Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), Global Day 2015, one of the most anticipated events at AUS, was opened today, March 19, by Sheikh Salem Bin Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Director of the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor, and Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students Affairs.

Each year Global Day showcases the cultural heritage of the many nationalities represented at AUS by turning the university campus into a festival of culture. Visitors get a taste of the truly multicultural nature of the AUS campus. Themed "Peace throughout the World," Global Day 2015 represents 33 countries showcasing some of the different cultures represented among the AUS student body, with student clubs presenting traditional items, music and cuisine.

Pavilions set up across the AUS Main Plaza depict the traditions of countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Armenia, Pakistan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Palestine, Libya, India, Sudan and Egypt, to name a few. This year, the Emirati pavilion is an eye-catcher with a replica of Burj Khalifa as its central focus.

In addition to ethnic stalls and pavilions depicting cultural heritage, visitors were also able to sample a wide variety of traditional food in the outdoor food court. Colorful indoor cultural performances were also held in the Main Auditorium giving students a chance to showcase their talent.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Al Shehhi said, "In this year's Global Day, we have encouraged and supported our students to work beyond their normal event preparations. Many of our student clubs succeeded in working with external entities to support the event and in bringing them on campus to enhance cultural activities in the pavilions."

"In promoting creativity in Global Day, we are glad that our students succeeded in bringing their creative ideas to life through their spectacular performances and colorful pavilions. Global Day is more than just a celebration of cultures at AUS; it is a platform where our students hone their skills in leadership, team work, finance, budgeting, negotiation, arts and many others," she added.

Mohammad Mousaeei, a second year student majoring in business management said, "Global Day is a great event where we get the opportunity to interact with the different cultures represented on campus."

The first AUS Global Day was held in 1998 with eight student organizations and 400 students. Since then, the event has grown manifold with this year's Global Day witnessing the participation of a lively and dynamic student body that comprises over 6,000 students from over 90 nationalities.

Organized by the Office of Student Affairs, Global Day, a two-day event, is open to the public, and will continue tomorrow Friday, March 20, from 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.