March 27, 2004
Remarks by Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba for the March 27 2004 Grand
Opening of the American Studies Corner in Zayed Central Library
at the United Arab Emirates University Al Ain UAE.
Good morning. Your Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Hadef Al-Dhaheri, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ali Rashed Al-Noami, Deputy-Vice-Chancellor and esteemed guests. Thank you for honoring me by inviting me to the dedication of the American Studies Corner in Zayed Central Library at the United Arab Emirates University.
It is my pleasure to be here today for the opening of the American Studies Corner in Zayed Central Library. We are proud that the UAE University is home to the first American Studies Corner in the UAE, and that the United Arab Emirates is the second country in the entire Middle East to host an American Studies Corner. Dr. Hesam Mohammad Sultan Al-Ulama, Dean, University Libraries, and the staff of Zayed Central Library and the American Embassy have been working diligently for the last year to establish this American Studies Corner. We are proud of what you have accomplished here today.
You may be thinking: what is an American Studies Corner? An American Studies Corner is many things; most importantly, it's a place where users may learn more about American society and culture. Over one hundred American Corners have opened throughout the world already - from Rwanda to Russia to Malaysia. Each of these Corners is a partnership between an American Embassy and a local institution.
This American Studies Corner has much to offer. At its heart, it is a resource center. It offers an extensive book, periodical, and video collection, covering topics as diverse as English teaching, student advising, American history, fiction, business, and government. It offers Internet access, as well as the capability to conduct digital videoconferences.
The American Studies Corner can also be the site of lively public programs featuring speakers and other guests. Although it's housed in a library, the American Studies Corner is not meant to be a quiet repository of books. The American Studies Corner staff here will arrange programs featuring speakers brought in from the US, staff from the US Embassy, and American or UAE Fulbright scholars.
I am confident that this American Studies Corner will be a fun, friendly, and lively place that promotes dialogue and mutual understanding between Emiratis and Americans. All of us will work to strengthen UAE-US relations through the programs of this American Studies Corner and the American Embassy is committed to supporting its activities. Ultimately, its success will depend on the users. This American Studies Corner is yours to build and grow, and will go wherever your imagination and initiative take it.