The Second International Scientific Conference, organized by Al-Ahgaff University through its Hadhramaut Research Center, commenced in Al-Mukalla on Saturday. The conference brought together a distinguished group of academics and researchers from within Yemen and abroad, underscoring the university's prominent presence in the regional and international research and academic landscape.
The conference began with an opening session that commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Following this, Professor Abdullah Mohammed Baharoon, President of Al-Ahgaff University, delivered a welcoming address to the participants and attendees. He emphasized the importance of the conference and its role in supporting scientific research and fostering academic collaboration. Professor Baharoon highlighted the university's commitment to organizing scientific conferences that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society, and stressed the necessity of prioritizing scientific research and its application to serve the community.
The Governor of Hadramawt, Mr. Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi, delivered a speech via video recording from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, expressing his pride in the convening of the conference. He praised Al-Ahgaff University's role in highlighting the scientific, historical, and cultural dimensions of Hadramawt, and the importance of scientific research in serving development and preserving Hadrami identity. He also highlighted the role of Hadramis in spreading knowledge and religion in various regions, including East Africa.
The Secretary-General of the Federation of Universities of the Islamic World, Professor Dr. Sami Al-Sharif, also delivered a speech from Cairo via Zoom. He emphasized the importance of scientific conferences in strengthening cooperation between universities and academic institutions in the Islamic world, and commended Al-Ahgaff University's efforts in organizing this distinguished scientific event.
The opening session also included presentations by four speakers: Professor Mohamed bin Dahri from Kenya, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hadramawt Research Center; Professor Singh Ho from Malaysia; Sheikh Faisal Al-Amoudi from Kenya; and Professor Zainul Ma'arif Jamzuri, President of Bahjat University in Indonesia. The speakers addressed a number of issues related to the conference themes, highlighting the scientific, cultural, and historical dimensions of the topic and emphasizing the importance of academic research in documenting civilizational experiences and strengthening communication between peoples.
Following the opening session, the conference's scientific sessions commenced, divided between two halls. A number of peer-reviewed research papers were presented by researchers from various universities and research centers, addressing the conference themes from multiple scientific perspectives. These sessions featured rich discussions and contributions that reflected the high level of interest and scholarly engagement.
The conference concluded with a closing session that included a speech by the head of the conference's preparatory committee, Professor Sadiq Omar Maknoun, Vice President of Al-Ahgaff University. He expressed his satisfaction with the conference's success, the active participation of all researchers, and the diversity of the scientific papers, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the Hadrami migration and their role in social and economic life. In conclusion, Dr. Hashim Alawi Muqbil presented the conference recommendations and highlighted the key points made by researchers regarding the Hadrami people in East Africa: integration and the preservation of identity. These recommendations emphasized the importance of supporting specialized scientific research on Hadrami migration, enhancing the documentation and archiving of heritage, manuscripts, and related documents. The conference also stressed the necessity of conducting field studies, documenting the living memory of the migrants' descendants, and expanding research areas to include linguistic, cultural, advocacy, and legal aspects.
The conference recommended building effective academic partnerships between universities in Hadramawt and East Africa, establishing a permanent scientific platform for the conference proceedings, and ensuring its regular convening. The conference concluded that studying the Hadrami presence in East Africa is a scientific imperative for understanding Arab and Islamic history and promoting the values of coexistence and cultural integration.
At the end of the conference, supporting organizations, session chairs, researchers, participants, the preparatory committee, and the supporting committees were honored for their contributions to the conference's success. The conference was attended by presidents of Yemeni public and private universities and research centers, as well as a number of academics and those interested in historical matters.