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Khaleej Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Rare portal into UAE's past': Student films 1,800-year-old Ras Al Khaimah tribe
Twenty-two-year-old Dubai-based film student Ali Fuad filmed a documentary uncovering the untold story of the Al Shehhi tribe—a resilient Emirati community living in Ras Al Khaimah's mountains for over 1,800 years. His film highlights the tribe's unique language, traditions, and way of life, much of which has yet to be recorded in Emirati history. Titled 'Echoes of Our Land', Fuad's documentary won the best audience award at Middlesex University Dubai's Premier de MDX screening. 'The Al Shehhi have preserved their heritage for centuries, including a dialect completely distinct from other Emirati dialects. But few people in the UAE even know about them,' Fuad told Khaleej Times, adding: 'I felt a responsibility to share their story with the world.' His documentary started as a final-year project in the film-making class under senior lecturer Deema Maghalseh. A brainstorming session led Fuad to the Al Shehhi people, and with Maghalseh's support, Fuad spent months conducting immersive research and production work in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of visual and written documentation, Fuad noted, explaining: 'There were very few films or visual records available, and even written sources were limited.' 'To overcome this, I had to personally visit these areas, meet the people, and learn directly from them. I relied heavily on the elders, who generously shared stories and cultural knowledge passed down through generations,' he added. Supported by a grant from the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, Fuad's film evolved from a class assignment into a full-fledged documentary that blends raw ethnography with cinematic storytelling. 'I lived with them' Fuad, who is also a hiker and adventurer, lived alongside the tribe during production, observing their daily lives to ensure an authentic portrayal. 'I didn't want to just observe from the outside,' he said. 'I lived with them, helped herd sheep, shared meals, and listened to the elders. That's how I gained their trust.' The film's production pushed the team physically and creatively. Fuad shared: 'One of the filming sites was a mountain village that required a four-hour hike to reach. It was physically demanding and tested the entire crew's endurance. But if there's one thing I learned during my time at university, it was to push beyond my comfort zone in order to tell stories that matter.' The crew, composed of fellow students, including producer Naiem Ayman and director of photography Hayden Diaz, formed a close-knit unit that bonded through shared challenges. 'What started as a second-year assignment became a movement of self-discovery,' said Maghalseh of Echoes of Our Land. '(Fuad) didn't treat this like a school project. He treated it like a calling.' Guardians of the rugged mountains According to Fuad, the Al Shehhi tribe holds a unique place in the UAE's cultural and historical tapestry. 'For centuries, they have stood as the guardians of the rugged mountain regions of Ras Al Khaimah, their way of life shaped by the harsh terrain and unforgiving climate. The mountains forged a people marked by resilience, strength, and deep-rooted traditions that remain distinct from other regions in the UAE.' Life in the mountains was incredibly demanding. With no roads or vehicles, everything was done on foot. Water was scarce, food was hard-won, and survival depended on herding sheep and goats, grinding wheat, and sustaining their community with unwavering determination. The people cultivated wheat in the early winter, patiently waiting for harvest season to make traditional bread like khubz and dishes such as Aseed, along with beloved Emirati sweets like luqaimat. Since machinery was unavailable, they ground the wheat by hand using the Riha (millstone), rhythmically chanting Tahweed to stay motivated — a musical tradition passed down through generations. The tribe's cultural expressions, including their unique dialect and war chants like Nabdah, set them apart. These were not just songs but stirring cries meant to show strength and unity in the face of enemies. Even today, the few remaining members of the tribe who still live in the mountains, greet each other with the Nabdah. Women played a central role not just at home but also in the community's survival. They tended to livestock, fetched food and water, and crafted everyday items by hand. Palm fronds were woven into utensils and roofing materials that provided natural ventilation, essential during the scorching summer months. Fuad said: 'What makes the Al Shehhi tribe's story even more remarkable is how much of their heritage has been preserved through time. Spending time with them is like stepping into a living museum — a rare and vivid portal into the UAE's past, where every song, every craft, and every tradition speaks to a legacy of strength, adaptation, and enduring cultural pride.' Untold Emirati stories The project has already sparked momentum for a full documentary series focused on UAE heritage, expanding the university's impact in cultural storytelling. Fuad now plans to continue exploring untold Emirati stories, from desert communities to the coastal traditions of pearl divers. 'There's so much more to the UAE than skyscrapers. Our country is filled with rich, diverse stories that the world hasn't seen,' Fuad explained. 'I want to be part of the generation that documents them before they fade away.' Asked about the most touching moment during filming, Fuad recalled a conversation with one of the tribe's elders. 'He told me, 'Now I have something to show my children and grandchildren.' That moment hit me deeply — that this wasn't just my story, it was theirs.' 'These past three years didn't just prepare me — they launched me. I've learned to tell stories that matter, and now I'm ready to take them to the world.' Fuad also has this advice: 'Be authentic. Start with the stories that move you. Talk to your grandparents and neighbours. The most powerful stories are often right in front of you — waiting to be told.'
