Located in the heart of Dubai‘s desert, the “مخيم غمران” serves as a platform to revitalize the values sown by our ancestors, engaging families in a hands-on exploration of Emirati heritage. Since its launch on the 12th of this month, this event, sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, has attracted notable community participation. Families embarked on a three-day authentic camping experience, where they learned essential Bedouin skills and deepened their understanding of the rich cultural legacy of the UAE.
Embracing Emirati Heritage
The first week of “مخيم غمران” featured a diverse program designed to strengthen family bonds and revive authentic Emirati skills among the youth. Through specialized workshops, participants learned the intricacies of tent pitching, the values of Emirati etiquette, poetry recitation, and practical skills such as falconry, archery, and camel riding. Each activity sought to harness the essence of Emirati culture, bringing to life traditions that have shaped the identity of the nation.
A Commitment to Community Values
Organized under the auspices of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Center for Heritage Revival, “مخيم غمران” supports the objectives of the “Year of Community” initiative and Dubai’s community agenda. These programs aim to build a more cohesive and united society through quality initiatives that enhance family roles and instill genuine Emirati values, ensuring that cultural heritage is passed down to future generations through immersive experiences.
Voices from the Camp
Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, the CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Center for Heritage Revival, expressed his pride in the first group’s achievements from the camp, stating, “What we have achieved in this phase is a significant milestone that emphasizes that investing in the youth is the most impactful and sustainable investment.” He further noted that the return to the environment of our ancestors is not merely a cultural activity but a practical school that teaches patience, communication, and responsibility, solidifying children’s connections to their Emirati identity.
Engaging Generations
Participants hailed the experience as a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in a cultural environment, recalling the simplicity of desert life and strengthening family connections across generations. They highlighted that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reflects a commitment to nurturing family and community fabric by reconnecting with foundational values. The activities allowed children to rediscover heritage in an interactive way and emphasized the unique initiative’s dedication to linking generations with their rich past while building a robust future based on identity and belonging.
Looking Ahead
“مخيم غمران” is set to welcome a new cohort of families from the 26th to the 28th of this month. The ongoing activities aim to reinforce Emirati identity and family ties through educational and interactive experiences that mirror the life of their ancestors. Abdullah bin Dalmouk concluded, “The experience has proven that returning to the environment of our ancestors is more than just a cultural activity; it is a practical school that teaches patience, communication, and responsibility.”