Page 68 - WATANI AL EMARAT FOUNDATION PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

12/20/23, 5:26 PM Dubai Culture anchors initiatives to enhance the appeal of heritage - GulfToday

A traditonal dance being performed at Al Shindagha Days festival.

Throughout the festival, local folk-art groups presented various artistic and folkloric
performances to the tunes of traditional coastal music. The ‘Youth Theatre Arts’ showcased a
play titled ‘Tawi Gubisha’ written and directed by Marai Al Halyan, featuring actor Hassan
Yousef. The visitors were also introduced to a range of older Emirati games, including ‘Al
Guhaif, ‘Al Karabi’ and ‘Al Dusays’. Dubai Culture has signed a memorandum of
understanding with Watani Al Emarat Foundation to enhance mutual collaboration, exchange
knowledge and expertise, and develop joint research projects that spread awareness of
Emirati history and culture. The collaboration aims to organise a series of educational and
training programmes to promote Emirati heritage and values.

The MoU outlines the roles of both parties, allowing Watani Al Emarat Foundation to utilise
Dubai Public Library branches, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, and the Authority’s
museums and heritage sites to organise lectures, seminars, activities, educational workshops
and training sessions, aiming to spread knowledge and awareness of the country’s culture
and history. Muna Faisal Algurg, CEO of the Culture & Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said
that the partnership with Watani Al Emarat Foundation reflected the Authority’s efforts to
consolidate national identity in the hearts of future generations. Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi,
Executive Director of Watani Al Emarat Foundation, said that “this collaboration aligns
seamlessly with our shared vision and concerted efforts to preserve our national identity,
improve awareness of Emirati heritage and culture …”

https://gulftoday.ae/culture/2023/12/16/dubai-culture-anchors-initiatives-to-enhance-the-appeal-of-heritage 4/4