The international two-day conference titled “Perspectives on Middle East Studies” held at Qatar University (QU) drew about 200 participants from the diplomatic community, academia and government.
Organised by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in cooperation with Cambridge University Centre of Islamic Studies, the event featured presentations by academics, researchers and experts from QU, Gulf Studies Center, Cambridge University, Hamad bin Khalifa University, University College of London in Qatar, Northwestern University Qatar, and University of Sarajevo.
Its aim was to encourage dialogue on issues relevant to the Middle East and the Gulf region, which were highlighted in presentations and discussions on language, culture and society, international relations, history, the Gulf region, the media, urban planning and museums, gender and women’s studies, and Arabic.
QU VP for Research Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “The topics presented today are timely for discussion among academics, experts and observers of developments in the Middle East and Gulf region. In hosting this important forum, the College of Arts and Sciences has highlighted the institutional commitment to being a leading partner in addressing new and emerging issues in the region and providing the forum for dialogue and collaboration”.
CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi said: “This is a very prestigious event which meets one of our strategic objectives as a college that fosters an intellectually stimulating environment, and provides opportunities for faculty and students to engage in such dynamic academic discussions’’.
Gulf Studies Center Director Dr Abdullah Baabood said: “Dialogue and collaboration such as this are critical not only for Qatar and the Gulf but also worldwide. I am pleased that the college has seized on the opportunity to bring together these experts on Gulf issues to share their invaluable academic and research knowledge”. The Peninsula
