Interact with pearl divers, make perfume: See what this year’s UAE winter camp has in store for kids – News

Children aged 8 to 16 are invited to learn and explore their creativity through interactive workshops, lectures and other activities inspired by Emirati heritage

School is on winter break and many families are trying to find ways to keep their children entertained. While there are many winter camps around the city, the one organized by Dubai Culture promises to connect children with the heritage of the UAE.

The first week of the 5-day camp begins on Monday and will repeat at two locations from 19-23 December: the Etihad Museum and the Al Shindagha Museum. At both camps, children aged 8 to 16 are invited to learn and explore their creativity through interactive workshops, talks and other activities inspired by the tradition.

“Winter camps organized with our museum play an important role in strengthening children’s connection to the heritage and history of the UAE and introducing them to its customs and traditions. They also enable children to learn about local heritage and its secrets, as well as conservation and Celebrating the importance of the UAE’s heritage as a source and inspiration for future generations,” said Muna Faisal Algurg, Chief Executive Officer, Culture and Heritage Dubai.

Al Shindagha Museum’s camp is titled ‘Journey from Land to Sea’ where children will embark on a 5-day journey in the footsteps of their ancestors. The first day will focus on the Falcon as they learn about the national bird and its importance. Events include falcon burqa decorations and live encounters with falcons. The second day will focus on camels and trade. During the day, they will also meet a live camel, learn about it and try their hand at making a perfume.

Day three focuses on fishing, while day four focuses on pearl diving – they will meet pearl divers while learning how to shuck oysters in search of pearls. Day five will focus on dhows and shipbuilding. During the workshop, children will learn how to make a ‘gargoor’ – a net used for fishing – and will learn about the origins of local customs and traditions.

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Speaking to Khaleej Times, Abdalla Al Obeidli, professional museum manager and acting manager of the Al Shindagha Open Museum, said the camps are important for both local and expatriate children, with previous camps being popular with parents. “The kids in all the schools are learning about the culture and heritage of the UAE, so it’s a great opportunity to experience it first-hand,” he said, adding that the camps are bilingual and sometimes parents of non-Arabic-speaking children delight them of children are exposed to Arabic.

“These children will grow up and many will call the UAE their second home for a long time. Learning about the country’s culture will serve them well throughout their lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the Etihad Museum, children will learn about the nation’s identity, history, alliances and their achievements. The program includes a look at the development of the UAE passport, and children will learn about the National Historic Building located in the museum’s outdoor gardens.

Aligned with the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ 2022 initiative themed ‘Our Heritage’, the camps are part of Dubai’s cultural commitment by spurring innovation, defining and protecting the richness of the UAE’s heritage and strengthening its commitment to investing in future generations part. It exists in the mind and soul of the child.