Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) Launches Cultural Awareness Program For UAE-Based Schools And Universities

-Tailored programs to provide awareness of Emirati customs, culture, heritage and cultural norms in fun and engaging way -

Dubai, UAE, February 3, 2016:  The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) launches its cultural awareness program with a variety of packages and tailored activities to enhance the students’ knowledge of their home in the UAE, its culture, tradition and religion in a fun and engaging learning environment.

The advantage of its location in the Al Fahidi Historic District enables students to explore and learn through the old trading village. During the program students will experience traditional homemade Emirati food in the authentic Majlis or courtyard of a historic Wind tower house while being introduced to the traditions and customs of Emirati family life, the importance of coffee as part of honouring guests, an open Q & A session and the significance of the house of worship as part of the tradition of Emirates.

Operating under the centre’s philosophy and motto “Open Doors. Open Minds.” the centre strives to raise awareness and demystify the local culture, customs and religion of the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Nasif Kayed of the SMCCU, said: “UAE’s historic monuments and landscapes stand here to remind us of our roots, traditions and the UAE’s great history. This initiative strives to uncover a new interpretation of these historical landmarks from the next generation residing in the UAE, encouraging creativity combined with historic knowledge.”

In the past 15 years, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding has been providing educational programmes for local schools, universities and institutions from  the UAE as well as abroad. In 2015, more than 20,000 students attended these educational programmes.

SMCCU also provides tailor made cultural induction programmes for school teachers and staff to enhance their understating about the culture, traditions and religion of the UAE and provide a platform to come together and improve cross cultural understanding in an open and engaging atmosphere. New and seasoned staff, faculty as well as parents are invited to join this programme.