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2009 Programs and Events
Ambassador Olson Visits UAE University in Al-Ain, Reopens American Corner and American Children's Corner
Dr. Abdulla Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of the UAE University and Richard G. Olson, Jr., Ambassador of the United States, celebrated the reopening of the American Corner and the inauguration of the American Children's Corner at the Zayed Central Library of the UAE University, in Al-Ain on February 19, 2009. Approximately 75 students, faculty and guests attended the event, during which the Vice Chancellor and Ambassador signed a Memorandum of Understanding renewing the partnership between the University and the Embassy. Following a ribbon cutting the Ambassador and Vice Chancellor toured the facility. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Olson noted that the Corner was one facet of a very broad partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the UAE University, including longstanding programs for the mutual exchange of American and Emirati scholars.
After the ceremony to open the newly-renovated facility, Ambassador Olson met with a group of UAEU students to discuss UAE-U.S. relations, regional and current events, and new directions for policy during the administration of President Obama. The hour long discussion included a lively question and answer session on a wide range of topics. Dr. Hessam al-Ulema, the Dean of University Libraries, hosted a tour of the library. University Provost Dr. Rory Hume graciously hosted a lunch with the Deans of UAEU that offered an opportunity to exchange views on policy and opportunities for Emirati students to participate in academic and cultural exchanges with the U.S.
The American Corner and the American Childrens Corner
The American Corner provides a place where students and local visitors can learn about U.S. culture, politics and government. It offers a wide selection of reference material on the United States, including information on study in the U.S. The American Corner also provides programming and hosts speakers that aim at sharing cultural information and building bridges of understanding and mutual dialogue between Americans and Emiratis.
The American Children's Corner, the first such corner in the Middle East, demonstrates the importance of literacy for young people and also offers future teachers a rich collection of Arabic and English language materials.
The children’s collection includes picture books and easy reading material for new readers as well as chapter books and young adult literature for teenagers and adults. The more academic American Corner includes books on U.S. government, politics and history. Several biographies and books on travel in the U.S. are part of the collection, and Internet access and digital video discs are available.
The first American Corner in Al-Ain opened in 2004. The renovations to the space were conducted over several months in 2008 and supported by a very generous donation from Sayah Engineering Consulting Bureau of Abu Dhabi. The Corner is open to the public, particularly local children, their parents, elementary school groups, and their teachers.