Ras Al Khaimah has transformed cultural preservation into an intergenerational dialogue through its innovative Heritage Days event, running from December 11-15. The fourth edition, themed ‘Heritage Through the Eyes of Our Children,’ positions school students as primary narrators of Emirati traditions rather than passive observers.
The program features a national heritage operetta competition where fourteen schools initially participated, with six finalists presenting meticulously crafted performances. Each operetta involved minimum 40 students and adhered to strict 25-minute timeframes while being evaluated on traditional attire authenticity, heritage content accuracy, directorial quality, and student participation levels. A distinguished panel of educational experts, theater specialists, authors, and media professionals assessed the presentations.
Beyond theatrical performances, the event offers immersive cultural experiences across multiple domains. Traditional crafts demonstrations, folk medicine exhibitions, local cuisine sampling, and children’s art displays create a comprehensive tapestry of Emirati heritage. Muheina Ali Obaid Al Suraidi of Al Mattaf Association demonstrated traditional herbal preparations, explaining therapeutic applications of plants like Harmal (used in fumigation rituals against fever and negative energy), Al Yedah (fever reduction), and Al Halbat (treating inflammation and digestive issues).
The artistic dimension features heritage-inspired paintings by Ministry of Education-recognized students, works by artist Hamid Liwad, and sculptures by Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Rabee—a Person of Determination acknowledged among Ras Al Khaimah’s most promising creative talents. Educator Najat Saleh Al Teneiji additionally contributed to the multidisciplinary exhibition.
Amal Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Corporate Communications Office at the Department of Antiquities and Museums, emphasized the paradigm shift: ‘Children are not only the custodians of our heritage; they are also its storytellers. This year’s event gives the public a chance to see heritage through their perspective, highlighting creativity, learning, and cultural pride.’
The event operates daily from 4 PM to 10 PM, offering residents and visitors an innovative approach to cultural preservation that balances authenticity with contemporary interpretation, ensuring traditions remain dynamically relevant through youthful engagement.