Tales of Hamad to teach Emirati culture to children

Ahmed Al Shoaibi has written a series of books that explains culture and heritage to young nationals and expats alike.

Writer Ahmed Al Shoaibi is an engineer who has written books for children to teach them about Emirati heritage and culture. His books also explore religious themes. Satish Kumar / The National

ABU DHABI // How is Emirati patriotism explained to expatriate children? How are the roots of Emirati culture revealed to a generation that plays video games? How is the true meaning of Eid shared with youngsters who might associate the time with days off school and gifts?

These were the challenges Ahmed Al Shoaibi set himself.

The engineer so was moved by the deaths of Emirati servicemen in Yemen that he searched for ways to help share their dedication to their country with his compatriots and expatriates alike, particularly children.

“When these men died fighting in Yemen, it clicked in my mind this is love of your country when you’re willing to put your life on the line to defend it,” said Al Shoaibi. “How do we explain patriotism to our children?”

He soon took it upon himself to start writing, eventually creating The Tales of Hamad, a collection of seven stories that looks at Emirati culture, the reasons why Eid is celebrated and how, as well as addressing important lessons such as respecting your elders, overcoming fear and challenges and the power of positive thinking.

Al Shoaibi hoped to change the way residents and citizens, children and their parents alike, look at life in the UAE.

“Eid, it’s not about presents but celebrating helping the poor, visiting the sick and elderly and also thanking God for giving us the strength to get through Ramadan,” said Al Shoaibi.

Muna Balfaqeeh, a mother of four children aged four to 10, read Al Shoaibi’s books to her children and in particular the eldest.

"I wanted to see how my kids would react," she said. "My eldest read The Phoenix and The Ghoul and immediately related to it. I loved that it talked about self perception and self image and the challenges a child will go through at school.

“He became quiet and reflective after reading it. Whether the kids share what they’re going through, bullying, self image, this shows they are all sharing similar things.”

The fact the stories are written in English, and by an Emirati, makes them more accessible and appealing, said Ms Balfaqeeh.

“The young generation of Emiratis is stronger in English. It’s the truth and we have to acknowledge it.”

The UAE’s long tradition of oral history means very little literature relating to Emirati heritage and culture exists, and least of all in English.

“There are things which have been lost along the way and it’s good to show the kids in a language they understand and in a way that they can relate to.”

Al Shoaibi’s books will be officially launched at this year’s Abu Dhabi Book Fair, which runs at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until May 3.

Louise Bennett said stories like these would be great ways for her two children, aged five and eight, to learn about local culture.

“In schools, there seems to be little sense of the local environment,” said the Canadian. “It’s really hard to find books for the kids to teach them about the Bedouin culture in a way they relate to so this is a great idea. I would definitely buy these for my children. The themes and stories are fun as well as being able to teach something very authentic.”

Al Shoaibi said having the books in English was vital.

“It’s not just for Emirati kids,” he said. “But it’s important that they learn this too. More of our kids go to private schools where they study in English and even the public schools focus more on English, so I insisted these be published in English. I want these books to be a tool to teach people about our culture too. I want people to be able to learn more about us.”