Fujairah, United Arab Emirates – The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, in collaboration with the Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, organized a program entitled “Al Salk and Primary Expressions” at the Masafi Castle on Thursday, April 4, 2019, to revive and celebrate old Emirati customs and traditions.

The program, which hosted a number of senior citizens from the Community Development Authority “Thukhor Social Club” in Dubai, promoted Emirati values ​​which are important for future generations, including the importance of national identity, originality and cultural heritage. It aims to consolidate the relationship between all community groups and the cultural sector in the country. Also, to contribute to shaping a generation capable of overcoming future challenges, preserving national gains and supporting the growth and sustainability of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE.

The program also aims at bridging the gap between generations, preserving UAE values ​​and ethics, and building a sustainable and integrated cultural ecosystem by involving different segments of society in cultural programs and enhancing community understanding of the importance of culture in preserving national identity of the UAE. The participation of senior citizens in the program has a significant and obvious impact on its success because of the great respect they receive from everyone. Also, their wealth of information and life experiences enrich their interactions with all participants in the program.

Saeed Al Samahi, Director of the Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, said that the UAE attaches great importance to the cultural sector, through its plans and programs which contribute to its development and to empowering society in a sustainable way. He stressed the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage and devising the best solutions for the challenges which may face it in the future.

He pointed out that the Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, and with the continuous support and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, spares no effort to support and enhance cultural reality in Fujairah and the UAE. This is achieved through cooperation with all federal and local government entities, to create a knowledge-based economy, which is supported by tourism, cultural and creative industries and knowledge production, to enhance the UAE’s cultural position globally.

The program included a discussion session with senior citizens, led by Faisal Al-Moah, on Emirati guest welcoming rituals and other core noble qualities ​​of the UAE society, which are rooted in Arab and Islamic ethics and values.

The popular café and heritage center were organized under the supervision of Emirati citizen Abdullah Sulaiman, where aspects of the lives of Emiratis in the past were presented, and traditional drinks and some popular dishes were served. Participants also recalled the memories of the olden days, through traditional and entertaining games such as, “Al-Kirm” and dominoes.

A heritage photography corner was organized by UAE artist Sulaiman Al Shamsi, who took commemorative photographs of audiences in the heritage center, in an innovative way to emulate the reality experienced by senior citizens in the past.      A marine heritage section was also built to explore marine life, which was an integral part of the lives and daily work of older generations in the UAE.

The Red Crescent Society of Fujairah conducted some medical tests and delivered talks to raise awareness of the risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and others, while artist Hazza Al-Dhahani played his oud, and performed traditional heritage songs, requested by senior citizens participating in the program.