gezira in Sudan, the UAE University in Al-Ain, the British University in Dubai, Zayed University in Dubai,culminating in the Institute’s acceptance into membership of the Islamic Universities League.
It is hoped to build on these links in the year ahead.
Concluding his report Professor El-Awaisi said: “ The Institute has so far been very successful in achieving its aims and objectives. Long-term projects, such as community education are in the pipeline and funds have been allocated for future research. All these are in order to ensure that we continue to foster excellence in everything we do, especially in teaching and research.”
