Summer camp instils Emirati etiquette and values in children
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)In the month of July, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) organised a summer camp to help young children get acquainted with Al Sana'a – the traditional Emirati code of manners, etiquette, and values – at Qasr Al Hosn in the emirate.The camp targeted children between the ages of 7 and 14, offering them a welcome opportunity to actively engage with and safeguard the cherished tradition.Through diverse sessions, integrating role-playing and storytelling, children were introduced to honouring guests, the etiquette of serving Arabic coffee, the settings and importance of the traditional majlis, collective assistance, respecting the elderly, and appropriate greetings and conversational cues when visiting them, among other topics.
In an interview with Aletihad , Asma Almaskari, Senior Education Specialist at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's efforts to foster deeper connections to Emirati heritage within the community and to promote the values that continue to shape UAE society today. 'The programme sets itself apart from typical summer activities by actively highlighting intangible cultural heritage. It is a transformative journey into the essence of Emirati identity, reviving a cherished way of life rooted in principles of respect, generosity, hospitality, humility, and honour,' Almaskari said.Hosting the camp within the historic Qasr Al Hosn holds particular significance, 'connecting participants to the legacy they are preparing to uphold, fostering a personal connection to their heritage and ensuring these significant traditions continue to flourish for present and future generations,' she added.Almaskari noted that the camp created a nurturing environment where children naturally adopted these values, ensuring a meaningful and effective learning experience.'For instance, the session on 'Honouring Guests: Al Sana'a Through Food', drawing inspiration from the legacy of Sheikha Salama bint Butti, provides participants with practical instructions on the proper protocols for serving traditional Emirati fuwala. It includes preparing an Emirati dish alongside culinary experts, thereby reinforcing values of generosity and thoughtful giving through direct application,' she said.Fuwala refers to culinary offerings, featuring an array of traditional Emirati snacks and Arabic coffee, which form an essential part of Emirati hospitality.Almaskari also elaborated on the session, which introduced participants to Tawjeb, a core Emirati value rooted in respect, compassion, and social responsibility. During the session, the children learned the etiquette of visiting the elderly, including appropriate greetings, the importance of bringing a small gift, and the proper phrases and conversational cues that are traditionally used when engaging with elders.Also speaking to Aletihad, parents of children participating in the camp shared how the training impacted their young ones.Maitha Al Mazrouei, whose son Abdullah took part in the camp said that her son is keen to participate in activities related to the heritage of the UAE. 'He was very happy to experience how to receive guests and welcome them with Emirati coffee in detail. 'Also, when we returned to our house, he kept imitating how to pour coffee and welcome guests. He also enjoyed interacting with the elderly and participating alongside them in activities,' she said.
Mazna Al Mansouri, mother of Mohammed, said: 'The main goal of his participation in Al Sana'a camp is for him to learn our authentic values and customs, to be raised with respect for elders, to understand the meaning duty, and to instill in my children the spirit of Emirati identity and to feel a sense of belonging.'
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