Glasgow Saudi Student Club has organised an exhibition to showcase the culture of their country and challenge stereotypical views of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The event, which is being held in the Hunter Halls at the University of Glasgow, was opened by Professor Frank Coton, Vice-Principal of Learning and Teaching, with speeches by Saudi dignitaries Prof Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Mosa, Deputy Minister of Scholarship Affairs, and Prof Ghazy bin Abdulwahid Al Makky, Saudi Cultural Attaché in Britain and Ireland.Saudi students Abdullah Al Owaifeer, of Stirling University, and Saif Al Ghamdi, of Glasgow Caledonian University attend an exhibition organised by the Glasgow Saudi Student Club at the University of Glasgow's Hunter Halls.

Lead organiser of the event and President of Glasgow Saudi Student Club Abdullah Baqadir, a PhD student in Educational Studies at Glasgow, said: “This is the first time in Glasgow that Saudi students would like to do something to change people’s stereotypes about their country since there are a lot of misunderstandings about the culture of Saudi Arabia.

“People who come to the event will learn the history, cultures, life and economic development of Saudi Arabia as well as gain a deeper understanding of the lives of women and children, the leisure activities of Saudis, and greater knowledge of Islam.

“We really appreciate the support and sponsorship from the International Office of the University of Glasgow and from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Cultural Bureau London which made this event possible.”Prof Frank Coton meets Prof Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Mosa, Deputy Minister of Scholarship Affairs and rof Ghazy bin Abdulwahid Al Makky, Saudi Cultural Attaché in Britain and Ireland.

The event is free and open to everyone from 8-9 June and will also feature refreshments of Arabian coffee and dates.

The Saudi delegation, which includes Dr Aiman M Momenah, Deputy Saudi Cultural Attaché in Britain and Ireland, and Dr Musaed Alfayez, Chairman of the Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, also took a tour of facilities within the Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences.

Mr Baqadir established the Saudi Student Club last year with a group of Saudi students registered at the University of Glasgow. The Club is now affiliated with the Student Representative Council and also provides services to Saudi students studying in other universities in Glasgow cities.

Mr Baqadir added: “Our club really has made great efforts to make this event happen at a really high standard. It is our hope to build a good image and to set a good example to all other Saudi student clubs all over UK.” 

For more information contact Stuart Forsyth in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 4831 or email s.forsyth@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 8 June 2010

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