Spotlights

On Tuesday, June 16, SIED held the event "Discover the UAE!" at the International Community Lounge on the Kyotanabe Campus. Five local students and one international student participated in the event. 

During the event, participants learned about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and had the opportunity to taste two popular Middle Eastern sweets: dried dates and baklava. 

In addition to introducing basic facts about the UAE, SIED staff shared their own travel experiences, including stories about dining at local restaurants and shopping in the country. These first-hand experiences gave participants a glimpse of the UAE beyond what can be found in guidebooks. Participants also had the chance to smell UAE banknotes, which carried the scent of perfume. Some commented that they "smell like the Middle East." 

After learning about Middle Eastern food culture, participants sampled dried dates and baklava, two sweets that are commonly enjoyed in the region. Many shared their impressions, saying that the dried dates tasted like brown sugar and that the baklava was sweet and delicious. 

When people think of the UAE, they often associate it with oil or Dubai. However, each of the seven emirates has its own unique character, where modern cities coexist with rich cultural traditions. We hope this event inspires participants to learn more about the Middle East and the UAE. 

SIED will continue to organize a variety of international exchange events throughout the semester. We look forward to seeing you at our future events!