It's a small world

Students of Preston University in Ajman celebrated their cultural heritage in a festival that brought together individuals from across the world. Titled Fusion Fete, the event gave students a chance to display their talent and celebrate the union of nations.

Earlier in the evening, the buzz of student voices could be heard in the corridors in anticipation of the excitement in store. The music, seemingly pumping through the walls, only added to their exhilaration. They said the event was a "confidence booster" as it gave them a chance to demonstrate their skills and talents.

"Whether it's modelling, dancing or singing… this is a chance for us to translate our passions into actions and display them to our friends and community," said Adnan Hamed, a BBA student from Pakistan. "And it's an opportunity for us to build our confidence in those areas."

And the confidence of students was definitely apparent that night, as their faces beamed with enthusiasm. Dunia Marei, a BBA student from Syria, was in the midst of all the excitement. "Today is a day all the countries come together as one," she said. "It doesn't matter where you're from, we all now have the chance to get to know each other better."

The events

Among the events were traditional dances, fashion shows, mock weddings and sword fights — all portrayed through the different perspectives of each culture.

Dunia Marei admitted to a little nervousness as the time for her performance drew near. "We are going to do the Debki, a traditional Arabic dance, and the footwork for this dance can get really complicated," she said. "You have to keep up with everyone and sometimes it can be very difficult."

However, both performers and non-performers alike shared in the thrill that seemed to fill every corner of the ballroom. Some were there for the fun of it, while others were there to lend moral support to their friends. "We're here to support our friends who are performing," said Hamid. "I'm probably more nervous for them than they are."

A chance to bond

Student after student emphasised the importance of learning about other cultures and how it not only helps unite the campus community, but also benefits them in the long run.

"When we graduate and work in the real world, we're going to come across all kinds of people," said BBA student Saeed Madi. "And this already exposes us to all the major cultures that exist in the world."

Hamed shared Madi's views, saying that events like this carry a great meaning. "You learn how to interact with others ... and how to behave in five-star hotels," he joked.

"You might come here and see wonderful performances, but a lot of work went into these performances," said Rua Slieman, an IT student from Syria. "It took a lot of teamwork and you really bond with those you work with."

The freshers

The night also gave incoming freshmen a chance to mingle with senior students and familiarise themselves with the community. Anam Arif, Najah Fayyaz, Azma Neseem and Dania Khaira are all newcomers to the university, and found the event a perfect opportunity to socialise.

"We are all freshers here, and like anyone who encounters a change in their life and enters a new environment, we are a bit nervous," said Arif. "Here we can interact with others without the restrictions and limitations of being in the classroom."

"We get to know others on a different, more intimate, level," said Fayyaz. "And this changes the overall atmosphere on campus transforming it from a university into a small community."