Arabian traditions bring smiles to pupils with special needs

Dubai: Wednesday was an extraordinary day for students with special needs at Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre due to the number of activities they took part in.

The day hosted a series of traditional UAE activities in a bid to introduce today's generation to the traditions under the umbrella of the Heritage Village.

The smiles were pasted on the faces of the children who were seen excitedly entering a tent made of Arabian sheep's wool that stood in front of the main entrance to the centre.

The tent combined different activities, including Emirati women showing the children how it was made. There was also a display of original UAE perfume.

Emirati Umm Mouza A. discussed with Gulf News the activity she was practising: "I'm here to resurrect the heritage of UAE. I call this tent a house of hair that we used to live in the winter in the old days. At first we equip the tent with hard wood that is strongly fixed to resist against unpredictable harsh weather in the winter. Then we cover the wood by the hair of an Arabian sheep.

"It has long wool that can be used in several shapes to protect against leakage."

Umm Mouza said she and her companions were impressed by the number of students who approached her tent to acquire more knowledge about their activities.

A few minutes later the centre was ready to receive famous Emirati singer Aryam, who dedicated a song to the students.

"It's pleasure to share the day with such creative students," she said.

"I'm so proud of them," she added, after receiving a necklace as a gift of appreciation from the students.

"They talked to me and showed me their products confidently, I'm truly glad of their accomplishments."

Aryam was accompanied by the manager of the Heritage Village, Anwar Al Hannae, who said: "The purpose behind the event is to transfer the Heritage Village to the people who couldn't come to us.

"Today I was amazed by the creativeness they showed in their products. They have to be aware of the heritage of their grandfathers and to enjoy the resurrected times."

Janet Graham, the head teacher of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, added: "The event reflects the true face of Dubai and the UAE.

"The students today showed a great interest in being introduced to a different era of the country. We have more than 35 different nationalities of students and staff in the centre, and I'm personally happy to witness such an event and to have my photograph taken alongside such ancient traditions.

"I feel quiet privileged and honoured to be part of this," she added.

Eight-year-old Alia Abdullah, who visited the centre with her mother and baby brother to meet younger brother Ali, said: "My mother brought me here to visit my brother Ali and to learn about my country's heritage.

"My mother says it's important to learn about our heritage and to be proud of it."

Her mother Fatma Al Ali added: "My five-year-old son Ali likes the traditional dance the Yahla and handmade works that contain lot of colours. We are here today to share with him the joy of this event."

A corner of the centre was dedicated to carpentry and displayed student works. Adul Abdul Qader Othman, 18, Khalid Atiq, 15, and Tariq Rasool, 14, were all involved along with their instructor Redha Ali, who said: "There is a beautiful collection of carpentry including different sized and coloured boxes.

"They have received nice comments from the visitors."

Meanwhile, 10-year-olds Abdullah Saeed, Aisha Ali, and Ahmad Al Khalsan told Gulf News they are happy to be surrounded by people and loved the singer Aryam and the traditional food.