Sharjah Social Services takes part in ‘Al Khairat’

The programme “The Emirati House – Al Khairat” aims to highlight authentic societal practices that reinforce the concept of positive citizenship and showcase the behavioural and social aspects of Emirati cultural heritage.

Two educational workshops for children

The department’s participation included two educational workshops for children. The first focused on teaching sana’—Emirati customs and traditions—including the principles of hospitality and traditional coffee serving, as well as heritage games such as the dallah and the finjan.

The second workshop focused on Emirati cooking and featured an interactive session on how to prepare bathitha, one of the most renowned traditional dishes. The session contributed to strengthening intergenerational communication and highlighting Emirati cultural and social heritage.

This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to promoting national identity and connecting generations with local heritage, aligning with its goals to serve the community and enhance cultural awareness across its various segments.

Instilling values and strengthening Emirati identity

On this occasion, Naama Al Zarouni, Director of the Social Education Department at Sharjah Social Services, affirmed the importance of the department’s participation in community programmes like “The Emirati House – Al Khairat”, due to their positive impact on children and society as a whole.

She pointed out that the department, through its Social Education Division, always seeks to deepen the understanding of Emirati identity and connect new generations with their heritage, while ensuring workshops are delivered in enjoyable and interactive learning environments.

Al Zarouni explained that the workshops—delivered by a specialised team from the Social Education Department—aim to teach the fundamentals of Emirati customs and traditions, including hospitality etiquette, how to receive guests, and how to serve Arabic coffee. She stressed that such activities help instil values in children from a young age, especially in light of the challenges posed by the digital age, which can affect morals and values.

She added that as a community institution, the department is committed to integration and cooperation with various child-focused entities to preserve local identity and community heritage. She praised the efforts of Sharjah Children and their constant dedication to launching diverse initiatives that develop children’s skills and empower them to become productive contributors to society.

Al Zarouni also confirmed the Social Education Department’s readiness to collaborate with all institutions to enhance community awareness, pointing to the department’s vital role in supporting community and educational initiatives that help preserve national identity and instil societal values.