The Korea-Arab Society invited Mr Humaid Al-Hammadi, President of the Emirati-Korean Friendship Society to deliver a special lecture for Busan International High School students on 21 September 2016. He is practicing public diplomacy both in the UAE and Korea for the two countries to better understand each other and enhance people to people exchanges.

The lecture began with how he first encountered Korea. When he was a university student studying in the US, during summer holidays he visited some Asian countries including Korea. He said that he was impressed with his first visit to Korea that he started to learn about Korean language, culture and history by himself.

The students acclaimed him when he mentioned about correcting an article about Korea on Abu Dhabi’s newspaper as they mistakenly put a Japanese related photo with it.

He added that the many Emiratis still have little knowledge about Korea just as many Koreans are not very familiar with the Arab world. He then emphasized how both countries should work on enhancing mutual understanding and   communication in true sense and that he will faithfully carry on with his duties.

He also talked about differences between the word Arab and the Middle East and lectured about history and culture of the UAE and its relationship with Korea. He wrapped up his lecture to the attending 100 students that he wished they become global leaders of the next generation and expand their dreams to wider world for their future prospects. During Q&A session after the lecture, students enthusiastically asked questions on various issues related to the Arab culture, Islam and the Emirati-Korean Friendship Society’s projects. The special lecture successfully ended as a rare opportunity was given to the students in Busan to broaden their understandings and perspectives on the Arab world.