Abu Dhabi University Empowers Future Leaders Through National Public Speaking Competitions
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) hosted two significant speaking competitions, the ‘Sixth Inter-School Public Speaking Competition’ and the ‘First National Undergraduate Public Speaking and Debate Competition.’ Both events were designed to advance students’ speaking and leadership skills, aligning with the UAE Year of Community.
In collaboration with Liwa International School – Falaj Hazza, the ‘Sixth Inter-School Public Speaking Competition,’ was held at ADU’s Al Ain campus and welcomed over 400 students from 56 middle and high schools across the UAE. The competition provided students with essential skills to prepare them for future academic and professional success, such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership. In addition to promoting intellectual engagement and exchange among students from diverse backgrounds, the event featured several enriching workshops and activities led by esteemed faculty members. These included the ‘Body Language’ workshop by Dr. Nadim Khoury, Chair of the Communication Department at ADU and an ‘Introduction to Japanese Anime Art’ by Dr. Rosemary Sulaiman, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the university.
The first-ever ‘National Undergraduate Public Speaking and Debate Competition’ organized by ADU’s College of Education, Arts and Social Sciences welcomed university students from across the UAE and Oman. The two-day event served as a platform for students to showcase their intellectual abilities through public speaking and debating. Focusing on the theme of sustainability, the competition addressed critical challenges in the environmental, business, technological and social sectors.
Students competed in three main categories: English debate, original oratory in English and Arabic and impromptu speech in English and Arabic. This approach fostered responsible communication, meaningful discussions and effective articulation in both languages, promoting inclusivity and intellectual exchange.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “These speaking competitions, aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community vision, foster collaboration, develop crucial skills and encourage active participation among students from diverse backgrounds. In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), we recognize the importance of equipping our students with both knowledge and a strong ethical compass to navigate an ever-evolving world. By emphasizing communication skills, we empower students to become confident, articulate leaders who will play a pivotal role in building cohesive communities. We are immensely proud of all participants for their dedication, as they are the heart of these competitions and we look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success in the years ahead.”
The competitions saw over 30 university, middle and high school students win monetary prizes, while all participants received appreciation certificates for their participation.
Both competitions reflect ADU’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community engagement. They provide invaluable platforms for students to gain the skills necessary to influence both national and international arenas, further solidifying ADU’s role as a hub for knowledge and talent development in the UAE.
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