Upcoming Events for the 2013-2014 Year
Please check this page frequently as it will be updated often with information about our events and meetings.
Spring 2014
Upcoming Events:
ACA has some big events coming up! Please mark your calendars and come out:
It has finally arrived!! Our biggest, much-awaited event of the year is finally here: our 7th annual Arabic Ball hosted by the
Arabic Cultural Association at UF! Come enjoy a classy, unforgettable night with a delicious full-course Arabic dinner, live Arabic music by DJ Khalil, a belly dancer, and the amazing Jafraa Dabke Team from Seattle, Washington! Join us as we celebrate Arab culture through food, music and dance - and show off your Arabic moves while at it - on Saturday, March 29th, at JOLIE's.
Time: Doors open at 7 pm
Tickets: We would appreciate a $15 donation for UF students and $20 for non-students. There is LIMITED SEATING, so make sure to secure your ticket ASAP!
Tickets will be available starting at our 2nd General Body Meeting on Thursday, March 13 (info here: http://on.fb.me/1hMTCI4) and up until the day of the Ball. You can get your ticket from any of the e-board members (see below) and we will be tabling as well.
ACA appreciates your continuous generosity, as it helps us keep putting on wonderful events like this!
Furthermore, all food will be Halal/Zabiha, and there will be several Vegetarian options as well!! We will have an assortment of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, including MANSAF!
JOLIE's is located on 12 W University Avenue, Gainesville. Don't miss out on a fun-filled night, at our classy, Mediterranean-themed venue which will offer staffed service to attend to your needs!
-TO OBTAIN TICKETS, OR FOR GENERAL QUESTIONS YOU MAY EMAIL: [email protected]
OR tickets can be obtained from any officer or purchased from the link below through Paypal!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
Come out again to ACA's 2nd social at Hookah Nite Cafe! Join us as we go to chill at Hookah Nite Social for the second time....if you went to our first Hookah Nite Social, you know how much fun it was!! Immerse yourself in the Arab ambiance and lounge culture as you enjoy a traditional argileh (hookah), tea, coffee, and assorted Arabic treats, such as spinach, zaatar, meat pies and more! You don't have to smoke to come!! Kick back with your friends and have fun, regardless! We will have cards and board games as well, and maybe a surprise even!! Friday, March 14, 2014 at 9:30 pm
It's time again for ACA's 2nd general body meeting of the semester - Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 pm!! Come out and learn more about what ACA is up to and all our upcoming events we've planned! We will be discussing what we have in store for our 7th Annual Arabic Ball on March 29, revealing our promo video, and selling tickets.
Dr. Matthew Jacobs, an esteemed, well-known and engaging professor here at UF, will give a talk on "US-MidEast Relations." !
Free pizza will be served!
Tutoring
Tutoring is now being offered to students who are taking Arabic. Email us for appointment times or for more information.
More events to be posted, check us out!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/ArabicCulturalAssociationUf
Join our group: http://on.fb.me/1cyHrM1
Follow us: https://twitter.com/ufaca
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
PAST EVENTS:
Spring 2014 Events:
On Monday, February 10, 2014, five survivors of large-scale massacres in Syria will be visiting the University of Florida to tell their stories. Each of these survivors will give not only a recount of what they witnessed during the massacres, but also share a message of endurance, hope, dedication, and inspiration. This is an important opportunity to hear the voices and eyewitness accounts of five survivors from inside Syria, and learn more about the Syrian Revolution that began in March 2011, and the ensuing civil war and humanitarian disaster there. Join us on Mon, Feb 10, at the Reitz Union Auditorium at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm, and there will be free baked goods and refreshments.Our speakers:
Anas al-Dabas, survivor of Daraya massacre
Amineh Sawan, survivor of Moadamiya chemical weapons attacks
Heba Sawan, survivor of Moadamiya chemical weapons attacks
Oussama Chourbagi, representative of the Daraya Local Council
Mohamad Khir Alwazir, survivor of East Ghouta chemical weapons attack
The Arabic Cultural Association seeks to foster discussion and dialogue on the political and humanitarian crises and changes happening in the Middle East, in a professional and mature manner. **We do not have any political positions, and ACA does not officially endorse any claims or viewpoints made by the speakers.**
The Arabic Cultural Association at UF is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Arabic Film Month at UF, co-sponsored by the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries!! Join us in this cinematic exploration of the Arab world and Arabic culture at two film screenings on the following dates: Thursday, January 23rd and Tuesday, January 28th. Both screenings will be held at Smathers Library East Room 1A, and doors open at 6 pm, and both films will start at 6:30 pm.
