Summer school students from the UAE and Qatar arrived in Edinburgh today (Monday, July 12) for a week-long programme with Edinburgh College of Art.
The 36 students – from eight different colleges and universities in the UAE and Qatar, plus eight chaperones – were in Dundee for the first three weeks of the Al-Maktoum Institute’s Summer School.
This is the seventh such Institute Summer School but the first time the Summer School students have studied in Edinburgh.
Institute Principal, Professor Malory Nye, said: “We are delighted that Edinburgh College of Art has arranged a week of activities as this will round off the visit in a very interesting and enjoyable manner.
“Previous groups have returned home with a very positive and glowing view of Scotland so we hope this group will feel the same way to help strengthen the already strong links between Scotland and Dubai.
“The UAE and Qatar students have greatly enjoyed their time in Dundee and are now looking forward to spending their final week in Edinburgh.”
The main part of the programme in Edinburgh will be attending art workshops with a design emphasis. The students will also visit art galleries to see major international art collections.
A merchandising workshop at the famous Harvey Nichols store and a reception at the University of Edinburgh are included in the itinerary.
The Al-Maktoum Institute Summer School focuses on learning about Scotland and, in particular, its history, culture, and traditions in the contemporary world.
Geraldine Prince, Director of the Centre for Continuing Studies at the College of Art, said: “We have established a good relationship with the Al-Maktoum Institute in recent years.
“We ran an art workshop for Summer School students in Dundee and students have previously visited the College so this is a natural and welcome extension of our links with the Institute.
“It’s exciting for us to have this group of lively young women at the College and we know they will be very creative.”
