Abu Dhabi: Young students are being given an in-depth insight into the heritage of the UAE as part of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development’s cultural summer programme, with a series of lectures and visits to museums and archaeological sites being organised.
Launched to keep young students busy during their free time in the summer, the cultural programme, which is running until August 10, has held a number of different activities so far, including in areas such as creative writing and the theatrical arts. In total, more than 90 workshops involving 38 specialists will be completed when the programme ends. Among the programme’s main activities has been raising awareness on the history of the UAE, which comes in line with the ministry’s goal of preserving national identity.
“This comes as part of the programme’s attempt to raise awareness about the true history of the UAE among the new generation,” explained Ahmad Al Suraei, director of the Cultural Centres Department at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development.
“Studies and research conducted by a number of archaeologists in different parts of the country prove that traces of human existence on the land of the UAE dates back thousands of years,” he added.
“Students were also introduced to UAE oases’, tools used earlier in history, such as pottery jars, swords and daggers, in addition to gold and silver coins from other countries,” he said.
Al Suraei said that experts in the field of history and archaeology conducted the lectures and workshops for the students.
“Lectures and workshops were conducted by the archaeological specialist and expert Mohammad Al Balawneh, who has unlimited knowledge about the history of the UAE.”
Al Suraei also noted that it was important for young students to learn about the UAE’s heritage, as it would give them an appreciation of the country’s history and place in the region.
“[The] UAE’s land and history are deeply rooted, the land of the UAE has its historical presence which reflects its role in the Arabic, regional and international scene throughout the ages,” he said.