Weekly Round Tables
Join us for Arabic and English conversation and coffee every week! Perfect opportunity to learn about Arabic culture and practice your Arabic. Arabic and English are offered on separate nights. Check Facebook for exact dates, locations, and times.
Our first GBM of Spring will be Thursday, January 9th, 2014 at 6:30pm in the REITZ UNION GRAND BALLROOM (Salon B & C).
At our first GBM there will be a panel exploring Arab-American identity.
Hear from your fellow peers as they answer questions and share their experiences about growing up Arab in America. Free food, including hummus, will be provided. Several clubs will be tabling as well, so this would be a good networking opportunity. New and transfer students are more than welcome to attend, and meet the ACA, iEngage and APIA communities!
Fall 2013 Events:
ACA Hookah Nite Social: For a great night of socialization, hookah, cards and other games, come enjoy the Arabic ambiance, while enjoying your Friday night with friends! It goes without saying - you don't need to smoke hookah to come, but if you'd like to, hookahs are $10! There will be cards, games, tea and other drinks that you can enjoy in the cheerful, colorful atmosphere of the cafe without smoking as well!
Friday, Oct 4th, from 9:30-11:30 pm
Spring 2012 Events:
FIRST EVER ARABIC FILM MONTH
UF Smathers Library East - Room 1A ( next to Library West)Hey everyone!! The Arabic Cultural Association here at UF is having its first annual Arabic Film Month, co-sponsored with UF's Library East (next to Library West). Have you ever wanted to watch an Arabic movie (with English subtitles, of course)? Have you ever wondered what Arabic cinema is like? Join us as we screen two award-winning films this month as part of our 1st Annual Arabic Film Month! We had an excellent turn-out for the Moroccan film on Wed, 2/13, and now we're gearing up for an even better turn-out and film:
Tuesday, February 26 - 6:00 pm:
-Screening the very famous, classic Egyptian film, "Cairo Station (Bab El-Hadid)." FREE ARABIC DINNER PROVIDED!!!
Learn more about Arabic cinema, and especially Egyptian culture! Plus, enjoy delicious Arabic food - for free! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THIS EVENT!!! We will also be showcasing the Lebanese film "Where Do We Go Now?" at our upcoming Arabic Breakfast!
ARABIC STORYTIME AT MILLHOPPER BRANCH LIBRARY: NEXT DATE: MARCH 16TH 1PM
Mother tongue day show Feb 17th, Rion Ballroom! ( showcasing Arabic poetry!)
Gyro Plus Social: Thursday, Jan. 17 at 630pm
FALL 2012 EVENTS:
Weekly Events
Weekly Arabic Round Table
Join us for Arabic conversation and coffee every week! Perfect opportunity to learn about Arabic culture and practice your Arabic.
Location: Matherly Hall Room 10
Time: 5 pm
Visa's International Week!
A whole week of culture, free food and meeting new people? Come out to VISA'S I-Week from November 13th-18th!
November 13th:
A Peek Around the World (VISA World Fair)!
Location: Reitz Union Colonnade
Time: 10am-3pm
November 14th:
Bread and Banter (VISA Potluck)
Location: Weaver Beach
Time: 7pm-10pm
What to look for: Performances from theater strike force, the sub-orgs, and free food from all around the world!
November 15th:
Bowling and Billiards
Location: Reitz Union Game Room
Time: 8:30pm-11:30pm
What to look for: Free Bowling, Billiards and Foosball. Bring your A game and a team to win the bowling tournament!
November 16th:
A Day at the Carnival
Location: Reitz Union Lawn
Time: 11am-3pm
What to look for: An obstacle course, popcorn and cotton candy machines, andddd jousting too!
