Dubai, 23 April 2011: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Ministry of Finance (MoF) organized a series of activities seeking to shed the light on UAE's identity and heritage and emphasize on its cultural authenticity. Held in MoF headquarters in Dubai, the activities have been attended by HE Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry, in addition to the Assistant Undersecretaries and a number of MoF staff.
Organizing the activities is in line with MoF commitment to promote communication with various sectors of UAE society and enhance the participation in UAE social and cultural programs meant to consolidate loyalty to homeland.
MoF activities included reciting poems that reflect the deep rootedness of UAE heritage and identity, playing national songs and bringing on heritage competitions. A group pupils participated in the activities. The pupils have been wearing traditional Emirati clothing and jewelry; distributing heritage gifts to the audience participating in the activities. This drew the attention of tourists passing by MoF headquarters in Dubai.
Traditional handicrafts were present in the event, including pottery, making straw baskets and drawing henna on hands.
Participants joined a MoF trip in Dubai Creek. Some Emirati old men reviewed their personal experiences in diving and pearling, which is one of the most prominent cultural symbols of the UAE.
Old men informed participants on how to make traditional fishing tools. The activities also included preparing Arabic coffee and a number of traditional Emirati food and dishes.
MoF distributed commemorative trophies to the participants in the event for their contribution to the World Heritage Day and in appreciation of their efforts to enhance national belonging to UAE and promote the distinctive role of the UAE at regional and international levels.
Mr. Saif Ali Al Khatri, Director of Government Communications Department at MoF, praised efforts seen in these activities to revive the UAE heritage; confirming the commitment of ministry to enhance the identity of UAE society and belonging to homeland.
"By organizing such activities, MoF aims at consolidating the pride of Emirati people in its heritage and national identity. The ministry works to enhance entrepreneurship and partnership between governmental institutions and the UAE society. This plays a vital role in building a strong community that is linked to its roots and its cultural heritage and aspires to enhance UAE standing in the world and enable it to achieve more accomplishments in various domains", Al Khatri concluded.
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© Press Release 2011
