Zayed University displays strong presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

ABU DHABI, UAE - May 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Zayed University displayed impressive participation and strong presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the capital.

Organized by the Student Life Department at Zayed University, young enthusiastic students and experienced faculty members engaged the public in several interactive workshops and lively seminars that offer a plenty of opportunities for involvement and debate.

Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, Dr Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Students Affairs, and Shamsa Al Taie, Director of Student Affairs, made a tour to Zayed University booth to encourage students and recognize their efforts.

On the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Dr Ali Al Sharef, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Arabic Language at Zayed University, gave a lecture entitled "A Journey with Al Jahiz". The aim of this lecture was to explore and highlight Al Jahiz's works in theology, literature, political history, ethics, and other exciting topics.

As parents and other family members play a critical role in a student's education and success, Zayed University held a workshop to educate families, raise parents' awareness about the importance of their support in student's preparation for college, and introduce programs of study at Zayed University.

During the Book Fair, Zayed University faculty members conducted nutrition workshops followed by open question-and- answer sessions.

Dr Fatme Al Anouti, Associate Professor at the Department of Natural Science and Public Health and Assistant Dean of the College of Sustainability Sciences and Humanities, engaged the public in various panel discussions in order to emphasize links between food, depression and sunshine.

"Depression and diabetes have become increasingly prevalent worldwide but significantly dominant in the UAE. Recently, vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a mediator for both. Therefore, this workshop aims to shed light on the link between vitamin D deficiency, avoidance of sun exposure, food intake, depression and type two diabetes," Dr Fatme, who holds a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry and Health, said.

This year, a group of Zayed University students led by the College of Art and Creative Enterprises, were inspired to create something special that represents the University during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Around 14 highly motivated students came up with a striking and interactive concept that involved recreating Emirati traditional storybook characters on cardboard panels to attract visitors of all ages to Zayed University booth.

Marie-Claire Bakker, Instructor at the College of Art and Creative Enterprises, had to integrate the needs of their client (Zayed University's Student Life); address the timeline, technical regulations; budget, space constraints and outline a social media promotional strategy.

"When you take learning out of the classroom and into the community, assignments become more than just a grade, they become true deep learning experiences and building blocks for more community engagement as they move into their professional careers," Marie-Claire Bakker added.

Zayed University will continue to offer its workshops and seminars until the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair concludes on May 3.

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