UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naemi touring the festival held inside the campus. Former Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis also attended the event.
Doha, Qatar: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) was thrilled to host its much-anticipated Festival of Cultures, a celebration of the university’s rich diversity.
The event, held in the heart of the UDST campus, brought together students, faculty, and guests from the wider community to experience a dynamic showcase of cultural heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions from across the globe.
The festival was attended by distinguished guests, including ambassadors and members of official delegations.
Organised by Student Engagement, a division of Student Affairs, the festival highlighted the UDST’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural exchange. The festival featured over 1300 student participants representing 24 countries, including Qatar, Palestine, Jordan, the Philippines, Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Bangladesh, Syria, and India, among others.
The festival programme included a flag walk and a vibrant lineup of cultural performances from participating countries, each showcasing their nation’s unique artistic and musical traditions. A key highlight of the festival was the interactive country booths, where students proudly displayed their heritage through traditional attire, culinary delights, and immersive cultural exhibits.
Dr. Salem Al Naemi, President of the UDST, said, “We instill in our students the values of belonging, respect, openness to diverse cultures, and embracing differences. This annual festival is a true reflection of these principles, nurturing cultural exchange, strengthening peer collaboration, engaging with the local community, and celebrating diversity as an invaluable asset.
“University of Doha for Science and Technology is honoured to be a national educational institution that unites the world within its campus, with more than 85 nationalities represented. It is a small-scale representation of Qatar itself, a nation that has warmly welcomed people from all backgrounds, embracing unity, solidarity, and a shared sense of belonging.”
In addition to the cultural showcases, the event included a special awards presentation recognising the efforts of participating students.
The awards included the Best Booth. The winners in the Asia category were India, while Mozambique won for Africa and Qatar for the Middle East. The Best Performance award in Asia went to the Philippines, in Africa to Nigeria, and in the Middle East to Jordan, in addition to other categories celebrating the exceptional talent and creativity within the university community.
As the UDST continues to champion multiculturalism and global awareness, the Festival of Cultures remains a flagship event, leveraging meaningful interactions and a sense of belonging among students from different backgrounds. The university looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years to come.
