Model Arab League (MAL)

The Model Arab League (MAL) is an educational program that gives students hands-on experience in diplomacy and international relations. In these multi-regional competitions, students step into the role of representatives from Arab League member states and engage in debates and negotiations.

Created in 1983 by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, MAL serves as a youth leadership development program. While its central goal is to deepen understanding of the Arab world’s history and politics, it also helps participants sharpen skills in public speaking, debate, and diplomacy. In the United States, the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations oversees the competitions. Beyond the U.S., the University of Peloponnese organizes the Corinth Model Arab League (CorMAL) in Greece, while the American University in Cairo hosts the Cairo International Model Arab League (CIMAL).

UM-Dearborn began participating in MAL under the guidance of the now-retired Professor of Politics. Sci. Ron Stockton. Dr. Hani Bawardi resumed the responsibilities of adviser to MAL in 2023. Winning awards is not new to our UM-Dearborn delegation.

a group of students stand proudly around a faculty member holding winning certificates near a podium that reads "grand valley state university"
students in business attire sit at a table in delegation with books, laptops, etc. in front of them and placards noting the countries they are representing at a conference
students sit at a table in delegation with placards in front of them noting the countries they are representing at a conference
several students holding winning certificates stand around a faculty advisor and a grand valley state university podium, smiling
students sit at a table in delegation with books, laptops, etc. in front of them and placards noting the countries they are representing at a conference, while one student writes information on a white board and another stands at the end of the conference table
students sit at a table in delegation with books, laptops, etc. in front of them and placards noting the countries they are representing at a conference
a selfie style photo with faculty and students smiling in an auditorium room, holding winning certificates
2 students in conversation while another is working on a laptop with placards noting countries in front of them sit at a delegation table

Delegation Awards

Student Testimonials

"The Model Arab League was an extremely fulfilling and rewarding experience, where I had a great time meeting students from all over Michigan and bonding with our Dearborn team. Going into the first meeting, I was nervous but quickly realized that our meetings and research beforehand had me more than prepared. Rame and I were able to sponsor and pass numerous proposals with other states and by ourselves, correct misconceptions and misinformation other delegates had about Arabs and the states, learn more about parliamentary procedures, the behavior and politics of Arab delegates and countries, and how to become more articulate and confident individuals. 

I am already looking forward to attending next year's conference, and hope that we have the opportunity to also attend nationals. 

I am proud to represent the University of Michigan - Dearborn, and break at least a few stereotypes that are currently going around about the views of Dearborn residents." 

-Student, Rehab Jadalla