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What is your favorite activity in UAE?<\/p>\n“You’ve heard of dogs and\/or cats boarding flights, but have you ever heard of falcons boarding a flight?” asks Chriscel Tolentino ’27,\u00a0psychology major and criminology minor.<\/p>\n
Known for beautiful coastline, rich oil reserves and amazing architecture like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the United Arab Emirates has grown as a cultural hub full of wealth and luxury in Western Asia .<\/p>\n
Tolentino will present the UAE at the first fall Global Insights program on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.\u00a0 Registration is required.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Global Insights interviewed Tolentino about her upcoming presentation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Describe an interesting fact about the UAE you will discuss more during your presentation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“You’ve heard of dogs and\/or cats boarding flights, but have you ever heard of falcons boarding a flight? Falcons are symbols of national pride in the UAE, and falconry is a traditional Emirati sport that’s been practiced for more than 2,000 years, so major UAE airlines like Etihad Airways allow trained falcons to be permitted on board all Etihad-operated flights. Most of the time they’re in business class, so they fly better than me!”<\/p>\n
What is your favorite activity in UAE?<\/p>\n
“I love going to Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day. It’s celebrated annually on the second of December, marking the historic moment in 1971 when the seven emirates united under one flag. There are grand celebrations held all over the country that include fireworks, grand parades and a variety of cultural events showcasing traditional music, dance and art. My favorite part is definitely when the UAE’s national aerobatics team performs stunts and flyovers with colored smoke trails in the national flag colors. It never ceases to amaze me.”<\/p>\n
What do you miss\/enjoy most about being in UAE?<\/p>\n
“What I miss the most is eating shawarma late at night with my friends. I live in Abu Dhabi, and since it’s a pretty compact city, a lot of my friends are my neighbors or within walking distance from me, so when we want to hang out, or when we’re craving it, we just meet up in front of one of the shawarma shops that’s literally a three-to-five-minute walk.”<\/p>\n
Where is your favorite place to visit?<\/p>\n
“During the winter season, my family and I go camping at this campsite called Hatta. It’s not that far from central Dubai. We always get sunny days, but seldom get cool ones, so most of the time, a lot of places we go to are indoors. Once we feel that cold breeze starting to hit, we’re instantly on the web reserving a camping spot.”<\/p>\n
Briefly describe the people and culture. What values or traditions help to shape both?<\/p>\n
“Even though I’m not Emirati myself, I can tell you that Emirati people are extremely hospitable and welcoming. If you are a guest, or someone they just met, they will always give you a warm welcome and greet you like an old friend. You’ll often be offered Arabic coffee, dates, meals or refreshments. They don’t do this simply to be nice or friendly, but because it’s such an important part of Emirati and Arab culture. Tolerance is also a big emphasis, due to the diverse population, so while they welcome you to experience their culture, they are also very much open to learning about you!”<\/p>\n
All programs will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall, room 509. Registration is required for each program.<\/p>\n