Ameena Al Hammadi, a guide at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, gives a tour of the Hajj: Memories of a Journey exhibition at the mosque. Reem Mohammed / The National 
Ameena Al Hammadi, a guide at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, gives a tour of the Hajj: Memories of a Journey exhibition at the mosque. Reem Mohammed / The National 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre trains Emiratis to be cultural guides



The latest batch of Emirati students and graduates have begun training at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre to become cultural guides.

The Ibn Al Dar programme, meaning son of the house and taught by Emirati trainers, will teach the 25 students about the life of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed as well as Islamic architecture and art.

The students will take part in workshops, attend field tours and carry out research to learn how to lead their own cultural tours.

Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, director-general of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, said the programme aims to encourage Emiratis to work in culture and tourism and promote the mosque’s message of inclusion, coexistence, peace and openness, all while preserving their national identity and culture.

A dozen batches of students have been trained since the programme launched 10 years ago. Of them, 64 graduated and were deemed qualified to lead the mosque's cultural tours.

The government has pushed initiatives that support Emiratis in the hospitality sector. As of November 2017, just 300 of the country's 1,200 registered tour guides were Emirati.

Last year, the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi launched Emirati Experiences, an Emirati-led tour programme that promised a more intimate view of the capital.

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Read more:

Grand tour: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque goes on display across the globe

Experience Abu Dhabi like a local: Emirati tour guides to showcase highlights and hidden gems

Emirati tour guides seek to shatter stereotypes

Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.

Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.

Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."

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PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP

Men’s: 
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)

Women's: 
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)

Match info

Premier League

Manchester United 2 (Martial 30', Lingard 69')
Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 26', Rojo 68' OG)


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