The National
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Arabic lessons daily in all UAE private schools for kindergarten pupils
All private schools in the UAE must teach Arabic to kindergarten-age pupils for 40 minutes each day from the start of the new academic year in support of a nationwide push to champion the use of the language from an early age. The Ministry of Education on Sunday announced the directive as part of a wider plan to instil Emirati and Arabic values and culture. The strategy mandates that Arabic language lessons be held for 200 minutes a week (40 minutes daily), increasing to 300 minutes (an hour a day) by the 2027/2028 academic year in all private schools, across all approved curriculums. The ministry said Arabic will be taught by qualified early childhood teachers using approved educational resources and age-appropriate teaching methods, suitable for native and non-native speakers. The kindergarten stage is typically taught over two years in UAE schools, from the age of four. Under the new policy, Islamic studies will be taught to all Muslim children in kindergarten years for 90 minutes each week, divided into two 45-minute lessons or three each lasting for 30 minutes. Private schools must also include social studies in kindergarten education, which will focus on concepts of family, UAE geography and environment, social values and wider social studies. These will be taught through simplified, play-based approaches throughout the daily school programme, inside and outside the classroom. "This initiative aims to strengthen the national values of children from an early age, nurturing a generation that is proud of its national identity, proficient in its mother tongue, and well-grounded in the values of family, society, and the geography and environment of the UAE," the ministry said. The ministry will provide private schools with instructional frameworks for all three subject areas before the start of the new school year at the end of August. The new guidelines will come into effect in the new school year, supported by advisory visits to private schools. In partnership with educational authorities, the ministry will also conduct regular inspections starting from the 2026/2027 academic year to verify compliance with the guidelines. The move comes soon after Abu Dhabi announced a similar initiative to integrate Arabic language into preschool earning. Promoting the Arabic language In 2023, Abu Dhabi unveiled plans to rank private schools on their efforts to promote UAE culture and tradition and encourage use of the Arabic language among Emirati pupils. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge — the capital's private education regulator — launched the National Identity Mark, an annual school rating system aimed at measuring work being done to integrate core Emirati values into studies. In June 2022, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, urged teachers to promote Arabic in schools. He stressed the importance of the use of Arabic, and focusing on the need to develop new teaching methods for the language as well as encouraging youngsters to learn it. 'The Arabic language is our belonging to the Quran,' he said in an address to teaching staff at the Sharjah Education Academy. 'The Arabic language is a stockpile of our history, our knowledge and our culture. The Arabic language is what holds firm our belief in our religion. The Arabic language is what unites us from the furthest corners of the Earth — from the far East to the far West, we are united under one language.' Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in May last year that there was an urgent need to foster Arabic language skills in young people.
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Creative Media Authority signs $15mln partnership with NG9 Holding
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Creative Media Authority (CMA) has signed an agreement with NG9 Group, a dynamic consortium comprising Nirvana Holding, Gewan Holding, and 9Yards Group, for a multi-sector strategic collaboration. The partnership will initially deliver two feature films and a 10-episode TV series, with a total value of AED55 million (US$15 million), set for global distribution. Principal photography is slated to begin in September, employing local crews and integrating Emirati talent both on-screen and behind the scenes, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's enhanced rebate programme designed to showcase Emirati culture and heritage. As part of the collaboration, CMA will provide valuable services such as location support, talent development initiatives, talent casting and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) cashback rebate. NG9 Group will extend preferential rates on hotels, car rentals, flights, and tourism-related services to projects supported by the ADFC, including special vehicle rentals, such as yachts, private jets. Khalid Khouri, Director of Industry Development at the Creative Media Authority, said, 'As we work to position Abu Dhabi as one of the world's leading creative hubs, expanding our local industry offering remains a core focus. This exciting new partnership with extensive NG9 team opens up fresh opportunities for investment and collaboration, driving growth across the local economy.' Alaa Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of NG9 Holding, said, 'Aligned with our commitment to advancing the UAE's economy through innovation, local partnerships, sustainability, and community engagement, we are proud to collaborate with CMA. This partnership will not only deliver internationally distributed creative content but will also create career opportunities for talented young filmmakers from Abu Dhabi.' Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, said, 'This collaboration adds value and aligns with our vision to attract additional production partners who can leverage and utilise our rebate programme – including those partners who are able to reflect our wide variety of filming locations on screen, employ our talented production specialists and businesses and showcase the rich cultural and social heritage of Abu Dhabi in engaging television and film content.' Rami Tmaish, General Manager of 9Yards Pictures, expressed his optimism about the partnership, highlighting its role in showcasing Emirati creativity on a global stage. He confirmed that efforts are already underway to identify Emirati talent in acting, directing, and writing to empower them locally and internationally. He also noted that this initiative will build a strong production ecosystem to enhance the presence of Emirati content with a modern and globally resonant spirit.
