Dubai Culture hosts ‘Earth’s Treasures in Hatta’ winter camp at Heritage Village

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled its 'Earth's Treasures in Hatta' winter camp, which will be held on weekends from November 9 to December 2, 2024, at Hatta Heritage Village. The initiative is aimed at promoting cultural and environmental education for children, in line with Dubai Culture’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the UAE’s natural heritage.

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This new winter camp is designed with a special focus on “Preserving Hatta’s Natural Heritage” and will cater to children aged 7 to 12. The camp will provide a unique opportunity for the younger generation to engage directly with the natural environment of Hatta, enriching their understanding of local culture, nature, and sustainability through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences led by experts.

Mariam Dhaen Al Tamimi, Acting Director of the Heritage Sites Department at Dubai Culture, emphasized the camp’s alignment with Dubai Culture's broader mission to instill an appreciation of the environment and cultural history in children. "The camp is a continuation of our commitment to educating the youth about the importance of environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and the resilience of past civilizations," she stated. "It also aims to expand their creative horizons, helping to foster new generations of thinkers who will shape the future."

The camp’s activities will immerse children in various aspects of Hatta’s rich natural landscape, including the region’s geological history and its diverse ecosystems. One of the highlights is a hands-on exploration of the Hatta mountains, where participants will learn about the geological processes that shaped the region, such as erosion and the formation of rock structures. They will also engage in interactive exercises like creating topographic maps and investigating fossils to better understand the Earth’s history.

In addition to field excursions and discovery activities, the camp will feature specialized workshops in subjects such as rocks, minerals, and paleontology. Children will be able to sculpt rock structures, identify different minerals, and gain practical experience in a simulated excavation, where they can uncover "hidden treasures." These activities are designed to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity among participants.

The 'Building Hatta: From Stone Masonry to Cave Dwellings' workshop will provide an educational look at how ancient civilizations adapted to their environments. Through hands-on construction activities, children will build models of stone structures and cave dwellings, gaining insight into the ways people in the region historically adapted to their surroundings.

Another exciting feature of the camp is the ‘Exploring Ecosystems and Terrariums’ workshop, where children will get the chance to build their own terrariums and miniature gardens. This experience will deepen their understanding of plant growth, sustainable farming practices, and the water cycle, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. 

Additionally, the camp will offer a special ‘UAE National Day Adventure,’ celebrating the nation's heritage and culture. Children will engage in a treasure hunt set in a simulated Hatta landscape, uncovering clues related to the UAE’s history, fostering a sense of pride in their country and its cultural achievements.

The 'Earth’s Treasures in Hatta' winter camp serves as an exciting opportunity for children to learn, explore, and connect with the environment while acquiring important knowledge about sustainability, geology, and the region’s cultural legacy. This initiative is also part of Dubai Culture’s broader effort to enhance Hatta’s cultural and artistic landscape, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.