Twenty-five female students from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar met Lord Provost John Letford at Dundee City Council’s Chambers today (Tuesday, January 29, 2008) at the start of a three-week visit.
The visitors are on a study trip organised by Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, the fifth year in a row such an academic training programme has been run by the Dundee-based Institute.
The third and fourth-year students from Zayed, Abu Dhabi and Qatar Universities are being trained for future potential leadership in the Emirates, where women are more involved in Government, the law and politics than ever before.
Their visit forms a key part of their degree course studies and the various activities arranged by the Institute including a visit to the Scottish Parliament have been tailored to advance their overall learning and understanding of Scotland, and the challenges of global dialogue and exchange.
“The party of 25 brings the total number of female students from the Emirates who have come to Dundee on such visits over the past five years to 175,” said Professor Malory Nye, Acting Principal of Al-Maktoum Institute. “There is a recognised, increasing role for Emirati women in today’s UAE where there are already two female Government ministers and the first female judges have been appointed. This year’s academic training programme builds on the excellent work we’ve been undertaking at Al-Maktoum Institute over the past five years with young women regarded as potential leaders in their society.
“This year we are very pleased to confirm that these students are coming to Al-Maktoum Institute as part of their degree programme.
“We are working to educate the next generation of scholars – both nationally and internationally – in the study of Islam and Muslims and multiculturalism to enable them to face the challenges and opportunities of today.
“We are delighted that Lord Provost Letford is able to welcome them to a city that has given great support to the Institute and its work while strengthening its own links with the UAE.”
Lord Provost Letford said: “I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome to the students on behalf of the people of Dundee. They are here not only to study but also to learn more about our local culture and to enjoy what Dundee and, indeed, Scotland has to offer in the way of history and contemporary life. It is a clear sign of the strong links between Dundee and Dubai and also between Scotland and the UAE. I’m sure Al-Maktoum Institute’s itinerary will make their time here memorable and what they learn will help them in their future careers.”
Other trips for the students include Stirling Castle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, as well as classes and debates with local students.
