The UAE Ministry of Culture has officially commenced its fifth annual summer camp 2024, scheduled to run until July 31. This initiative aims to harness the potential of all sections of society, enhance their capacities, broaden their knowledge base, keep them abreast of the latest developments in various fields of knowledge, and foster a robust sense of identity and cultural belonging. These efforts are geared towards empowering individuals to contribute to the future development of the UAE.

The camp epitomises the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a stimulating and supportive environment for individuals across all age groups, from 6-year-olds to senior citizens aged 60 and above. This enhances their skills and personal capabilities through an integrated array of developmental activities. The programme has approximately 215 events, including interactive workshops, specialized training courses, as well as meetings and tours. These activities are conducted in collaboration with specialized organizations, cultural associations, and governmental agencies across the UAE.

His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said, “Our annual summer camp underlines the Ministry’s commitment to providing a stimulating and encouraging environment for community members. It plays an active role in enhancing their intellectual and cognitive skills, raising awareness of future trends, and contributing to the discovery and refinement of their talents and personal knowledge. Additionally, it significantly enriches their intellectual and knowledge base, enhances their cultural understanding, deepens their connection to national identity, and instils the values of our forefathers in future generations.”

He added, “We believe in the necessity of utilizing leisure time in a creative way to benefit for all segments of society. This year, we have designed an integrated programme aimed at enhancing the awareness and understanding of the participants about the future directions pursued by the UAE. Our focus is on empowering all members of society with knowledge about science and creativity, and, in turn, advancing the development of a knowledge-based society. We are committed to creating an environment that deepens the connection of the participants with their heritage and enriches their scientific and intellectual capacities, enabling them to become effective contributors to the future of their country.”

Integrated Programme:

The camp will organise a series of dialogue sessions and meetings with influential figures in the country and senior citizens. These sessions aim to foster interactive dialogue between generations, thereby enhancing national identity and cultivating the perspectives of young individuals on national youth priorities such as education, skills development, work and entrepreneurship, health and safety, among other pertinent topics. The discussions will cover a wide range of subjects, including social responsibility, positive citizenship, environmental sustainability, digital entrepreneurship, employment in the private sector, prominent current and future global challenges, the customs and traditions of Emirati society, and Emirati values.

The camp will organise visits to heritage monuments and cultural sites across the UAE to educate participants about the country’s civilization and culture. The monuments to be toured, including museums and cultural and educational centres, serve as beacons of science, culture, and knowledge.

To support the UAE’s initiatives to promote national identity and tolerance, collaboration has been established with Sandooq Al Watan to deliver programmes aimed at enriching cultural heritage and Emirati identity across all cultural and creative centres affiliated with the Ministry. The interactive programmes are designed to enrich participants with knowledge and practical skills that aim to safeguard the heritage and instil cultural values deeply in the hearts of future generations of children and youth in the country.

The camp will offer participants a diverse range of specialized courses within the creative industries sectors. These include visual arts, performing arts, theatre, cinema, music, heritage, literature, electronic games, and the animation industry. Additionally, the programme covers digital information technology relevant to creative industries, such as metaverse and artificial intelligence, and examines their impact on the future. A series of creative and interactive workshops will be organised, targeting all members of society across various fields to instil a spirit of competitiveness and creativity. These workshops will include sporting activities such as padel tennis and football, as well as instruction in drawing and digital arts, cinematic makeup, photography, chess, and mountain climbing (hiking).

For detailed information on registering for the 2024 summer camp, visit the Ministry’s official website at https://mcy.gov.ae/ar/. Here, interested participants can explore the programme details and application procedures, enabling them to select preferred activities and events. The activities will be held at creative centres, community councils, suburban locations, partner headquarters, sports stadiums, shopping malls across the UAE, as well as through electronic platforms.