Fourteen master’s students from The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, visited Qasr Al Watan on Friday, March 14, as part of their studies on international diplomacy. They were led by Zaynab El Bernoussi, Associate Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute, and joined by Majid Hannoum, Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellow, and Abdourahmane Idrissa, Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute.
The visit, part of the Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations specialization—one of three specializations in the MA program—offered students firsthand exposure to the world of international diplomacy. Through a guided tour focused on the UAE’s diplomatic history, students explored governance, statecraft, and the nation’s role in global affairs.
Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace and cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, provided students with insights into Emirati diplomatic traditions, international cooperation, and governance structures. The visit also included a tour of the House of Knowledge and Qasr Al Watan Library, where students engaged with historical texts on diplomacy and political thought.
“Qasr Al Watan is not a palace of a king or an elite—it is a palace of a nation,” said student Amer Ahmed. “It is something you have to experience to fully understand.”
Student Mantate Queeneth Mlotshwa shared, “The visit to Qasr Al Watan brought to life many of the diplomatic principles we’ve studied in class. I now see it as a space dedicated to relationship-building and national branding. The attention to detail—from the hospitality to the ambiance—reflects the UAE’s approach to diplomacy, offering visiting officials a glimpse into its culture and aspirations while fostering a sense of connection. It was especially exciting to see two of the 120 diplomatic gifts on display come from my country (Zimbabwe), a reminder of the rich cultural exchange that takes place in such spaces.”
The trip, recommended by Professor El Bernoussi, connected classroom learning with real-world diplomacy, reinforcing the students’ understanding of international relations.
The Africa Institute’s MA program offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying global Africa, combining academic rigor with practical engagement. Admissions for Spring 2026 are open until April 1, 2025.
Fourteen master’s students from The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, visited Qasr Al Watan on Friday, March 14, as part of their studies on international diplomacy. They were led by Zaynab El Bernoussi, Associate Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute, and joined by Majid Hannoum, Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellow, and Abdourahmane Idrissa, Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute.
Fourteen master’s students from The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, visited Qasr Al Watan on Friday, March 14, as part of their studies on international diplomacy. They were led by Zaynab El Bernoussi, Associate Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute, and joined by Majid Hannoum, Ali A. Mazrui Senior Fellow, and Abdourahmane Idrissa, Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute.
The visit, part of the Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations specialization—one of three specializations in the MA program—offered students firsthand exposure to the world of international diplomacy. Through a guided tour focused on the UAE’s diplomatic history, students explored governance, statecraft, and the nation’s role in global affairs.
Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace and cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, provided students with insights into Emirati diplomatic traditions, international cooperation, and governance structures. The visit also included a tour of the House of Knowledge and Qasr Al Watan Library, where students engaged with historical texts on diplomacy and political thought.
“Qasr Al Watan is not a palace of a king or an elite—it is a palace of a nation,” said student Amer Ahmed. “It is something you have to experience to fully understand.”
Student Mantate Queeneth Mlotshwa shared, “The visit to Qasr Al Watan brought to life many of the diplomatic principles we’ve studied in class. I now see it as a space dedicated to relationship-building and national branding. The attention to detail—from the hospitality to the ambiance—reflects the UAE’s approach to diplomacy, offering visiting officials a glimpse into its culture and aspirations while fostering a sense of connection. It was especially exciting to see two of the 120 diplomatic gifts on display come from my country (Zimbabwe), a reminder of the rich cultural exchange that takes place in such spaces.”
The trip, recommended by Professor El Bernoussi, connected classroom learning with real-world diplomacy, reinforcing the students’ understanding of international relations.
The Africa Institute’s MA program offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying global Africa, combining academic rigor with practical engagement. Admissions for Spring 2026 are open until April 1, 2025.
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