NYU Abu Dhabi's Debate Union hosted its second NYUAD Regional Debate Tournament in April, welcoming 65 students from nine different universities in the UAE and Qatar.
24 teams competed in three preliminary rounds, debating current affairs topics like the Gulf region's role in European migration and women's issues during humanitarian crises.
Teams from Texas A&M University at Qatar, Abu Dhabi University, Masdar Institute and the American University of Sharjah made it to the final round and debated heatedly about the role of the Pope in international affairs. In the end, first place went to Texas A&M University at Qatar. The best speaker of the tournament, which was decided by speaker points awarded during the preliminary rounds, was also a student from Texas A&M University at Qatar.
NYUAD and its 30 debate team members are planning to build on the success of this tournament by establishing the event as a central node for growing debate in the region and beyond. It is not only an opportunity for competition, but also a space to learn from fellow debaters.
RELATED: Abu Dhabi students win NYU global debate challenge
NYUAD Debate Union students train weekly under the guidance of Global Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies and Law John Coughlin, team coach. The team has performed well at a number of international tournaments such as the Hong Kong Debate Open, Budapest Open, Moscow Open, Oxford IV, and Vienna IV.