Know your UAE
material that is presented during their
visit and they also have the opportunity
to ask questions on topics that they
may be curious about.
Since its inception, SMCCU has
provided educational programmes
for local schools, universities and
institutions across the UAE, as
well as abroad. Today, there are
a variety of packages and flexible
programmes aimed at enhancing
students’ knowledge of the local
culture, traditions and the religion of
the Emirates in a fun and engaging
learning environment. Many of these
programmes can be accessed at the
SMCCU home location, which provides
a perfect backdrop for students to
explore with the help of experienced
programme guides.
The SMCCU also has a number of
bespoke cultural programmes that
can be hosted at your school, as
well as, Teacher and Staff Induction
programmes.
Why is a teacher and staff
induction programme
worthwhile?
Many expatriate teachers who are
new to the UAE, experience a bit of
a ‘culture shock’ when they get here.
There is so much to learn and the
language barrier can also add to the
challenges. Since the UAE is a Muslim
country, there are many speculations
as to what can or cannot be done. This
also includes how and when things get
done. Additionally, most of us who
A look inside the mosque.
are new to an environment that has
significant differences from what we
are accustomed to, tend to carry with
us some of our preconceived notions
and prejudices.
A good way to immerse into the
culture of a new country (wherever you
are in the world) is to interact with the
local folk (Emiratis in the UAE) and to
find a reliable and trustworthy source
that can guide you in navigating
aspects of the culture that you may
not understand or have difficulty
accepting.
As educators, this is extremely
important since a lot of our interactions
are with both our Emirati colleagues
and students in the work setting. It is
imperative that we acknowledge the
cultural differences and understand
their importance, so as to function
optimally at what we do.
What can you else can you
expect from SMCCU?
Expatriates living in Dubai have the
greatest advantage in easily accessing
the events and activities that help
to increase awareness of the UAE’s
traditions and customs. However,
groups and organisations outside of
the Emirate can book private tours that
are specific to what they want to do.
Cultural events are tailored to
the needs of the guests and can
be fun or educational. Activities
include traditional bands, henna,
calligraphy, falconry, Bahkoor and Oud
preparation.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could say
more than just the usual catch phrases
in Arabic? The SMCCU has you
covered. Spoken Gulf Arabic has been
taught at SMCCU for over eight years.
Classes are conducted on weekdays or
the weekend at the centre. If you would
prefer to have a more personalised
approach, private customised Arabic
courses with content that is relevant to
your specific needs are provided with
special focus on private companies
and their respective business or
industry.
There is a wealth of information on
the UAE at the Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Centre for Cultural
Understanding. It is easy to pick up
some of the nuances in the culture.
It is easier to learn from experienced
Emiratis who understand their culture
very well and are able to articulate
the importance of the traditions and
customs in a manner that is engaging,
humorous and informative. The easiest
option would be to simply go and get
the SMCCU tour!
PS. Whatever package you choose,
absolutely do not pass up the cultural
meal. It is delicious!
Visit http://www.cultures.ae/ for additional
details on how to book a tour at the SMCCU.
Source: Some information gathered on
location at SMCCU, as well as from their
website http://www.cultures.ae/
Guests enjoying a tour of
the SMCCU grounds.
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