UAEBBY events unveil shadow theatre, story art
A key highlight of the programme is a weekly shadow theatre series hosted under the title Kalila wa Dimna Summer Camp, held every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at House of Wisdom. These storytelling sessions introduce children aged 8 to 12 to selected tales from the classic Kalila wa Dimna, presented through shadow puppetry and live narration. Designed to spark curiosity and convey values such as wisdom, courage, and cooperation, the performances invite children to reflect and engage directly with the stories.
Emirati and Arab storytellers including Mohammed Dashti and Samia Ayish lead the sessions, each presenting a new tale every week. Children are encouraged to take part in retelling and reconstructing the narratives in their own way, promoting active learning through creativity and imagination.
The book Kalila wa Dimna is a cornerstone of classical world literature, known for its enduring wisdom told through animal fables. Translated into dozens of languages and deeply rooted in Arab cultural heritage since the 8th century, its symbolic tales deliver life lessons in a simple, impactful style. The stories remain a valuable educational reference for promoting moral thinking and ethical decision-making among young readers.
In Abu Dhabi, the board marked World Youth Skills Day with an art workshop titled A Ship Towards Dreams, held at the Abu Dhabi Children's Library. Led by Fatima Al Ameri, the session invited children aged 6 to 14 to design symbolic ships that reflect their dreams, personal values, and aspirations. Through guided artistic exploration, participants were encouraged to visualise their goals in a creative, supportive setting.
These initiatives are part of the board's broader commitment to creating safe, enriching learning environments where children can explore their identities, imagine freely, and develop important life skills. By combining literature with hands-on artistic tools, the programme reconnects young audiences with the values of storytelling, wisdom, and creativity in a way that is both fun and transformative.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
Salem bin Abdulrahman attends Sudanese Social Centre annual event
Ceremony opens with national anthems and cultural performances The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Sudan, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Attendees then enjoyed a traditional Emirati musical performance by artist Mohammed Hassan Al Jasmi. The programme also featured a visual presentation titled "Echoes of Achievement," highlighting the Centre's diverse activities, events, seminars, forums, and celebrations held over the past year. Speech by Engineer Ahmed Omar Khojali Engineer Ahmed Omar Khojali, Head of the Sudanese Social Centre in Sharjah, delivered a speech in which he expressed his deep gratitude to the country's wise leadership for its generous support of all communities residing in the UAE. He extended special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for laying a strong foundation that supports scientific and cultural progress through his unwavering commitment to the promotion of knowledge and scholars. He also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Ruler's Office for his ongoing support of the Centre's various activities and his consistent attendance and patronage of the annual innovators' ceremony. Congratulating honourees and outstanding students In his speech, the Centre's head congratulated the Sudanese professionals and creative individuals who were honoured with professional excellence awards, along with the winners of the Centre's various activities in literary production, and in scientific, media, and sports achievements. He expressed pride in recognising the outstanding students, describing them as the true treasure and future wealth of societies and nations. He extended his best wishes to the students and their parents for continued success in their educational journeys and in their efforts to contribute to the development of their local communities and the broader Sudanese society. Address by graduate Hamad Ahmed Ibrahim For his part, Hamad Ahmed Ibrahim, a graduate of the University of Sharjah, delivered a speech on behalf of the honoured students. He expressed his gratitude to the management of the Sudanese Social Centre in Sharjah for their continuous support of students and their efforts in recognising academic excellence. He noted that such encouragement fosters a spirit of seriousness and perseverance, motivating students to continue on the path of knowledge and hard work. He affirmed that all the graduates will proudly carry forward this legacy of generosity, serving as ambassadors of knowledge and values. With full awareness and loyalty, they will take on their responsibilities as graduates, repaying the support they received through dedication, sincerity in work, and commitment to serving their communities and homelands. Honouring winners at ceremony conclusion At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi honoured the distinguished winners in the categories of Scientific Production, Media Production, Career Excellence, and Postgraduate Studies across various specialisations. Celebrating graduates and providing entertainment During the ceremony, distinguished male and female graduates from high schools, universities, and colleges nationwide, along with recipients of the Sudanese Social Centre Awards in Sharjah, were honoured. The event also included a range of entertainment, such as musical and theatrical performances, a health corner providing free medical checkups, and children's activities. Attendance by community leaders and families The ceremony was attended by Eng. Omar Khojali, Head of the Sudanese Social Centre and the Sudanese community in Sharjah, Murtadha Al-Zilaie, Deputy head of the Centre, several representatives from Sudanese clubs and councils across the UAE, as well as a large gathering of the honourees' families and community members.
