On Saturday, 20 September 2025, H.E. Miss Nipa Nirannoot, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, together with officials of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, held a handover ceremony of the “Thailand Corner” to Al Qasimia University in Sharjah. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr. Sorayuth Chasombat, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Arab Emirates, who presided over the event, while Professor Awad Husain Al Khalaf, President of the University, accepted the Thailand Corner on behalf of the institution to be established in the University's Library.

 

The establishment of the Thailand Corner marks the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates and the 13th worldwide. It is an initiative of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, with the support of the Thailand Foundation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates in 2025. It also expresses appreciation to Al Qasimia University for providing educational opportunities to Thai Muslim youth for over a decade, resulting in more than 500 Thai students graduating with full scholarships from the University.

 

The Thailand Corner presented on this occasion comprises 131 books offering knowledge about Thailand and Thai identity in various aspects, including history, arts and culture, traditions, language, cuisine, tourism, and literature. The collection also highlights the long-standing ties between the Thai monarchy and the Thai Muslim community, as well as the way of life of Thai Muslims within Thailand’s multicultural society.

 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Wildan Ding, interpreter/consular assistant officer of the Consulate-General and representative of the Al Qasimia University Alumni Association Thailand (established in 2024 with the support of the Consulate-General), delivered a speech of gratitude to the University in Arabic language, which left an impression on all participants.

On this occasion, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Dubai wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the Thailand Foundation for supporting the establishment of Thailand Corner, and to the Emirate of Sharjah and Al Qasimia University for their continued provision of educational opportunities and kind support to Thai students. At present, more than 40 Thai students are pursuing their studies at the University.