Dubai Customs Childcare Centre has organized a “ Concourse of Nations” event, under the slogan “One Nursery…One Nation” at the Department’s main building. The initiative is aimed at teaching the center’s children about the habits, traditions and cultures of various nations, as the center includes employees’ children from different nationalities.
The event was hosted every Wednesday for three weeks between November 14-28, 2012, within the framework of the Department’s strive to introduce its employees to the history and culture of different countries, by highlighting their habits, traditions and cultures. Dubai Customs has great interest in nurturing the cultural aspect of the children as they represent the most important community segment with their passion for learning which stays with them their entire lives.
Through the “ Concourse of Nations” event, Dubai Customs seeks to share knowledge and culture among the diverse community of the Department’s employees and familiarize them with other nations’ heritage and habits. Every week, traditional dishes from the country in focus were introduced and the children wore its national dress.
Wednesday, November 28, was selected to display the habits and traditions of the UAE to coincide with Dubai Customs’ celebrations of the 41st UAE National Day. On that day, the center’s children wore the national dress of the UAE, Emirati songs were playing the whole day and traditional foods and desserts were presented, namely Khabees, Al Balaleet, Al Reqa'aq bread, Al Muhala, Al Jabab and others.
On the first day of the event, November 14, 2012, both children and employees learned about the cultures of Egypt and India. Egyptian and Indian children wore the national dress of their countries and performed few folklore dances. In addition, delicious traditional foods that are popular in these countries were served. The walls of the Childcare Center were decorated with flags of the two countries and pictures of their major attractions, namely the pyramids, Ancient Egyptian Museum, Egypt map, Taj Mahal, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, old markets and other famous monuments.
The following Wednesday was dedicated to the Levant, as the audience was briefly introduced to the habits, traditions and cultures of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. In addition, children wore the traditional dresses of these countries.