During the Eid holidays, something truly special happened at Khor Fakkan’s heritage village. Instead of just relaxing or watching fireworks, many local youths took part in hands-on cultural workshops that connected them to their roots in a powerful way.
With the scent of traditional incense in the air and the sounds of drums echoing through the lanes, the heritage village was alive with activity. Families gathered, children laughed, and skilled artisans guided young learners through pottery, weaving, and pearl-diving demonstrations—each activity a window into the rich past of the UAE.
Workshops That Turned Curiosity Into Passion
The workshops were carefully planned to be fun, interactive, and educational. Many children and teenagers arrived unsure of what to expect. But by the end of the day, their hands were covered in clay, their eyes sparkled with excitement, and their hearts were full of pride.
Pottery was one of the most popular workshops. Young participants learned how to mold clay with their bare hands, creating simple cups and bowls just like their ancestors did. For many, it was their first time touching clay. One 13-year-old participant shared, “I didn’t know I could make something like this. It makes me feel connected to my grandparents.”
Weaving, another traditional skill, allowed children to try their hands at working with palm fronds. Local craftswomen demonstrated how to weave mats and baskets, guiding the youth patiently. These techniques, passed down for generations, sparked interest in keeping the art alive. Several girls said they wanted to return next week to learn more.
Pearl-diving was not just about looking at old tools. Children were shown how divers once prepared for long journeys at sea and even got to try on traditional diving gear. A special storytelling session added more excitement, as elders recounted tales of bravery and hard work from the pearl-diving days.
A Creative Way to Celebrate Eid
These workshops were part of a larger celebration organized to honor Eid while bringing the community together. While many visited the heritage village to enjoy music, food, and entertainment, it was the workshops that captured the hearts of the younger generation.
Organizers of the event said their goal was to make the holidays more meaningful. “We wanted the youth to understand that our heritage is more than just stories or items in a museum. It’s something they can touch, feel, and even continue,” said one of the event coordinators.
The atmosphere was festive yet deeply respectful of the traditions. Men wore kanduras and women donned elegant abayas. Children, dressed in colorful Eid clothes, moved excitedly from one workshop to another, holding their handmade items with pride.
Bringing the Past into the Present
What made this initiative stand out was how it gave old customs new life. Instead of being told about the past, the youth lived it, even if just for a day. Many parents said the workshops reminded them of their own childhood and were happy to see their children experience something similar.
Some even shared that their children were more interested in history after participating. “My son used to think heritage was boring,” said a mother of two. “Now he wants to visit his grandfather’s village to ask more about how things were back then.”
This hands-on approach seems to be working well. Teachers who attended the workshops said they’d love to see similar events happen during school holidays. “It’s more than just fun,” one teacher noted. “It teaches patience, creativity, and respect for our culture.”
A Boost for Local Tourism and Artisans
Beyond education and entertainment, the workshops also helped support local artisans. Potters, weavers, and storytellers who usually work behind the scenes were given a spotlight. Many sold their handmade goods at the village, and some were even approached by parents who wanted private lessons for their kids.
The heritage village, already a popular destination for tourists and school trips, saw an increase in visitors during the Eid break. This was great news for the community, as more people buying local goods means more support for cultural preservation.
Local authorities praised the event as a successful example of cultural tourism. “It’s important that we protect our history not just through books but through action,” a city official said. “These events create real connections between generations.”
Youth Voices: What They Learned
At the end of the day, the best feedback came from the youth themselves. When asked what they enjoyed most, some said the chance to get messy with clay. Others loved hearing the stories of pearl divers. A few were even surprised at how hard weaving could be.
But one message was clear—they all walked away with a stronger sense of identity. “I didn’t know this was part of our history,” said a 15-year-old girl. “Now I feel proud to be part of it.”
This kind of experience, organizers believe, plants the seeds for long-term interest in culture and tradition. And with the success of this year’s Eid program, more events like this are expected in the future.
Looking Ahead: More Events to Come
Based on the strong turnout and positive feedback, the heritage village team is already planning new workshops for upcoming holidays and school breaks. They hope to include more traditional crafts like boat-making, henna design, and cooking.
There are also talks of involving schools more directly, so that students can visit during the academic year and receive credits for participating in cultural activities.
The ultimate goal is to make sure that Emirati heritage doesn’t fade with time but is carried forward with pride by the next generation.
Final Thoughts
Khor Fakkan’s heritage village offered more than just fun this Eid. It created memories, built bridges between generations, and inspired young minds to explore who they are and where they come from.
By learning ancient skills with their own hands, these young people gained more than knowledge—they gained identity, purpose, and pride. And that is a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday season.
Also read: Khor Fakkan’s New Smart Parking System: A Boost for Tourism