November 18th:
Soccer Tournament/Field Day
Location: Flavet Field
Time: Soccer starts at 9am and field day will start at 11am, both ending at 2pm
What to look for: Donuts and water for after the game, and a bounce house for those who can't kick!
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Spring 2012 EVENTS:
General Body Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 7:30pm
Rinker Hall Room 106
Learn all about Morocco, and hear about our exciting events for the semester.
Snacks and refreshments available so come on out!!
Islam Awareness Month
Thursday, February 2, 10am-2pm
Reitz Colonnade
Come by and learn about Islam's influence in Arab culture
Arabic Brunch
Saturday, February 4, 11am
President Besan's House
Wake up and smell the kahwa and foul medemas!!
Enjoy your favorite Arabic breakfast foods, drinks, and socialize with other club members
Project Makeover
Saturday February 25, 12pm-3pm
Chester Shell Elementary
Help better the learning environment of younger students by painting interactive murals,
landscaping, and participating in a variety of other activities to help better the facility.
Bring a friend and volunteer with ACA
General Body Meeting
Cancelled!!!!
Arab Festival: Orlando
Sunday March 25th
The biggest celebration of Arab culture in the area. Enjoy great Arabic music, dances,
and food.
This is the event you don't want to miss.
Carpooling will be available
Please check back for additional information
http://www.arabamericanculturalfestival.org/index.html
4th Annual Arabic Ball
March
The most talked about ACA celebrationDance to the hottest Arabic music.
Indulge in the flavors of the Arab cuisine.
This is the event you don't want to miss.
More information will become available in the future, please check back for updates
and Many More....
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FALL 2010 EVENTS:
Lake Wauburg BBQ!
Sunday 12:00pm-5:30pm
Join us as well as IOC, LAS, ESA, and PSA in a barbecue at Lake Wauburg.
Come and socialize with members of other organizations as we play soccer, football, kayak and a ton of other activities.
Social
Come meet other members, enjoy Arabic food, hookah and music
Saturday September 18th
Location/Time TBA
1st General Body Meeting
Thursday August 2nd- CSE-221 6:30pm
Upcoming Tentative Events
Paintball Tournament
Springs Social
Lake Wauburg Social/BBQ
and Many More....
SPRING 2010 EVENTS:
3rd Annual ARABIC BALL at the Gainesville Woman’s Club
{Tickets Available at Reitz Union Colonnade from 10am-2pm or call 727-580-6400;
$10 or $15 at the door due to Limited Seating}
When: Saturday, April 10th 7-11 pm
Semi-Formal Attire
Full Arabic dinner, Live Entertainment, Belly-Dance Show and DJ
4th Annual Arabic Week
Monday, April 5th- Saturday, April 10th
Monday: Arab World Fair at the Plaza of the Americas
When: 10am-2pm
Tuesday: Hookah Night at Kava Lounge
When: 9 pm-
Wednesday: Dove Peace Exhibit at the Plaza of the Americas
When: 10am - 1pm
Thursday: Film Screening: Amreeka
When: 8 pm
Friday: Global Coffee House and LAS Game Night at Orange and Brew
When: 6:30 pm
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FALL 2008 EVENTS:
Fall Welcome Back/First Meeting:
Wednesday, September 17th
8pm-10pm
Reitz Union Amphitheatre
ACA's first event of the semester! Please join us for Arabic desserts, drinks, and of course, music. Come meet new and old ACA members as well as your new officers for the 2008-2009 year and hear about our exciting upcoming events and how you can get involved! We hope to see you all there!
The Reitz Union Amphitheatre is located outside the Reitz Union in front of the Orange and Brew and Taco Bell. Please don't hesitate to contact any of the officers for more information!
The Gelato Company Fundraiser
Tuesday, October 7th
6pm-8pm
Come support ACA! Enjoy great paninis, homemade soups, salads, and real gelato with your fellow ACA members and officers. 20% of ALL proceeds will go directly to the ACA and help us bring you great events for this year!
