By Issa Moussa
GOMBAK, 17 November 2015: As it is in the tradition of IIUM to highlight and showcase the diversity and richness of cultures and traditions that exist in the university, Global Ummatic Festival 2015 (GUF15) will be held from 22 until 30 November at the Cultural Activity Centre (CAC). It will be participated by IIUM students from more than 100 countries representing nearly all regions of the world who will share their traditions and cultures.
¢ History of GUF
The first Ummatic Week programme was organised in 1998 by the International Unit (IU) and Students Affairs & Development Division (STADD) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The idea was mooted by the IU to exemplify the diversity of cultures since most of the students originating from Muslim countries and there was a need to strengthen the relationship between the students and the university. With the increase in the number of international students, it was catalyst to expose the diverse cultures to all IIUM members and to the Malaysia audiences.
The Ummatic festival in 2014 was officiated by IIUM Rector, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Zaleha Kamarudin. It was also attended by the Deputy Rector (Internationalisation, Industry and Community Relations) Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Barghout and other notable guests that included ambassadors of Yemen and Turkey.
¢ Activities of GUF
The global Ummatic festival consists of cultural performances that participating countries bring forth their culture in their own way. It is a mix of drama, music, nasheed and dance. Coming from different backgrounds, it presents a very enigmatic fusion in front of the eyes, a diversity that we do not see every day. Exhibition is also taking a place when countries have their booths and provide with cultural items and heritage. Through that exhibitors will be showing their countries in a special way by being creative in decoration and bringing cultural items.
Public speaking and talk forum are also parts of the Ummatic festival when students are encouraged to join the competition and speak in public to polish up their skills. In addition, food fest and food fair will be taking a place to provide members of IIUM community with delicious food from different countries. Female students are also given a space to share their cultures in their own way by having sisters culture night that is a mixture of drama, dance, nasheed and music.
Of course sports is important, thus competitions between students take a place based on countries. Football, futsal, volleyball, and basketball are organised by the GUF committees to ensure that students enjoy good health through sports and outdoor activities.
¢ Participants feedback
œThe international office is trying its best to ensure the integration of IIUM students. This is one of the missions and visions of IIUM: Integration. Islamisation, internationalisation and comprehensive excellence, according to the assistant director of the Office of International Affairs. A third year economic student emphasised on the importance of the global Ummatic festival and how it will help him to know more about his friends cultures. œWe have so many similarities that I do not know before attending the GUF, he said.
The International Affairs Division and the students committees expect to receive good support from the  Malaysian public as well as the IIUM community and look forward to the success of the programme. ***
Photo of Global Ummatic Festival