Saudi Students Association opened the door for the SMU community to experience Saudi Arabian culture at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center last Wednesday. The Association was marking the Saudi National Day with their event.
The venue was decorated and furnished with décor and from Saudi Arabia, with the white and blue colors of the country’s flag transcending the foyer. Members of the association, dressed in Saudi formal costumes, mingled freely with visitors, explaining various aspects of Saudi culture. Booklets and flyers on Islam, education and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia were displayed on tables around the foyer. Music from Saudi Arabia enhanced the festive mood.
According to a booklet titled “Saudi Arabia: Fact and Figures,” Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state based on principles prescribed by the Qur’an, the holly book of Islam, and Shari ‘a Islamic law.
Ibrahim Alhumaidan, the association’s president, said celebrating the national day gave the SMU community an opportunity to get to know the people and culture of Saudi Arabia.
“We want to build a bridge between two cultures, to help people understand other cultures, and to explain Islam,” Alhumaidan said.
Alhumaidan said that Saudi Arabia invests heavily in reaching out to the world through its foreign student population of more than 30,000.
“They are not just there to get certificates and degrees, but as ambassadors of Saudi Arabia. They can help the world understand that Saudi Arabia is a peaceful country that looks forward to having positive relations with all,” Alhumaidan said.
Ala’ Eshmawi, SMU Ph.D. student, made a slide presentation titled “Women in Saudi Arabia.”
Eshmawi said there are many stereotypes surrounding Saudi women.
“Lots of people think Islam prohibits women from engaging in gainful employment. Women can do anything. They can work as doctors or do business. They have full privileges,” Eshmawi said.
She added that that the most widely-viewed picture of a Saudi woman on the internet is a picture of an oppressed and chained woman.
She pointed out the image did not give a true perspective of women in Saudi Arabia. On the contrary, 57 percent of graduates from universities in Saudi Arabia last year were women. She gave an example of Thoraya Obeid, Executive director of the United Nations Population Fund and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, as one of the outstanding women in world affairs from Saudi Arabia.
Tatiana Montero said she benefitted from attending the function.
“We learn a lot about cultures. I got to know about the dressing, foods, and music of Saudi Arabia,” Montero said.
Alhumaidan said that in addition to celebrating special days, the association also helps newcomers to settle down and prepares them to fit in to the new culture.
