DSF’s hottest new destination welcomes His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Watani Family Camp hosts families for a fun day in the desert
His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, visited the Watani Family Camp, one of the major attractions of the fourteenth edition of the DSF on Saturday, January 24. A traditional reception ceremony was organized in honour of His Highness Sheikh Majid who is the patron of the camp, one of the key DSF activities for this year dedicated for families and geared towards showcasing and promoting the Emirati traditions and culture.
His Highness then toured the facility and enjoyed the various cultural and traditional activities including a cultural entertainment program and a reenactment of a traditional Bedouin wedding.
Participants at DSF’s Watani Family Camp have the opportunity to see a number of educational plays which reflect the rich culture and history of the Emirates. Families and children also learn to navigate the desert using the stars, trail finding, falconry and traditional Emirati cooking, whilst more adventurous members of the family can enjoy quad biking and camel riding.
And as part of the traditional heritage activities, participants enjoy the ‘Yolla’ (Emirati dance) performances, and can attend brief sessions about the Emirati history and culture (Arabic language only). Visitors of the Watani camp have access to the traditional ‘souq’ (market) selling handicrafts from women with home-based businesses, Emirati bakeries, traditional coffee shops, and so much more.
Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General of Watani commented, “It is a great honour to have HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launch DSF’s Watani Family Camp activities today. H.H. has continuously contributed to the preservation of our national identity, traditions and heritage which is the main goal of this Camp.”
Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office said, “The Watani Desert Camp is a significant inclusion in DSF 2009 and this is in line with our aim of promoting the Emarati culture and creating a platform for cultures in Dubai to interact and share values.”
Over 600 DNRD staff members and their children participated in the opening ceremony and partook in a variety of the activities offered at the family camp including quad biking, camel riding and shopping in the traditional souq. Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of DNRD, who joined the festivities with his family, said “We are always keen to support our staff and empower them by creating a positive work environment. It is also part of our ongoing endeavors to support all initiatives aimed at promoting the UAE culture and heritage, in line with Watani program’s objectives.”
Al Mansoori added: “I am also very pleased to welcome our brothers and sisters from the ‘Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department’ who have joined us in the desert on this special day along with their families.”
The Family Camp is one of many activities organized by Watani to enhance interest in Emirati culture amongst UAE Nationals and Non-Nationals. The Camp is a tribute to the Emirati tradition of heading in to the desert for winter to enjoy the natural beauty of the UAE. The Camp’s program is particularly geared towards families, in line with the DSF family oriented philosophy.
The Camp is open to visitors of all ages and nationalities and nominal entry fees make the camp accessible to families of all incomes. Previously, camps such as this were restricted to Emirati families only.
Those interested in finding out further information about the camp and reserving tents should call 800WATANI or email [email protected].
