Sharjah summer youth programme draws strong community support
The programme launched with 'I am creative' (30 June–3 July), focusing on artistic appreciation, followed by 'This is Sharjah' (7–10 July), which included field trips to key Sharjah landmarks. Week three, 'I am the community' (14–17 July), promoted values of belonging and responsibility. Week four, 'I am athletic' (21–24 July), will emphasise physical and mental fitness, and the programme concludes with 'I am the future' (28–31 July), exploring innovation, AI, and future technologies.
A holistic learning and entertainment platform
Aisha Al Qassab, head of the Sharjah Summer Sports Programme, stated that the initiative has proven to be a comprehensive educational and recreational platform. 'The enthusiastic participation demonstrates institutions' commitment to youth development,' she said. Activities ranged from awareness and educational sessions to sports and healthcare support. She praised the contributing organisations for enabling an exceptional experience that instils values of learning, culture, health, sport, and heritage in participants.
Creative and cultural workshops
Workshops on traffic safety and legal awareness were delivered by the Sharjah Driving Institute, while Sharjah Institute for Heritage focused on Emirati traditions. Interactive creative sessions from FUNN (Art) developed artistic awareness among youth, and Sharjah Museums Authority offered cultural workshops. The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination held awareness sessions on achievements of people of determination, and Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi School conducted workshops on the 'Year of Community'.
Awareness and wellness lectures
Lectures on nutrition and physical activity were delivered by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the SAAED Association offered a session on road safety. The Sharjah General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments gave religious lectures to reinforce spiritual values.
Health and fitness activities
Emirates Foundation – SANID ran a first aid workshop to enhance health awareness and emergency preparedness. University Hospital provided medical support twice a week with a nurse on duty, while Al Daleel Medical Centre conducted health checks and gave souvenirs to promote wellness. On the sports front, the Self-Defence Club offered physical sessions during 'I am athletic', and Al Hamriyah Sports and Cultural Club hosted swimming classes over two days.
Community field visits
The programme included visits to the Social Services Department in Sharjah and Al Hamriyah, as well as the Elderly Care Home, to foster compassion and social responsibility. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock supported the initiative by providing local dairy products from Mleiha Milk.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Mleiha Club concludes ‘I am athletic' week
Talent discovery and community engagement Throughout the week, the club identified promising sports talents across various disciplines, who will now be considered for further internal training. A key highlight was the 'Generations Meet' event, where young participants interacted with prominent Emirati sports stars, including captains Bakhit Saad, Basheer Saeed, Ahmed Diaa, Hamdan Saeed (UAE basketball team), and Khalid Waleed (UAE volleyball team). The guests toured the club's facilities, engaged in discussions, and inspired participants with personal stories about ambition, national pride, and a love of sport. Daily schedule with a values-first approach Each day began with sessions on ablution, prayer, and Quran reading, followed by various educational and awareness-building workshops. From 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, youth took part in sports activities including mini-tournaments and specialised festivals in football, swimming, chess, volleyball, and water games. A balanced vision of sport and education Mohammed Awad Al Ketbi, board member of Mleiha Club and head of the summer activities committee, said the week reflected the club's vision of blending sport with education and entertainment with values. He praised the strong engagement from participants and thanked the Sharjah Sports Council and other partners for their continued support in delivering meaningful programmes for youth. Looking ahead to future-focused week Al Ketbi also announced preparations for the fourth week of the summer programme, themed 'I am the future', which will focus on life skills, creative thinking, and career guidance, as part of the club's commitment to shaping confident, identity-rooted, and socially engaged young people.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Hamdan launches ‘Dubai Mallathon' to transform shopping malls into fitness hubs
