Global Day: a celebration of culture, community, and connection

Throughout the year, the University of Birmingham Dubai hosts all kinds of events, from national celebrations to student-led activities. My personal favourite is Global Day, usually held in the summer after exams as part of UoBD Xtra: a week of fun social activities for students to unwind, meet new people, and try something new.

What to expect on the day

Global Day brings together students, staff, and the wider community to experience and celebrate the many diverse cultures on our campus. The event features:

• Cultural boothsrepresenting different countries and regions
• Traditional food, snacks, and small gifts
• Interactive activitieslike games, crafts, and photo spots
• Live performancesincluding dance, music, and drumming

The day is filled with fun activities to do with friends and opportunities to learn about the cultures of those around you. There are various booths for different countries and regions that hand out delicious traditional foods, small gifts to take with you, and activities to enjoy. Each booth also teaches you about the history and customs of the country with props and decor.

One of my favourites was the Morocco booth, where I glass-painted with a friend. Also, the United Kingdom booth had a fun game of football where you could score points and win some goodies. The Gulf booth had a cultural seating area that’s perfect for pictures with friends, as well as traditional snacks and candies for you to try.

The fun doesn’t end at the student-led stalls, the event also had other popular food vendors that sold Swedish candy (my favourite), boba, iced tea, ‘Crumbl’ style cookies, Red Bull, and so much more!

There were so many cultural performances throughout the day, including the Levant ‘Dabke’ dance, a traditional Indian dance, and an African drumming and dance show. These added even more energy and entertainment to the event, while also offering a chance to learn about the traditions of the diverse cultures around you.

Get involved: represent your culture

One of the best parts of Global Day is that as a student you have the chance to take part by hosting a booth or performing. It’s a great way to be even more involved, make lasting memories with those around you, and share a part of your culture. You can also choose to participate in cultural dances that some countries organise and perform on the day. It’s a fun and meaningful way to contribute to the event and feel part of something bigger.

My favourite moments

I attended this Global Day every year during my time at University, and it has grown and gotten better and better each year. One year, there was even a mechanical bull ride game, which is a unique experience to laugh with (and at) your friends. Another year featured a giant inflatable dartboard that everyone loved.

Why it matters

Events like Global Day really shaped my student experience and made my time at Birmingham memorable. The Dubai campus community is very welcoming and close, and this event is a great example of how the University supports and celebrates our diversity.

Your time at University isn’t just about earning a degree, it’s about the experiences you have, the people you meet and the new perspectives you gain along the way. I’d definitely recommend for every student to attend and participate in Global Day to make the most of your University journey!