Ask Ali: Family focus is waning in Emiratis’ weekends and where to learn Arabic calligraphy

In this week's Ask Ali we learn about how Emiratis spent their weekends before shopping malls, sports clubs and hotels were built and where in the UAE to learn Arabic calligraphy.

Dear Ali: How did Emirati people spend their weekends before all the grandiose variety of shopping malls, sport clubs and hotels were built? KS, Abu Dhabi

Dear KS: That’s an interesting question and I must say that thinking about it took me back to a nostalgic time when there were not many places for ­entertainment.

On our weekends, we used to gather with our family members, friends and neighbours to enjoy outdoor recreation such as desert camping or spend it on family farms – in Arabic, we call it aazba or mazraa.

If people stayed in the city, they often took their families to parks such as Airport Park in Abu Dhabi, which was popular among Emirati families who used to gather there every weekend, making it a very crowded place.

Also, our very important tradition of family gatherings made every house busy each weekend. They would stay at home or entertain their own family by taking them to alternative places where family members could spend a good and enjoyable time together.

There are still many Emiratis who prefer our traditional weekend pastimes, gathering at one house. Usually, married couples with children visit their parents’ houses for an overnight stay. This might vary from house to house, but it will be at least one day a week, usually Friday – this time is sacred for us.

Personally, the trip we used to take from my hometown, Baniyas in Abu Dhabi, to Sharjah to visit our uncle was the best ever. Yes, it was long and tiring, but so much fun once we met our family members.

You appreciate these moments more as you grow up – life today has become centred on mobile gadgets and entertaining yourself your own way, with busy lifestyles meaning that more and more people have to spend their weekends alone.

Dear Ali: I would like to learn Arabic calligraphy. I'm not an Arab, but I'm based in the UAE, so can I still learn it if I don't know Arabic? And where can I learn? SH, Dubai

Dear SH: Sure, you can learn the art of Arabic calligraphy, but first you’ll need to learn the basics of Arabic, such as the alphabet, and other special characters. Once you know how to write in Arabic, you can turn any ordinary written word into artwork.

Living in the UAE, you have a great chance to attend a calligraphy school and meet some of the world’s best artists and learn from them.

There are opportunities to study in every emirate, but Dubai and particularly Sharjah are considered to be hubs of Arabic calligraphy.

In Dubai, there are several schools and clubs, such as Dar Al Khat Al Arabi, which literally means House of Arabic Calligraphy, located in Al Fahidi Historical District.

Sharjah has a famous Centre for Arabic Calligraphy & Ornamentation (www.sdci.gov.ae), where you can take classes, read specialised books, attend workshops hosted by famous calligraphers and even participate in national and international Arabic calligraphy competitions.

By the way, have you visited Sharjah Calligraphy Museum? If not, I would recommend you to start your discovery by visiting its great exhibits. You’ll get a lot of knowledge and inspiration.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.