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, on Thursday launched Dubai Mallathon, a community-driven initiative aimed at promoting public health by encouraging all members of society to engage in daily physical activity during the summer. The initiative is set to transform shopping malls across Dubai into organised health and fitness tracks during morning hours, from 7:00 to 10:00am, from Aug.1 to 31. As part of the initiative, dedicated walking and running tracks will be introduced in seven of Dubai's major shopping destinations, including Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Marina Mall. Dubai Mallathon is aligned with the goals of the Year of Community, the Dubai Social Agenda 33, and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33, which aim to provide the highest standards of living, residential services, and cultural and sporting events while celebrating the UAE's cultural, architectural and environmental heritage. Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life. Through meaningful initiatives that bring the community together, the city aims to foster a sense of connection, encourage healthier lifestyles, and create a more vibrant, supportive social life, he added. "With the Dubai Mallathon, we're turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits. "We want everyone in Dubai to feel they can stay active and energised in welcoming spaces built with their needs in mind. This reflects our broader commitment to placing people and families at the heart of our development plans.' He encouraged the public to take part in the Dubai Mallathon, describing it as a simple and accessible way to embrace healthier habits and engage with the community."Every step you take moves us closer towards a healthier Dubai,' he said. "This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world's best place to live, work, and visit.' Sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and held in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon initiative targets all segments of society, including youth, senior citizens, residents, children, and shopping mall to foster an active lifestyle in a supportive setting, the initiative incorporates motivational tools such as fitness-tracking systems, health awareness stations, dedicated children's areas, and guided stretching exercises. This community-driven experience not only encourages participation but also raises awareness about the importance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Dubai Mallathon also seeks to make the most of the vast, underutilised indoor spaces in major malls by transforming them into safe and dynamic sporting environments. This approach offers a practical solution to the challenges of summer heat. With air-conditioned spaces and advanced infrastructure, shopping malls provide an ideal setting for exercise, removing the barrier of extreme heat and encouraging residents to maintain their physical fitness year-round. The initiative also features the 'Walk for Better Health' programme, organised by Dubai's Community Development Authority in collaboration with malls in the emirate. Participation in Dubai Mallathon is free of charge and can be completed by registering through the official website: Upon registration, participants will receive a digital card confirming their enrolment in the initiative. Dubai Mallathon also features collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets, which will offer special deals that align with the initiative's goals of promoting a balanced and active lifestyle, encouraging better nutritional choices and supporting individuals in adopting long-term, sustainable healthy habits. WAM
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai launches ‘Mallathon' to turn malls into summer fitness hubs
Image: Majid Al Futtaim Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has launched Dubai Mallathon, a new community-focused fitness initiative that transforms shopping malls into indoor walking and running tracks during the summer. The month-long programme, which runs daily from 7am to 10am from August 1 to 31, aims to make fitness more accessible to residents by leveraging the climate-controlled environments of Dubai's largest malls. Seven malls will participate, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, Deira City Centre, City Centre Mirdif, Dubai Marina Mall, and Springs Souk. 'With the Dubai Mallathon, we're turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection, and better habits,' Sheikh Hamdan said. 'This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world's best place to live, work, and visit.' Public health push through Mallathon The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to promote well-being and healthier lifestyles under the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 33. It also aligns with the national 'Year of Community' campaign. Backed by the Ministry of Defence and organised in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Mallathon targets all age groups and segments of society, including children, senior citizens, and mall employees. Participation is free, with registration open at Registered participants receive a digital card and gain access to daily fitness activities, including stretching sessions, children's zones, and health-awareness stations. Fitness-tracking tools will also be integrated to encourage consistency. Using existing infrastructure The programme also addresses the challenge of exercising in the extreme summer heat by repurposing underused mall space. Officials say it is a practical, low-barrier solution for maintaining physical activity year-round. 'Dubai seeks to set new global benchmarks in wellbeing by making fitness an integral part of daily life,' Sheikh Hamdan said, adding that the initiative reflects the city's strategy to place people and families at the centre of development plans. Retail collaboration To support lifestyle change beyond exercise, Mallathon will feature collaborations with restaurants and retail outlets that offer health-conscious deals and products to participants, promoting better nutrition and long-term wellness habits. The initiative also includes the 'Walk for Better Health' programme, a joint effort by the Community Development Authority and participating malls, aimed at promoting community participation in physical health. Read:
