'Sharp Tools' is among the films screening as part of the summer camp. Courtesy Diff
'Sharp Tools' is among the films screening as part of the summer camp. Courtesy Diff
'Sharp Tools' is among the films screening as part of the summer camp. Courtesy Diff
'Sharp Tools' is among the films screening as part of the summer camp. Courtesy Diff

Five activities to not miss at the UAE's virtual summer camp this week


Samia Badih
  • English
  • Arabic

More than 500 activities are taking place online as part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth's digital summer camp, which runs until Saturday, August 29.

From workshops to cultural screenings, the camp caters to young people of different ages, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills in areas such as culture and creativity, new media, future skills and self-development. They can learn everything from how to choose a career to how to brew coffee.

So with such a vast selection of activities to choose from, we highlight five that should not be missed.

1. Screening of the documentary 'Sharp Tools'

Directed by Emirati filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, Sharp Tools is a documentary that tells the story of the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif, considered the father of conceptual art in the UAE. The screening is in partnership with Cinema Akil and takes places on Friday, July 24 at 10pm.

2. Learn the basics of coffee brewing

This workshop will share the basics of how to brew coffee, detailing how to extract good espresso and how to prepare distilled coffee of all kinds. It is led by Barista Tih Peter Vekumetsi and will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 12pm.

The activities include screenings, talks and workshops such as learning Arabic calligraphy. Randi Sokoloff / The National
The activities include screenings, talks and workshops such as learning Arabic calligraphy. Randi Sokoloff / The National

3. Learn the basics of Arabic calligraphy

This is a workshop that will introduce participants to Arabic calligraphy and the art of Islamic decoration in mosques and palaces. It will be led by Malak Atikeh and will take place on Sunday, July 26 at 5pm.

4. To Remain a Memory: a session on documentation

The Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority is holding an online talk to raise awareness about the importance of keeping records. Titled To Remain a Memory, the session introduces viewers to the concept of archives and the different ways people can document and record their accomplishments. It is led by Salma Alabdouli and will take place on Monday, July 27, at 12pm.

5. Story reading for children

Author Khadija Al Kudsi will read her story What Can I Do with My Dirhams?, which will be followed by a children's discussion about the values of giving and sharing. The session will take place on Monday, July 27, at 5pm.

To register for the summer camp, visit www.mckd.gov.ae

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

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THE BIO

Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13 

Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier

Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife 

What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents. 

Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.