Arab News
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Emirati artists perform in showcase at London's Kensington Palace
LONDON: 'If we do not tell our story, someone else will. And they will get it wrong,' said Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, following a performance in London on Friday that brought Emirati talent to a major international platform. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Emirati artists took to the stage at Kensington Palace to present a night of operatic performances. Fatima Al-Hashimi, Ahmed Al-Housani, and Ihab Darwish performed in multiple languages including Arabic, Italian and English. The performance was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival's Abroad program in collaboration with the Peace and Prosperity Trust. The event was intended to promote Emirati cultural expression through classical music and cross-cultural collaboration. Alkhamis-Kanoo said an event like this is vital for cultural diplomacy and is not a one-off, but a commitment to placing Emirati talent on the world stage. 'It's about creating understanding, building dialogue, and showing the world the strength of our cultural identity through music,' he explained. 'We invest in the young, we partner with the world, and we build cultural legacies that last.' The evening also included the premiere of Darwish's latest composition 'Ruins of Time,' which blended orchestral arrangements with traditional Arabic elements. 'Music is the fastest way to reach people. It creates peace, it creates understanding,' Darwish told Arab News. 'Music removes boundaries. It creates a shared language, a dialogue of coexistence, peace, and tolerance. When people from different cultures come together to create music, it naturally fosters mutual understanding.' Al-Hashimi explained the intention behind adapting a classical repertoire to reflect Arab identity. 'Even while singing in Italian, I included Arabic lyrics to keep our signature present,' she said. Al-Housani described the event as a 'professional milestone,' adding: 'Performing here is more than a concert, it's a message. We're here to show the world the strength and beauty of our culture.'
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE falcons with passports, on plane seats? Inside world of falconer
The sight of a falcon occupying its own airplane seat, complete with a passport, might seem surreal to most travellers. But for Ammar Al Marri, this is simply another day in the life of a dedicated Emirati falconer. In just six months, the 35-year-old from Abu Dhabi has built an Instagram following of 72,000 people eager to get a glimpse into what goes behind falconry, a traditional practice that remains deeply embedded in Emirati culture. Through his account 'uaefalcons', Al Marri has opened a window into a world of ancient traditions, revealing costs and commitments that few could imagine. 'I noticed there weren't accounts, whether from individuals or organisations, talking about falconry comprehensively,' Al Marri explained. 'There are championships and other events, and the country hasn't fallen short, but we needed an account that conveys these things to enthusiasts and others — a comprehensive account covering all aspects.' Al Marri, who currently maintains four birds including a pure Gyr falcon, a Gyr-Peregrine, and two others, said: 'Each person spends according to their situation, but for me, per bird it can reach up to Dh1,000.' This monthly figure represents just the operational costs — the initial investments can be significantly higher. A single GPS tracking device, considered essential equipment for monitoring falcons, costs approximately Dh7,000. Watch the bird travel on a plane, below: Specialised training aircraft used to build the birds' cardiovascular fitness represent another significant investment. These remote-controlled planes simulate prey behaviour, allowing falcons to engage their natural pursuit instincts while building the stamina necessary for hunting sessions. High-quality nutrition forms another substantial expense category. Unlike pets, falcons require carefully sourced prey animals and supplements that support their unique metabolic needs. The food must come from reputable suppliers to ensure freedom from diseases and contaminants that could prove fatal to these sensitive birds. Housing and facility maintenance add additional layers of expense. Despite these substantial costs, Al Marri views the investment as worthwhile beyond simple financial calculations. 'It's expensive, but it's a cost I enjoy,' he emphasised. 'In winter, from September until March, I don't go anywhere. I spend the time with the birds, I use the time and enjoyment and occupy my day and life, so this is not a loss.' The falconer's routine The commitment to falconry extends far beyond financial investment, demanding daily attention and care that few hobbies can match. 