By Fatima Hassan
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — More than 700 students gathered in the Main Building at the American University of Sharjah on Oct. 8 for the Iraqi National Day celebration.
The Iraqi Cultural Club at AUS organized the event, spending four weeks preparing performances, food and cultural displays, according to club President Aws Al Takriti.
Among the guests were Their Excellencies Abdulla Matar Al Mazrouei, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Iraq, and Mudhafar Mustafa Al Jubouri, the Iraqi ambassador to the UAE.
“Having both ambassadors attend reflected the strong relationship between the two nations and the mutual respect shared by their people,” Al Takriti said.
Five booths representing Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, [the region of] Kurdistan and Najaf were set up across the hall. “The booths were designed to teach visitors about the unique traits of each city,” said club Treasurer Yasir Smaisem.
Booths offered traditional dishes such as qeema najafiya, a spiced meat stew over rice, and dolma, vegetables stuffed with rice and herbs, with more food and refreshments provided by 10 vendors and five sponsors.
The event also included a Baghdadi Chobi dance, a traditional group performance recognized for its rhythmic movements.
“I want events like this to remind people of Iraq’s unity and generous spirit,” Al Takriti said. “Iraq is still alive, always was, and will continue to thrive.”
