19th Annual Bilateral Model Arab League

Similar to Model United Nations (MUN), Model Arab League (MAL) is an annual leadership development program for high school and college students across the nation. Participants take on roles of delegates in a simulated debate of the League of Arab States whereby witnessing first-hand the complexities of international policy formation. By researching their assigned countries’ foreign policy objectives, cultural norms, and socio-economic and political strategies, students increase their knowledge and understanding of the richness and diversity of the Arab World and its peoples as well as the intricacies underlying U.S.-Arab relations.

Since its inception in 2007, the Bilateral Chamber’s regional MAL conference has hosted 30 institutions including highs schools, community colleges and 4-year universities, welcoming more than 1100 student delegates from across 8 states that include: Arkansas, Alabama, Colorado, Oklahoma, New York, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina.

This year, we partnered with Archaeology Now to host the Director of the Alhambra in Houston to provide public-facing talks on the architecture and archaeology of the Alhambra. This includes a keynote address about the importance of one of the most recognized Arab structures for students from across the Southern United States participating in the Model Arab League and two educational programs for a cross-disciplinary group of students at Houston’s two major universities, Rice University and the University of Houston.

Schedule of Events

• Friday, February 20th - Tour of the Ismaili Center in Houston: The Ismaili Center will host Model Arab League participants for a guided tour of the new Ismaili Center to discover stunning contemporary interpretations of traditional architecture and gardens of the Arab world.
• Saturday, February 21st - Day 1 of the Model Arab League competition and keynote presented by the Director of Alhambra.
  Discovering a World of Collaboration at the Alhambra:
  ‍Explore the Alhambra's rich cultural tapestry. A UNESCO site showcasing Islamic artistry with stunning geometry, calligraphy, and gardens symbolizing paradise, also highlights a historical crossroads of Muslim, Christian, & Jewish Spain. The archaeology of the site helps participants to gain an understanding evolving identities, power dynamics, and architectural fusion.
• Sunday, February 22nd - Day 2 of the Model Arab League competition and closing ceremony.

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