'When summer ends, I spend most of the initial days with them. Each bird should at least be on my hand for two to three hours a day so that it gets used to me again,' Al Marri explained. This re-bonding process proves essential, as falcons naturally maintain their wild instincts and must be carefully reacquainted with their human handlers each season. The daily schedule varies depending on the season and the specific needs of each bird. During peak training periods, Al Marri dedicates morning sessions to fitness conditioning using specialised aircraft that the falcons chase to build stamina and maintain their natural pursuit behaviours. Afternoon activities typically focus on hunting practice, including 'talwah' — traditional hunting methods targeting migratory birds or pigeons that help maintain the falcons' predatory skills. Each bird receives individualised attention based on its specific condition and temperament. 'There's a bird whose weight you want to increase and a bird whose weight you want to decrease and improve its fitness,' Al Marri noted. 'The bird whose fitness is low — I work on strengthening it through the plane designated for birds. But there's, for example, a bird that's bored and doesn't get excited about hunting and chasing prey, so we work on reducing its food during hunting time, so it gets excited.' Falcons can live 20 to 25 years, meaning successful partnerships can span decades. This longevity creates deep emotional bonds that influence every aspect of daily care and training decisions. Passport-carrying passengers Perhaps no aspect of modern falconry surprises outsiders more than the elaborate travel arrangements required for international hunting expeditions. Al Marri's experiences include traveling with his falcons to Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. 'The passport depends on the bird owner and the falconer,' Al Marri explained. 'If he will travel with it, then the bird must be issued a passport.' The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change has streamlined this process through a dedicated mobile application that allows falconers to obtain official documentation for their birds with relative ease. The actual travel experience involves meticulous preparation and specialised procedures designed to ensure the birds' comfort and safety during flight. Each falcon occupies its own airplane seat. 'On the plane it has a designated seat that is covered with nylon, and you are responsible for it, and it should be hooded — the hood should not be removed from it so that it stays calm,' Al Marri detailed. Pre-flight preparation proves equally important. 'It's better before boarding the plane that it should be very full so that it's comfortable and doesn't move,' Al Marri advised. The travel experience often becomes a cultural exchange. 'In the Gulf they don't get surprised much, but those from other countries look with admiration and amazement,' Al Marri said. 'Sometimes the flight crew take pictures and want to hold the bird and ask questions. It becomes a beautiful trip, but you feel like you want to arrive quickly because you don't know when your bird will start getting annoyed.' A shared tradition Beyond individual pursuit, Al Marri emphasises the profound social benefits that emerge from shared participation in this traditional practice. 'In winter or during the season, my brothers and my cousins and friends are closer to each other than any other time,' Al Marri reflected. 'We talk daily, and we share many things. It builds relationships and increases our social relationships from sharing in a certain hobby. Daily we learn and share matters.' Al Marri encourages young Emiratis to embrace falconry as both a cultural heritage practice and a positive influence during formative years. His message resonates with growing concerns about youth engagement and the preservation of traditional practices in an increasingly digital world. 'I urge everyone who has a son aged 15 to 19, to get him into this field, because the boy will learn from the bird and the bird will learn from him, and it will occupy him from everything happening currently,' Al Marri said. 'I always advise everyone to get their sons involved and it will occupy them from the negative things that exist.' Young falconers learn responsibility through daily care routines, develop problem-solving abilities through training challenges, and gain confidence through successful partnerships with their birds. To demonstrate his commitment to youth engagement, Al Marri organized a social media competition where the prize was an actual falcon, won by a young boy from Ajman. A lasting bond The deep emotional bonds that develop between falconers and their birds are special. Al Marri's remembered a particularly beloved falcon, saying: 'I had a bird I loved very much, it was one of the fastest. He didn't think — when he wanted something he would get it.' 'One day it went down on his prey — a stone curlew — and hit it hard, his wing broke and in a few hours he died. When I remember him, I feel sad and I haven't forgotten him to this day.' While falconry traditionally represents a costly hobby rather than a profitable venture, Al Marri envisions opportunities to develop sustainable business models that could support the practice while sharing its benefits more broadly. 'Usually, it's expensive. Some have been able to make the most of the field and make it a business. I'm also preparing for this thing that will support me.'
