Emirati Traditions and Customs Highlighted during ‘Heritage Day’ at Sharjah Arab Children Forum

Children participating at the 12th Sharjah Arab Children Forum (SACF), which is currently underway at Al Rigga Children Centre, have enjoyed a ‘Heritage Day’ of interactive workshops that have been held to familiarise Arab children with Emirati crafts, customs and traditions.

Designed to acquaint visiting Arab children with the UAE's rich history and culture and to strengthen the national identity of the Emirati youngsters participating, the workshops featured children wearing the traditional dress of their respective countries, with the concept being that they could all come together as one nation sharing the same ideals and goals.  

Reem BinKaram, Head of the Organising Committee of the Sharjah Arab Children Forum, and Director of Sharjah Children Centres, said; "The Heritage Day was inspired to preserve authentic Emirati culture and the collective memory of Emirati society. Our ambition is to make use of all occasions to highlight our rich heritage, which is the legacy of our grandfathers. In doing so we seek to pass on to the younger generations the importance of being proud of their past and to view it as a gateway to their future."

The event also witnessed the unique attendance of the region’s most beloved celebrities, Bahraini-based Ali Al Ghurair and Khalil Al Romaithi, who scattered gleams of joys and smiles on children’s faces. 

One of the highlights of the SACF Heritage Day was a workshop on doll making, which is one of the main handicrafts and industries associated with traditional Emirati costumes. During the workshop, children learned how to make dolls using various sewing techniques and tools. They were also introduced to ‘Talli’, a form of traditional Emirati embroidery used to embellish the collars and cuffs of women's clothing and an art form that is still practiced today. 

Another workshop highlighted 'Al Safafa´, another form of traditional Emirati handicraft and one that involves palm fronds being weaved to create various kinds of household items, such as baskets, traditional ‘Al Mahafa’ fans" and ‘Al Mashab’, which is used to cover food and protect it from insects and bugs. The children attending also learned how to weave palm leaves to make mats and carpets for sitting and dining.

Other activities taking place during the Heritage Day involved piano and flute recitals, with a coral of children from various Sharjah Children Centres also presenting songs about the importance of reading and education as the only way to lead a nation to success and progress. The songs encouraged making reading a daily habit and part of one's lifestyle, with the book as a best friend that opens up future horizons. 

Assuaging hungry young appetites during the workshops were dishes of tasty traditional Emirati food, such as luqaimat, chebab and reqaq, which were freshly prepared in front of the children. The Heritage Day concluded with performances by each Arab delegation to familiarise their peers from other Arab countries with their culture.