Orphans from Zayed Hicare Home for Children Join the Family Fun and Adventure at DSF’s Watani Family Camp
The Watani Family Camp, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum received recently a group of teenagers aged 12-15 years, from the Zayed Hicare home for children who enjoyed a three-day family adventure in the desert. As part of the DSF’s Watani Family Camp, the participants stayed in traditional tent style accommodation as they relived one of the ancient customs of the UAE that saw families gathering in camps in the desert during the winter and spring breaks to enjoy the cool weather and desert magic. The children were given the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities teaching traditional skills, such as how to navigate the desert using the stars. They also had the chance to see different themed plays which reflect the rich culture and history of the Emirates.
“We had a great time at the camp. We learned a lot of things about the way people used to live and it was fun sleeping outside,†commented Mubarak Hamad, one of the children from Zayed Hicare.
Youssef Al Shehi, a supervisor at Zayed Hicare Orphanage said: “The children had a superb experience at the Watani Family Camp; they blended very well with many other visitors and enjoyed activities such as quad biking and camel riding. It was excellent that they were able to enjoy a family experience.â€
Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director of the Watani Programme said: “Travelling to the desert to teach children about their heritage is a typical Emirati family experience, and one we are hoping to share with our special guests from the Zayed Hicare Orphanage. The main message of the camp is the importance of family. It is our aim to offer all guests the opportunity to enjoy the desert in the same way Emirati families have for hundreds of years.â€
The Watani Family Camp at DSF is a key highlight of the fourteenth Dubai Shopping Festival. The Camp will take place at the University Campus Street in Dubai, in front of the Al Warqaa area. The campsite is a traditional desert setting with modern amenities including a souq, Arabic coffee shop, traditional bakery, quad biking station and sand football fields and volleyball courts. It is open to visitors of all ages and nationalities and nominal entry fees make the camp accessible to families of all incomes. Those interested in finding out further information about the camp and reserving tents should contact Watani on 04 557 0111, 04 557 0222 or 04 557 0333 or email info@watani.ae.
Watani Program was launched on December 2, 2005 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the UAE’s national identity and practices of good citizenship within the UAE’s diverse and multicultural society. The program organizes and implements various educational, entertainment, and media activities that are directed to the youth, women and children. The activities and campaigns organized by Watani are carried out by a number of volunteers and public interest advocates in the UAE. For further information please visit www.watani.ae, or phone: 043295518 and fax: 04-043295519.
For media information, please contact:
Noha Habib, Weber Shandwick Mena,
Email: noha.habib@ws-mena.com,
May Ng, Weber Shandwick Mena,
Email :may.ng@ws-mena.com
Comments