Middle East Eye
a day ago
- Middle East Eye
Ziad Rahbani, icon of Lebanese music and theatre, dies at 69
Ziad Rahbani, one of Lebanon's most influential cultural figures and the son of Arab music legend Fairuz, has died at the age of 69. A playwright, composer, and political commentator, Rahbani shaped the landscape of Lebanese theatre and music with his biting wit, leftist and secular politics, and sharp portrayals of his country's fractured society. "On Saturday at 9:00 am [6am GMT], the heart of the great artist and creator Ziad Rahbani stopped beating," said a statement from the Beirut hospital where the artist, who has long suffered from health problems, was being treated. The son of Fairuz, who turned 90 last year, and the late composer Assi Rahbani, Ziad first rose to prominence in the 1970s. He broke away from the romanticism of his parents' work to create art rooted in social critique and everyday struggles. Tributes poured in for the enfant terrible of Lebanese music, whose theatre productions and songs left an enduring mark on generations of Lebanese - many of whom know his lyrics and playscripts by heart. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Rahbani was a versatile composer and a pioneer of oriental jazz. He mixed traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, funk and classical influences, creating a unique and instantly recognisable sound. Rahbani composed for Fairuz in her later years, bringing political depth to her repertoire. Throughout Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990) and in the decades that followed, Rahbani's plays became spaces where Lebanese audiences confronted their harsh realities. He often highlighted the hardships of Lebanon's working class. His characters were disillusioned citizens, ex-revolutionaries or everyday people caught in the complexities of Lebanon's political and sectarian struggles. Lebanese diva Fairuz talks to her son, Ziad Rahbani, and Armenian conductor Karen Durgarian during rehearsals prior to their concert in Dubai on 23 January 2003 (AFP) One of his most influential plays, Nazl el-Sourour (Happiness Hotel), is a political satire set in a run-down hotel, where two laid-off workers take the guests hostage in a failed attempt at revolution. Through humour and absurdity, the play critiques class divisions and the hollowness of political slogans in pre-war Lebanon. Another one of his landmark works, the 1980 production Film Ameriki Tawil (A Long American Film), is a satirical portrayal of the civil war, set in an asylum where the patients represent different segments of society. Rahbani articulated a collective frustration and longing for change. For many in Lebanon and across the Arab world, his death marks the loss of a singular voice that never stopped asking uncomfortable questions.
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
Ziad Rahbani, iconic Lebanese musician and playwright, dies at 69
A legacy of rebellion and innovation Often described as the enfant terrible of Lebanese culture, Rahbani left a lasting impact on generations through his provocative theatre pieces and innovative music. His work addressed political and social themes, often preempting or responding to Lebanon's turmoil, including the civil war that began in 1975. Revolutionary theatre and satire Rahbani's 1980 satirical play Film Ameriki Tawil (The American Motion Picture) remains one of his most iconic works. Set in an asylum during the civil war, it used humor and allegory to critique Lebanon's fractured society and political chaos. Musical heritage and oriental jazz As the son of Fairuz and Assi Rahbani—two pillars of Arab music—Ziad Rahbani inherited a profound artistic legacy. His contributions modernized Lebanese music, blending jazz with traditional Arabic melodies in a style he dubbed 'Oriental jazz.' His compositions for Fairuz brought her renewed popularity among younger generations. A voice for the marginalised Rahbani's outspoken secular and leftist views shaped both his art and public image. He consistently challenged Lebanon's sectarian divides and championed justice, earning him admiration across political lines. Tributes from across Lebanon Tributes poured in following his death. Actress Carmen Lebbos, his former partner, wrote: 'I feel like everything has gone. I feel like Lebanon has become empty.' President Joseph Aoun hailed Rahbani as 'a voice that rebelled against injustice, an honest mirror for the oppressed.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon had lost 'a free voice who stayed faithful to the values of justice and dignity.' Culture Minister Ghassan Salame expressed grief, noting, 'We dreaded this day as we knew his health was worsening and that his desire for treatment was dwindling.' Ziad Rahbani's fearless voice, creative spirit, and deep influence on Arab culture will be remembered for generations to come.
