The nation-wide National Geographic Al Arabiya UAE Universities & Higher Colleges of Technology Tour arrived at the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain yesterday, where the tour will partner with a student photography exhibition created by talented young photographers from the school’s Geography and Urban Planning Department.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, The National Geographic Al Arabiya UAE Universities & Higher Colleges of Technology Tour is traveling across the country throughout 2011, visiting over 26 universities and institutes around the Emirates.

At each stop National Geographic Al Arabiya displays a unique photo exhibition of its award winning photography, in addition to hosting a series of educational lectures and Q&A seminars for students with National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine Editor, Mohamed Al Hammadi. The tour aims to introduce students to the amazing world of science and the natural wonders that are documented in National Geographic Al Arabiya, while motivating them to be more aware of their environment.

United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain is the 12th establishment to host the tour this year, and to complement the touring National Geographic Al Arabiya exhibition, the school will also showcase entries from their own Geography and Urban Planning Department Photographic Gallery and Competition. These entries include images across three categories: Careers in Geography, Human Geography and Unique Landscapes and Places.

H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, opened the two exhibits on Tuesday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Old Maqam Campus.

At the opening, Mohamed Al Hammadi, Editor in Chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine, commented on the partnership, “It is with great pleasure that we arrive here at UAEU in Al Ain today, where the National Geographic Al Arabiya UAE Universities & Higher Colleges of Technology Tour will join with an exhibition of entries from the school’s Geography and Urban Planning Department photo competition.”

“National Geographic Al Arabiya is committed to educating the UAE and the wider region on the importance of environmental awareness and just like the National Geographic Al Arabiya tour, this student photo exhibition aims to encourage people to think about the world around them and explore their natural environment and the amazing geographic elements it has to offer.”

Both exhibitions will be opened up to viewers from other schools around the region between the 3rd-9th May. Leading Arabic photography groups will also attend during the exhibition period to deliver seminars on photography for both students and visitors.

“UAEU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is very proud to be associated with this Tour, and we are very proud of our photography exhibition,” said Dr. Dennis Leavens, Interim Dean, UAEU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This joint activity between the internationally recognized National Geographic Al Arabiya and local educators, students and community members represents the finest kind of community outreach and educational cooperation.”

Dr. Khaula Alkaabi, an assistant professor in UAEU’s Geography and Urban Planning Department said, “We are honored to host and join the National Geographic Al Arabiya UAE Universities & Higher Colleges of Technology Tour this year.

“Through this exhibition, our students will have opportunities to learn more about geography and its potential, as well as what geographers are capable of. Our geography faculties and students greatly appreciate the National Geographic Al Arabiya exhibit and would like them to continue their collaboration with Geography Department at the UAEU in the future,” Dr. Alkaabi said.

The National Geographic Al Arabiya UAE Universities & Higher Colleges of Technology Tour will travel across the UAE until the end of 2011, visiting a selection of Universities and Institutes in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain.

The next stop on the tour is the HCT Men’s College in Al Ain. To find out more about when the tour will be visiting an institution near you visit www.ngalarabiya.com.
 

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