Immortalising the UAE's heritage

Dubai: The cultural legacy of a nation always mirrors the true identity and patriotic spirit of its people and tells a story about their roots and achievements through the ages. And this seems to be the favourite subject that a well-known Emirati historian and poet Jamal Al Howairib has devoted himself to.

"As a matter of fact, sailing in the history's sea is my obsession," the Emirati historian said.

"It is so wonderful when you metaphorically pass by the classic decades of the bygone centuries and meet with glorified personas who are immortalised in the pages of history. Actually that journey started during my childhood when I found my soul inseparably attached to the Arabic history and poetry alike."

Al Howairib recently established non-profitable public library to make the cultural legacy of the UAE, in general, and Dubai, in particular, accessible to all.

It was opened during Ramadan and was officially inaugurated by Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture.

Perpetuating identity

"I believe it is our duty as Emiratis to initiate something that expresses our gratitude and loyalty to our country, because I'm sure that our rulers have exerted all efforts to shed light on all the aspects of the UAE heritage and culture in order to perpetuate the national identity," he said.

"Now it is our turn to take a positive role and enlighten others about who we are."

Al Howairib is cultural consultant in the Executive Office at the Government of Dubai and he has been regular columnist at a local Arabic local newspaper since 1997. He has appeared on television many times, most recently during Ramadan and presented his programme The Narrator on Dubai TV. He is also a famous poet and took an essential role in Dubai International Poetry Festival.

Asked about the sources of the documents and the books that are available in the library, he replied: "Well, the library [has just been opened.] However, we currently have various books that highlight the 50 years of the bygone days of Dubai as well as the rest of the emirates."

"I also collaborated with a number of Emiratis historians such as Abdul Gaffar Hussain, Bilal Al Budoor, among others. And I also address an invitation to everyone who still has old books, ancient documents, and vintage photographs to approach the library and we will display the supplied historical object and will credit the source accordingly."

He says the cooperation is highly needed.

"Indeed, I do encourage Emiratis to start working on such [a] noble message. I really look forward to seeing more local libraries that speak extensively yet authentically about our cultural background. For example here in Dubai I started with the idea and the execution and I hope historian Emiratis will follow the same steps in the rest of the emirates."

The library is furnished with a majlis that schedules a meeting weekly where historians can meet and discuss historical and social topics.

"I make sure [that we] have regular meetings in order to exchange knowledge and opinions. Not only that, there is a chain of entertainment is also connected to make the visit [an] unforgettable experience, such as cinema screen where you comfortably can watch documentaries at a hall that is totally equipped with the [modern] tools... A few steps away [is] the billiard chamber where also a visitor can practice a game..."

"And in case the visitor [gets] exhausted and would like to take a quick siesta, I also did not neglect this part and [have] provided a bedroom where he can relax [for] a short while and resume the historical journey energetically."

Information

Jamal Al Howairib library is based in Jumeirah. To communicate write to Dubaimaj@gmail.com