Check out their delicious menu at www.thegelatocompany.com
Guest Speaker Samy El-Behiri
Thursday, October 16th
7pm-9pm
FLG 210 (Florida Gym)
Egyptian engineer and author Samy El-Behiri will come speak about "Democracy in the Middle East", how it should be a change among the people and not the within government, and what we can do at the citizen level to help. He has written a novel in Arabic titled "Sa'eed Abu El-Ma'aty, El-Mowaten El-Demoqraty" which translates to "Sa'eed Abu El-Ma'aty, the Democratic Citizen." His novel is a satire that talks about fictional character Sa'eed, a normal Egyptian citizen who tries to change the domestic level of society. El-Behiri has also written for Arabic newspapers and online webpages.
After his presentation the floor will be opened for discussion, questions, and debate. We hope to see you all there for this great event. Attendance will be limited so please be sure to arrive early to make sure you get a seat!
General Body MeetingThursday, October 30th 7:30pm
Please check back for location. We will be discussing upcoming events for the year. There will be refreshments!
Arabian Infusion Night
Saturday, November 15th 10pm-2am
Thai Fusion Lounge
Back by popular demand ;) ACA will be teaming up with the Lebanese American Society (LAS) once again to organize another Arabic night! It will be held at Thai Fusion Lounge (Next to the Hippodrome) on Saturday, November 15th. In case you missed the last one, it's an opportunity to come experience the fun side of Arabic culture: great Arabic music, dancing, dabke, hookah, and a belly dancer! Come join us for a great night! Dress to impress! There will be a door charge of $5 for guests 21+ and $8 for under 21. Don't miss it!
Service Event
Sunday, December 7th 9:30am
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House provides housing for families with children undergoing treatments or procedures at Shands hospital. Our job during our event is to provide breakfast for the families. That means we will be either cooking or bringing food like eggs, fruit, toast, muffins, breakfast bars, etc for that morning and each volunteer (we need about 10-15) would need to contribute a little bit of food. Please contact Sharday at [email protected] if you're interested in helping out.
General Body Meeting
Tuesday, February 3rd 7:30pm
Location TBA
Come by and hear about all the exciting events we have planned for this semester!
Service Event
Friday, February 20th 2:30pm-3:30pm
Palm Garden Nursing Home
We will help with the Friday Bingo!
Give to Gaza Fundraiser
Sunday, March 1st 5pm
Woodlands Clubhouse
$10 per plate all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner. All proceeds will go to World Food Program's "Operation Lifeline Gaza" to help those in need after the recent tragedy in the Gaza Strip. Please come out and bring all your friends!
Arabic Night
Tuesday, March 3rd 9pm-2am
101 downtown
All Arabic Music, all night! Our Arabic nights are always a big hit! Come enjoy great music and company! There will be a $5 charge at the door, but all proceeds to straight to ACA to help bring you events this year!
General Body Meeting!
Thursday, March 19th 7:30pm
MCCA 2186
We have a LOT of upcoming events to discuss as well as nominations for next year's officers. Come get involved and make your voice heard!
3rd Annual Arabic Week
Monday, March 30th: Arab World Fair
Plaza of the Americas 10am-3pm
Tuesday, March 31st: Hookah Night
Hookah Night Cafe 8pm
Wednesday, April 1st: Peace Exhibit
Plaza of the Americas 10am-1pm
Thursday, April 2nd: Film Screening "Caramel"
Woodlands Clubhouse 8pm
Friday, April 3rd: "A Personal Account of Palestine" guest speaker Silvia Flefel
Orange and Brew 6pm
Arabesque Music Ensemble Performance
April 5th, 20097:00pmUniversity Auditorium
ACA is proud to announce we will be hosting the world-renowned Arabesque Music Ensemble for an unforgettable performance. Arabesque Music Ensemble is one of the only, if not THE only, group of its kind in the US that dedicates itself to preserving traditional Arabic music. This event will be a free event for everyone to attend. Please take a look at their website for more information about the musicians, their history, and clips from previous performances: www.arabesquemusicensemble.com. This is a very special and unique opportunity to come see truly talented musicians. If you haven't made it to any events yet, this is the one to come to.