Talking about the significant importance of the institution’s operations, the institute’s spokesperson said, “For too long, the mandate of studying the close contacts between Africa and the Arab Gulf region has not been given the emphasis it deserves by these two groups. This is despite the fact that they are the greatest beneficiaries who must understand their fascinating historical roots and contemporary positions. The foundation of The Africa Institute marked the beginning of a new era, as it has become a platform that will lead to better understanding and strengthening of these relations.”

As part of its mandate, The Africa Institute has been hosting events that bring more awareness to their areas of studies and the cultures of Africans. These events have also been a platform for bringing together African and Africa diaspora scholars to discuss fundamental topics that are of great concern. One of the most significant events in 2019 was the Global Africa conference that welcomed scholars in different disciplines and specializations. The scholars discussed African and African diaspora studies in the 21st century presenting their views on the direction this scholarly field is taking in the modern age.

Speaking about the re-opening of the African Hall, the institute’s spokesperson said, “While the African Hall was originally inaugurated in the year 1976 for the first symposium, it was later demolished due to safety concerns. It was later rebuilt at the same site where the old one stood after it was designed by the Ghanaian British architect, Sir David Adjaye. The official opening was made by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi on September 25, 2018. It was a glorious event that was marked by outstanding performances that set a high tone for the big day.”

A practical channel for being in touch with the general public that The Africa Institute has fully maximized is by hosting events. The institution’s events calendar is ever full of plays, performances, poetry sessions, dramas, and symposiums that touch on various topics. The Africa Institute has these events open to everyone with interest, as bookings can efficiently be completed through the website. To make this possible, all events details are posted on the site, making it easier for one to settle on the right sessions.

About the Africa Institute

The Africa Institute was established to be a model center of excellence that will promote the research, teaching, and documentation of African and African diaspora studies with extra focus on strengthening Afro-Arab relations.