Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites took place this week in Al Ain, drawing over 250 residents, students, and cultural professionals from across the UAE. The event, which aimed to raise awareness about the significance and preservation of Al Ain’s cultural landmarks, was hosted by key stakeholders in the region’s cultural and heritage sector.
Held under the theme “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future”, the Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites highlighted the city’s UNESCO-recognized history, showcased its traditional architecture, and emphasized the need for community participation in cultural preservation.
This important forum is part of a broader national strategy to enhance cultural tourism and to inform younger generations about the deep-rooted history of the UAE, particularly in Al Ain, which is often called the “Garden City” of the Emirates.
Why the Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites Matters
The Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites served as a wake-up call to the public and youth about the urgent need to protect cultural landmarks that are at risk of being forgotten due to modernisation and lack of knowledge. During the forum, experts spoke passionately about the heritage sites that are not only part of the region’s identity but also recognised globally by UNESCO World Heritage status.
These include historic sites such as Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Oasis, Hili Archaeological Park, and the Bidaa Bint Saud Tombs. Each site holds a distinct place in Emirati history, representing thousands of years of civilisation and cultural continuity.
Through educational sessions, panel discussions, and cultural exhibitions, the forum worked to instill a sense of pride, responsibility, and connection between local citizens and their environment.
Key Highlights from the Forum
The Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites was packed with engaging sessions:
- Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speeches: Cultural leaders and government officials inaugurated the forum, discussing Al Ain’s importance in UAE heritage.
- Workshops on Traditional Practices: Visitors engaged in sessions about Emirati handicrafts, palm weaving, and traditional irrigation systems.
- Youth Dialogues: School students participated in essay competitions and storytelling sessions centered on local history.
- Guided Tours: Special educational tours to nearby cultural landmarks were organized for students and first-time visitors.
- Panel Discussions: Experts addressed challenges in preserving Al Ain’s culture amidst rapid urban development.
The Forum’s Vision: Cultural Sustainability
One of the forum’s most important goals was to reinforce the concept of cultural sustainability. Organisers emphasised that true national development cannot be achieved without anchoring progress in cultural identity. This idea was echoed in speeches delivered by representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, as well as guest speakers from local universities and international heritage organisations.
They reminded the audience that while modernization continues at a rapid pace, it must not come at the cost of cultural erasure. The Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites thus served as a platform to discuss sustainable cultural tourism practices, heritage site conservation, and education.
Community Engagement and Inclusion
One standout feature of the Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites was the inclusive nature of the event. The audience was diverse, including Emiratis, expatriates, youth, and older citizens. Organisers stressed the need for everyone living in the UAE to understand and respect the region’s historical landscape.
Citizens shared emotional stories about growing up near cultural sites, while younger participants were amazed to learn that their city holds some of the oldest human settlements in the Arabian Peninsula.
Many attendees expressed interest in volunteering for future cultural preservation campaigns and joining awareness programs across schools and universities.
Cultural Education in the Spotlight
Cultural education was another central theme of the Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites. A dedicated session was held for teachers and educators, focusing on how school curricula can be enriched with more heritage-based content.
Ministry officials proposed adding more field trips to heritage sites, more bilingual resources, and cultural storytelling into early education to ensure that children grow up with a deep connection to their roots.
The forum’s cultural quiz competition attracted wide attention and rewarded young minds for their knowledge of UAE traditions and history.
Technology Meets Tradition
A particularly unique part of the forum was the use of augmented reality (AR) and interactive models to explain ancient irrigation systems and old town layouts. The blend of digital tools and traditional storytelling helped young people engage more meaningfully.
The fusion of modern technology with cultural content is expected to be a regular feature in future heritage forums and museum experiences.
Moving Forward: Long-Term Goals
Following the success of the Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites, organisers announced that similar forums will be held regularly across all emirates. They plan to roll out mobile exhibitions, cultural literacy programs in schools, and training for tour guides specialising in historical storytelling.
The Department of Culture and Tourism also mentioned possible partnerships with global institutions to bring international attention to Al Ain’s cultural wealth.
Final Thoughts
The Awareness Forum on Al Ain Cultural Sites proved to be more than just a conference it became a movement of collective memory, identity, and future planning. As the attendees left the venue, many carried with them a renewed sense of pride and purpose to safeguard Al Ain’s irreplaceable cultural gems.
With over 250 participants, active youth engagement, and powerful messages delivered by cultural leaders, the event successfully achieved its mission to awaken awareness and celebrate the past while preparing for a more respectful and rooted future.
Do follow Gulf Magazine on Instagram
Also Read – UAE National Day Holiday 2025 Five Day Break Expected
