Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Qatar​, celebrated Saudi culture and heritage on April 18th at a Saudi Culture Day, which took place in the HBKU Student Center. 

The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Aifan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar, and in the presence of Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, President of HBKU; Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, Vice President of Student Affairs; as well as members of the HBKU community. A series of events and festivities that showcase Saudi Arabian art and culture remain open to the public until 20th April.

The Saudi Culture Day highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and HBKU, and demonstrates the University’s continued support extended to Saudi students studying at HBKU and its partner universities across Education City. As a part of the festivities, Education City students were invited to experience Saudi Arabia’s unique history, heritage, and contributions to the region. 

Celebrations marking the Culture Day on April 18th kicked off with a traditional Saudi folk performance, after which attendees were given the opportunity to tour a traditional Saudi tent and view a collection of modern art pieces painted by various Saudi artists. Other items on display included handcrafted abstract art pieces and books authored by Saudi writers revealing unique aspects of the country’s cultural and social development. Visitors also got a taste of authentic, homemade Saudi cuisine. 

H.E. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Aifan, Ambassador of KSA to Qatar, said: “It was a pleasure to participate in the Saudi Culture Day at HBKU, and I was delighted to see the lively presentation put together by the organizers.  I wish the community an enriching experience in the coming days’ cultural events and look forward to continued cooperation between the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and HBKU.”

President of HBKU, Dr. Ahmad Hasnah noted: “We are pleased to host Saudi Culture Day at HBKU, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Qatar, with a common goal of building strong ties between the two communities. The event has given our students, faculty, staff and the wider community, an opportunity to share the cultural bonds we have in common with our neighbors, and HBKU is delighted to serve as a hub for cultural diversity and dialogue in the community.”  ​

Saudi Culture Day was the latest in a series of events to have taken place at HBKU during the current academic year. Most recently, the university has celebrated the cultural heritage of UAE, India, Japan, Korea, and Yemen.