Al Dhaid Club honors veteran teacher with a visit of appreciation

October 13, 2025 / 12:10 PM

Sharjah24: As part of its commitment to enhancing community engagement and recognising the educational figures who have shaped generations, a delegation from Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club visited Samir Odeh, a veteran physical education teacher and one of the pioneers of education in the Central Region, especially in Al Dhaid City. The visit was led by Khalifa Mubarak bin Dalmouk Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Cultural and Community Development Committee, and Mahir Obaid Al Khayal Al Tunaiji, the Executive Director of the Club.

This heartfelt visit took place on Sunday afternoon as part of the club’s initiatives under “The Year of Community”, which embodies values of loyalty and gratitude. It served as a symbolic tribute to one of the educators who left a lasting mark on the region’s educational journey since the late 1960s.

Honouring a legacy of educational dedication

During the meeting, attendees reflected on the early days of education in Al Dhaid, recalling how Samir Odeh was among the first physical education teachers to introduce the subject in local schools when formal education was still in its infancy in the UAE. They shared memories of teaching in the desert environment and the dedication of families who recognised the transformative power of education in shaping the nation’s future.

Odeh expressed his deep gratitude for the visit, describing it as a genuine act of appreciation for teachers who devoted their lives to education. He praised the club’s efforts in preserving community bonds and honouring those who contributed to knowledge and learning, affirming that such initiatives reflect the Emirati society’s deep-rooted respect for educators and its enduring values of appreciation.

Continuing a tradition of recognition

Khalifa Mubarak bin Dalmouk Al Ketbi emphasised that the visit is part of a series of initiatives organised by the club to honour educators who played a vital role in the nation’s educational renaissance. He highlighted Samir Odeh’s contributions to the development of physical education as a foundational element in schools, noting that this gesture aligns with the vision of “The Year of Community,” which celebrates those who laid the early foundations of education and national development.

Upholding the teacher’s enduring influence

Mahir Obaid Al Khayal Al Tunaiji underscored that a teacher’s memory remains eternal in the hearts of their students, regardless of time or generation. He noted that a teacher’s legacy is not measured by the years spent in service but by the values they instil and the impact they leave on the lives of those they teach. He reaffirmed the club’s commitment to continuing such initiatives that promote community connection and recognise the invaluable role of educators in society.

Humanitarian gesture rooted in gratitude

The visit represented a profoundly human and symbolic gesture, reaffirming Al Dhaid Club’s dedication to nurturing loyalty, gratitude, and strong social ties between generations. It aligns with Sharjah’s vision of fostering a cohesive and participatory community that contributes to the emirate’s ongoing journey of development and progress.