Emirati women play key role in preserving UAE’s cultural heritage

Emirati women continue to play an important role in preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage and sharing the country’s history with younger generations, according to two Emirati women working at Al Ain Museum.

Shaikha Al Blooshi, Visitor Experience Supervisor at Al Ain Museum, said the museum is more than a cultural destination, as it provides a space to tell the story of the people and place while bringing Al Ain’s history and heritage closer to visitors.

She said Emirati women and young women at the museum play an active role by bringing their knowledge, experience and views to the visitor experience.

“Al Ain Museum represents more than just a cultural destination; it is a space where we tell the story of people and place, bringing Al Ain’s heritage and history closer to every visitor,” Al Blooshi said.

She added that Emirati women’s contribution to the museum reflects this year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’.

“Emirati women continue, through their dedication and ambition, to contribute to preserving our cultural heritage and presenting it to future generations in ways that are more impactful and inspiring,” she said.

Creating a sense of belonging

Dr Khawla Al Marri, Education and Community Section Head at Al Ain Museum, said the role of museums goes beyond sharing knowledge, as they can create experiences that help younger generations develop a sense of belonging and confidence.

She said women should have opportunities to take part in telling their own history and shaping cultural experiences.

“I believe our role in museums goes beyond sharing knowledge; it is also about creating experiences that give new generations a sense of belonging, confidence and the ability to play an active role in shaping the future of their heritage,” Al Marri said.

She added that empowering women starts by creating opportunities for them to take part in preserving and presenting culture and heritage.

“To me, empowering women begins by creating the space for them to be present in telling their own history and shaping their cultural experiences, and to see culture and heritage as fields in which they can learn, create and make a meaningful impact,” she said.

Al Marri said the UAE’s heritage should not only be seen as a memory of the past, but also as a source of inspiration for future generations.

“In the spirit of this year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,’ I believe our strength lies in continuing to learn and evolve, and in our ability to transform our heritage from a source of cherished memory into a source of inspiration for generations to come,” she said.