ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Friday, April 18th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi celebrated the World Heritage Day that is observed on April, 18th every year across the world.  The event aims to protect human cultural heritage, according to the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization "UNESCO" convention, approved in Paris in 1972.

The Genera; Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi marked this event by organizing a heritage festival, in collaboration with the General Women's Union. The festival included several cultural activities and programs that reflect the UAE’s heritage, with a view to strengthen cultural interaction between the UAE and other nationalities residing in the country. The event spanned over the course of three days and included an exhibition of heritage products and handicrafts.

Colonel Salim Ali Al Qattam Al Zaabi, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi, visited the exhibition that was held at the Residency Department’s hall and praised the organizational efforts and the vital role of the General Women's Union in enhancing the prestigious stature of the UAE heritage. Colonel Al Zaabi was accompanied during his tour by Lt. Colonel Morshed Al Mazroui, Head of the Naturalization Department in Abu Dhabi, along with a number of officers and officials.

The "Female Protectors of the UAE’s Heritage" from the General Women's Union organized multiple workshops, showcasing the heritage skills and handicrafts that the UAE women have been renowned  for from  the beginning of time, most notably, "Al Talli" work (a form of traditional Emirati embroidery), in addition to handmade products of palm leaf rod such as "Al Sarood" (palm leaf rod tray), "Al Mekabeh" (palm leaf rod cover), "Al Mekhrafah" (palm leaf rod handbag), "Al Qufah" (palm leaf rod bag), and "Al Haseer" (palm leaf rod rug), in addition to clay products such as clay censers, jars, among others.

The exhibition, which was held in line with the World Heritage Day event, witnessed significant attendance from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs' staff and customers. The activities were marked by the size and good organization of the accompanying events, such as the special exhibition by the National Productive Families Project that gave a presentation on the most prominent women’s work participations in the labor markets, with a full-fledged support of the General Women's Union.

It is worth mentioning that the participation of the General Women's Union personifies its commitment to support Emirati families and encourage them to make good use of the natural environmental resources to produce various handicrafts and enrich the labor market with exceptional and creative national competencies. This approach comes in response to the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairperson of Family Development Foundation (FDF), and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood; Mother of the UAE. Her Highness has directed to provide the Emirati family with the opportunity to take part in manufacturing the various products on display at the event, which meet the needs of society, maintain the UAE Heritage, and ensure that it is passed on to  future generations.

Aisha Bint Ghalaita Al Muhairi, in charge of the National Productive Families program at the General Women's Union explained: "The General Women's Union is keen on supporting, perpetuating and highlighting this heritage by participating in such exhibitions and events that are organized on the various occasions, and reflect the history and magnanimity of this heritage, which is a cultural asset for the UAE and its future generations."

Al Muhairi also expressed her happiness for the participation of the National Productive Families in such events, which grant them the opportunity to exhibit and market their products. She also explained that the UAE Heritage is deeply rooted and has many forms and aspects; it is reflected in the customs and traditions that are carefully and proudly passed on from generation to generation.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

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