Twenty-five female students from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will visit the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh today (Thursday, Feb 7) as part of their three-week Academic Training Programme.
The group will attend First Minister’s Questions and meet a group of MSPs after visiting the Scottish Government at Victoria Quay for a talk on the Parliament and Democracy in Scotland.
Organised by Dundee’s Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, this is the fifth year in a row such an Academic Training Programme has been run by the Institute.
The third and fourth-year students from Zayed, Abu Dhabi and Qatar Universities, being trained for future potential leadership in the Emirates where women are more involved in Government, the law and politics than ever before, will meet David Whitton, MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden and Marilyn Glen MSP and Hugh O’Donnell MSP, both Equal Opportunities Committee members.
This visit to the capital forms a key part of their degree course studies and the various activities arranged by the Institute have been tailored to advance their overall learning and understanding of Scotland, and the challenges of global dialogue and exchange.
The visit to Edinburgh is being organised in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, who validate the Al-Maktoum Institute’s programmes.
“This is an excellent opportunity for these students to learn more about our government and Parliament, about devolution and our innovative and unique ‘One Scotland Many Cultures’ policy, given these students’ potential leadership qualities and the significance of multiculturalism in the UAE,” said Professor Malory Nye, Acting Principal of Al-Maktoum Institute.
“The students will also have the chance to meet MSPs at the heart of government in Scotland, and to see one of the world’s newest and most exciting Parliaments.
“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.
“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.
“The Institute is 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.”
The students’ visit to Edinburgh will also include a visit to Edinburgh College of Art, where they will be hosted by the Centre for Continuing Studies, and meet with students at the college.
