Latest news with #EmiratiCulture
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Culture Launches Cultural Competitions for Emirati Children and Youth - Middle East Business News and Information
In collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, announced the launch of Cultural Competitions for Emirati Children and Youth at MoC's Cultural and Creative Centres. The competitions come as part of the celebrations of Emirati Children's Day, with the aim of strengthening the values of cultural identity among children and encouraging their engagement in literary and knowledge-based activities. This initiative aligns with the UAE's vision to instil national values in future generations. The competitions, held under the theme 'National Identity and Emirati Culture', are open for Emirati children between the ages of 8 and 12 to showcase their talents in poetry (Nabati or classical) and short story. H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the competitions form part of the Ministry's wider efforts to cultivate talent across all age groups and enrich the UAE's cultural landscape through diverse events and knowledge-driven initiatives. His Excellency stated: 'These competitions inspire creativity, strengthen Emirati and Arab cultural identity, and foster intellectual exchange. They also highlight the essential role of culture in driving social and economic development, in line with the UAE's vision of a cohesive, knowledge-based society. Moreover, such initiatives reaffirm the UAE's commitment to promoting cultural diversity, advancing intellectual growth, and supporting individual creative expression.' Her Excellency Al Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, highlighted that the competitions are part of the nationwide celebrations for Emirati Children's Day, which began on March 15 and will continue throughout the year under the theme 'The Right to Identity and National Culture.' Her Excellency said: 'Through these celebrations, the Council—along with its partners—seeks to raise awareness among Emirati children and youth about the importance of embracing and understanding their national identity. National identity plays a vital role in shaping character, broadening cultural awareness, strengthening social engagement, and deepening a sense of belonging. These initiatives are designed to reinforce the sense of identity, especially among younger generations.' H.E. added that the competitions aim to instil a love for the Arabic language from an early age, while nurturing a deep appreciation for their national culture, rich poetic traditions—both classical and Nabati—and the UAE's storytelling heritage. She emphasized that these cultural elements are vital in strengthening national identity, fostering cultural pride, and celebrating the country's enduring legacy. Her Excellency further noted that this cultural focus remains a top priority for both the Council and the Ministry, as demonstrated through the wide range of activities offered in the competitions. She encouraged all interested children to visit the Emirati Children's Day page on the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood's website and submit their entries via: The launch of the cultural competitions is part of a comprehensive program led by the Ministry of Culture to strengthen national identity and promote intellectual creativity across all age groups. Through interactive and knowledge-based activities, the program aligns with the UAE's vision of empowering creatives and positioning culture as a core pillar of sustainable development.
The National
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
What is Al Razfa? The traditional Emirati dance that welcomed Donald Trump
Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip US President Donald Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, on day three of his Gulf visit, and was received by President Sheikh Mohamed as he stepped off Air Force One. He was then escorted through a ceremonial walkway lined with flags and flanked by Emirati guards and dancers. The dance was a traditional Emirati dance called Al Razfa – but what is it, and what does it mean? The National explains below. Honouring years of heritage Al Razfa is a ceremony most prevalent during important occasions or joyful gatherings. The practice involves two lines of dancers who face each other, using sticks to symbolise the reins of a horse while head movements are meant to imitate a rider on the horse. It was added to Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015. According to the Arabic Dictionary, Al Razfa means two things, making noise and moving forward. These are represented through the art forms of poetry and dance. In a previous interview with The National, Emirati poet Ali Al Kaabi said its origins stem from nomadic Bedouin tribes. It would be performed by a poet and his entourage to let all tribal members know it is time to move to a different spot in the desert. While the songs and poetry at first resonated with calls to war, Mr Al Kaabi explains it has evolved to include all occasions such as weddings, homecomings or rain. Initially, the tradition was only composed of a poet in the middle who would recite poetry and the two facing lines accompanying him would melodically repeat it after. However, as time passed, different musical instruments were added like drums and oud that 'enriched the tradition further', he explained.
The National
09-05-2025
- General
- The National
'Hewi': Arabic word for front garden, and Sheikh Hamdan's latest initiative, uncovers a special place
This week, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, launched an Emirati neighbourhood initiative called Hewi Dubai. Through the scheme, Sheikh Hamdan said he hoped to 'bring people together, strengthen social ties and create safe, welcoming environments for community life". Hewi is our Arabic word of the week. Most common in the UAE and other parts of the Gulf, it is used to mean the front garden of a home. The word comes from the Arabic "yahtawi", which means to contain. Hewi is then a place in the home that can contain a family's gatherings and activities. Before there were lavish homes in the UAE, the hewi of a house was the area between the outer door and the inside of the home. It would have a seating area on the ground, a modest garden space and soft lights hung above for the evenings. The hewi is a very important part of the Emirati home. It used to be the place where families sat, had afternoon tea and enjoyed fruit after lunch. Most homes did not have a majlis to host guests, so the hewi was the area in which guests were welcomed with a cup of coffee. Other countries in the Gulf have their own versions of the word. For example, in Kuwait, a hewi is called a hoosh. Some countries use the word for garden, "hadeeqa", to refer to the area. This would be especially true if there were many plants and flowers present. A hewi is also an integral part of children's lives, as it was the first place they would play in the home before venturing outside. Kids would set up makeshift goalposts and play football with their siblings or build a track for their remote-controlled cars. The hewi of a home truly came alive during the winter months, when families would congregate for a barbecue or sit under the stars to tell stories. As Ramadan begins to head into the winter months over the next few years, more iftars and suhoors can be expected in the hewi.
