AUS Global Day 2026 highlights cultural diversity, unity and student creativity

By the time the first performances began, the Main Plaza at American University of Sharjah (AUS) had become a place where stories were not only told, but experienced. Visitors moved between country pavilions, followed music as it rose from one corner to the next, and paused often to ask students about the ideas behind each space. Global Day 2026, held February 6 and 7 under the theme Flying Beyond Borders: Connecting Cultures, brought the campus together in a celebration created and delivered by students.

Thirty-six cultural interest clubs participated in this year’s event, creating an immersive showcase that celebrated cultural exchange, inclusivity and global understanding. Fifteen cultural clubs also presented energetic live performances of traditional dance and music.

“Global Day is when the AUS community feels closest to the world it represents,” said Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience at AUS. “Students lead this experience from start to finish, building spaces that welcome people in and performances that carry meaning beyond the stage. Flying Beyond Borders became the spirit of the day, shaping how students connected through curiosity, respect and the simple joy of learning about one another.”

Among the experiences that drew strong engagement was the Emirati Cultural Club’s Namoos Market, a living souq designed around the five senses: what visitors see, hear, smell, touch and taste. The space offered perfume, records, gold and fabrics, alongside interactive activities and a traditional sitting area. Inspired by the Year of Family, the market was designed as a place of gathering where stories are exchanged and culture is experienced collectively.

“Participating in Global Day this year is very meaningful for me and for the club. Our team comes from different emirates, backgrounds and family traditions, and each person brought something unique to the table. Some members are passionate about perfume, others collect records, others are drawn to fabrics, gold or design, and this diversity shaped how we approached the event. Working together for Global Day allowed us to learn from one another and turn individual interests into a shared experience. For the Emirati Cultural Club, this event strengthened our sense of teamwork and reflected how culture is carried forward through people, creativity and collaboration,” said Rawdha Bin Sulaiman, President of the Emirati Cultural Club.

The Indian Cultural Club (ICC) presented a pavilion inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower and a symbol of balance, resilience and renewal. The design transformed the space into a serene setting, centered around a sculptural lotus seating installation surrounded by floral detailing and soft architectural elements. Complementing the pavilion, the club presented “Purusharthas: The Four Aims of Life,” a conceptual dance performance rooted in Indian philosophy. “Every year, ICC excels in everything it does. Expectations continue to rise and the bar keeps getting higher, but one thing remains constant: the joy people feel when they watch us perform or attend our events. That joy gives me immense happiness, and I truly hope it never changes,” said Kunal Tiwari, President of the Indian Cultural Club.

Global Day 2026 also reflected AUS sustainability goals through a shift from paper tickets to a digital e-ticketing system. New this year were specially designed Global Day passports, allowing visitors to collect stamps from the country booths they visited and to keep the passport as a long-lasting souvenir of the experience.

Global Day reflects the multicultural campus life that AUS is known for across the region. AUS ranks first in the UAE in its number of international students in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Internationally, it ranks fourth in international student diversity.

Diversity, tolerance and respect define the student experience at AUS, supported by opportunities that help students grow culturally, socially and emotionally alongside their academic journey. Students are encouraged to take part in athletics and engage in social and cultural activities on campus and off campus, while campus clubs help students meet others, build leadership skills and gain a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Learn more about AUS’ student clubs and organizations here.