His Highness Sheikh Majid inaugurates cultural centres at public schools to promote student awareness of Emirati heritage

His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, inaugurated dedicated ‘cultural centres’ at the public schools of Dubai to strengthen student awareness on Emirati heritage.

Dubai Culture has collaborated with the Dubai Educational District for opening the dedicated cultural centres, which will work towards enhancing national identity by providing comprehensive insights into the country’s cultural heritage, values and traditions.

The centres will also encourage the students to take part in heritage activities thus continuing an illustrious legacy shaped over the years. In addition to hosting competitions for students and conducting workshops on various artforms, the centres will also provide children with volunteering opportunities thus enabling them with hands-on experience.

Mr Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The cultural centres are aimed at providing Emirati students a better understanding of their national identity. By highlighting our cultural roots, we hope to inspire them to play a more active role in upholding our heritage, and in due course of time contribute to our rich cultural fabric.”

Dr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director, Dubai Educational District, said: “Our heritage plays a crucial role in defining our personalities and promoting our overall growth. By launching these activities in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, we are taking a positive step to inculcate the rich and varied culture of the UAE in children, and protect our national heritage.”

The cultural centres have been launched at Al Hudaibiah Primary School for kindergarten students, Al Kuwait Primary School for primary students, and Sakina Bint Al Hussain School for secondary classes, and will eventually expand to encompass other public schools across Dubai.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority spearheads and supports several cultural and arts initiatives in Dubai including the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards; the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre; Sikka Art Fair; Gulf Film Festival; Emirates Airline Festival of Literature; and Art Dubai, among others which have contributed to establishing Dubai as a cultural hub of the region.