The SAFAR Society: An Evening of Connection in St Andrews
SAFAR Magazine hosted the second edition of The SAFAR Society in St Andrews on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, welcoming students from across the University for an intimate, invite-only evening of conversation, cultural exchange and community. Building on the success of its inaugural gathering, the event continues SAFAR’s mission of bringing people together beyond the written word.
Photo Courtesy of SAFAR
Hosted at Space Café on South Street, the gathering transformed the familiar café into a thoughtfully curated setting designed to encourage dialogue and new connections. The guest list reflected the diversity of St Andrews, bringing together undergraduate, master’s and PhD students from a wide range of academic disciplines, societies and international backgrounds. Attendees represented every stage of university life, from first-year undergraduates to second-year doctoral candidates, studying subjects as varied as Artificial Intelligence, Banking and Finance, Divinity, and Museum and Heritage Studies. In a town defined by its international student community, the evening reflected that same diversity within a more intimate and intentional setting.
Beyond the Written Word
SAFAR Magazine was founded as a platform exploring the intersection of East and West through culture, lifestyle, fashion and storytelling. With The SAFAR Society, that editorial vision extends beyond the written word, creating opportunities for meaningful encounters grounded in curiosity, dialogue and cultural exchange. “Safar,” meaning journey in both Arabic and Persian, embodies the publication’s spirit of exploration – not only of places, but also of ideas, identities and perspectives. The Society brings that philosophy into the real world, transforming storytelling into shared experience.
Voices and Vision
The evening opened with a short introduction from Editor-in-Chief Marina S. Haq, who shared the vision behind SAFAR Magazine and its evolution as both a publication and a platform for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Photo Courtesy of Jana Borovsky
A particularly special moment came with the presence of her business partner and mother, Mo Haq, who travelled to St Andrews to attend the second edition in person.
The mother-daughter duo behind SAFAR,
Mo Haq and Marina S. Haq
The Art of Gathering
From the moment guests arrived, every detail was designed to encourage interaction. An introductory activity invited attendees to engage with both familiar faces and new acquaintances, making it easy to step beyond established social circles. Each place setting featured handwritten notes, Swiss chocolate and thoughtfully designed prompts that sparked discussion throughout the night. Guests were also encouraged to wear their academic gowns, blending the traditions of university life with a relaxed and welcoming setting. As the evening progressed, acquaintances reconnected in unexpected ways while new friendships emerged through shared academic interests, creative pursuits and different perspectives. Floral arrangements, candlelight and soft white and blush-pink accents created a warm ambience, complemented by café-style refreshments including hot flatbreads, cakes and coffee.
SAFAR extends its sincere thanks to Space Café for its warm hospitality and to everyone who joined the evening. With its second gathering, The SAFAR Society continues to grow as a community defined by curiosity, openness, and genuine connection, with future editions already in development.
Join the Community
To express your interest in future gatherings: info@safarmagazine.com