A kaleidoscope of culture and ethnicity at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology was on full display as students representing 29 countries presented the distinct elements of each of their diverse cultures on Masdar Institute’s International Day 2016.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Hefeiti, Acting Dean of Students and Dean of Library, Masdar Institute, said: “This is the day we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our university. The lively ambience of this year’s International Day reflects passion and energy of our students. I believe much of Masdar Institute’s success can be attributed to our diverse student body and faculty, as innovation is driven by the synergy of different ideas, experiences and strengths.”

Led by the Abu Dhabi Police band, a flag marching ceremony marked the beginning of the day’s events. The festivities wrapped up with a prize award ceremony hosted in the Masdar Institute Multi-Use Hall for the top three most creative cultural stands and the two best costumes.

The UAE, South Korea and India were adjudged as the ‘Best Creative’ stands. Lamis Abou Ashour from Jordan and Alabi Bojesomo from Nigeria won the ‘Best Costume-National’ female and male categories respectively.

The sixth International Day event was organized by the Student Affairs Office in partnership with the Masdar Institute Student Government Association and the student body.

Traditional music flowed throughout the duration of the event while dance troupes representing various countries -- including Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, India, Kazakhstan, Columbia, Palestine, Nigeria, UAE, Nepal, and Malaysia -- performed around the colorfully decorated stalls designed to represent students’ homelands.

With students and faculty representing more than 40 countries, the Masdar Institute campus community remains one of the most vibrant culturally.

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