The UAE News Report: Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities hosted a Russian student delegation from the Islamic University in Kazan, as part of initiatives to strengthen cultural and academic ties between the two universities.

The university set up a student camp to facilitate the visit and enable both higher education institutions to fulfill the terms set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two parties. Among the camp’s activities include an exchange of scientific projects as well as participation in joint research activities.

The camp seeks to open horizons of international cooperation and strengthen ties between the university and various leading universities and educational institutions in the world in order to fulfill its academic and scientific goals.

The delegation, which included 20 students, learned about the history and specializations of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. The visiting students were introduced to the values and principles of the university, in particular the adoption and dissemination of tolerance and peace, as a model to be emulated in creating a bond between different cultures and peoples.

Moreover, the delegation was also briefed on the university’s various academic programs, including the bachelor’s degree on Tolerance and Coexistence, which is the first of its kind in the world, in addition to graduate programs in tolerance and interfaith studies.

Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, said that the camp aims to strengthen cultural and academic relations between the two universities. “As well, we hope to make their visit a more meaningful and insightful experience by sharing the success story of the UAE, and its commitment, along with the university, to promote tolerance and peace, as well as to achieve coexistence and fraternity. Along with this, we hope to share with them our treasured values and principles, such as respect for humanity, building bridges of communication and understanding, as well as fostering a dialogue between different peoples and cultures.”

The camp enabled students from the two universities to meet, and to continue the academic and cultural partnership between both sides to achieve maximum benefit from the exchange of experiences. Moreover, the camp provided opportunities for students from both universities to gain a deeper understanding of tolerance and the promotion of religious values and love; as well as to emphasize the unity of goal and purpose, which is what the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities has been advocating for.

To further enhance their experience, the visiting delegation was given a tour of Abu Dhabi to learn about its cultural and historical landmarks. They visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Center, the Louvre Museum – Abu Dhabi, the Abrahamic Family House, the National Palace, and the Founder’s Monument. Introductory tours were also conducted for the delegation to the city of Al Ain, including the most important heritage and tourist sites. Among other landmarks they visited were museums, castles and oases.

In addition, a tour to Dubai and Sharjah was also organized that provided the students a chance to learn about the history and identity of the Emirates extending over hundreds of years, the ancient Emirati heritage, the form and style of ancient life in the Emirates, and the urban and cultural development that the country has witnessed at various levels.

The Russian Islamic University in Kazan is the first official Islamic university in Russia, founded in 1998, and has broad interests in Islamic and human sciences. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com