Emirates College students highlight Emirati heritage

The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) has hosted its 2025 summer camp, themed Bridging Generations: Honouring the Past, Innovating the Future, at the ECAE FabLab in Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the college’s Continuing Education Centre and aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, the camp offered students aged 12-17 a unique hands-on experience that blended traditional Emirati crafts with cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies.

Over two weeks, participants engaged in a variety of interactive activities that deepened their understanding of the nation’s rich cultural heritage while equipping them with practical skills for the future.

The camp ran in two cohorts; the first from 14-25 July, and the second from 28 July to 8 August, ensuring flexibility for families and wider participation. Students had the opportunity to work with advanced tools such as laser cutters, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and artificial intelligence applications, learning how to transform heritage patterns into innovative modern designs.

Throughout the programme, students collaborated in small teams, engaging in group projects that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The daily schedule featured expert-led workshops on traditional crafts and digital fabrication, and cultural storytelling sessions where the participants interacted with community elders and shared personal experiences.

These storytelling breaks aimed to nurture a deeper connection to local traditions and inspire students to reflect on their own cultural identities.

Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE, said: “Bridging generations through education is essential for building a cohesive and forward-thinking society. By integrating heritage with innovation, this summer camp provides students with the skills and experiences they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and honour the UAE’s rich cultural legacy. This initiative assumes particular significance this year, as it is designated as the Year of Community.”

The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority was the official partner for the cultural workshop. A highlight of the camp was the final showcase event, where students presented their completed projects to peers, parents, and special guests, underscoring the importance of community, innovation, and cultural pride.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Continuing Education Centre at ECAE has offered approximately 344 programmes, benefiting more than 7,000 children and supporting lifelong learning. The summer camp is part of this ongoing commitment, providing students with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields while staying connected to their cultural roots.