The vibrant launch of the National Fund’s summer program, held under the theme “I’m Emirati and Proud,” showcased a dynamic fusion of innovation, cultural pride, and youth empowerment. In its first week alone, the initiative delivered over 120 engaging activities—ranging from heritage exhibitions and sports to theater performances and hands-on tech workshops—spanning 56 locations across the UAE’s schools and cultural centers.
The initiative’s resounding success was marked not only by full-capacity venues but also by the enthusiastic involvement of Emirati youth and their families. According to Yasser Al Gergawi, Director General of the National Fund, this strong participation reflects deep trust from parents and community members, reinforcing the responsibility to provide valuable and enriching content that resonates with national and Arab identity.
Twin Prodigies Pave the Way in AI and Digital Safety
Among the program’s most inspiring highlights were 12-year-old twins Hamdan and Sultan Al Shehhi, who took center stage by conducting specialized workshops on artificial intelligence and digital safety. Through interactive sessions, they educated their peers on safe internet practices, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible use of AI technologies.
Their workshops sparked remarkable interaction, especially as they shared insights from their self-authored book, “A Twin’s Journey in the Age of AI,” blending real-world tech knowledge with imaginative storytelling. Aimed at young readers, their book presents AI as a vital part of modern life while encouraging ethical digital behavior.
Notably, the twins focused on cyberbullying, using relatable scenarios to help peers recognize, understand, and combat online harassment. Their confident delivery and peer-to-peer approach earned them admiration as standout contributors to this year’s summer programming.
Theater Brings Arabic Grammar to Life
The celebration of identity extended into the world of language arts with the educational comedy play “The Letter on a Grammatical Mission,” directed by acclaimed Emirati artist Abdullah Saleh. Performed to packed halls of students and parents, the play ingeniously combined humor and learning to demystify Arabic grammar.
“The aim is to make language fun,” Saleh explained. “Through storytelling, we’re helping students develop a genuine love for Arabic—not through rote learning, but through imagination and drama.”
The play follows the journey of a personified letter navigating its grammatical role within a sentence, creating a compelling metaphor that resonated with young viewers.
