In the summer of this year, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) in Abu Dhabi hosted a unique camp experience for young learners, combining traditional Amirti heritage with modern technology. Designed to cultivate both cultural awareness and future -prepared skills, the initiative brought students, experts and community elderly together in a colleague learning environment, alliances with the UAE’s 2025 year old community.
A camp contained in culture and innovation
Conducted at ECAE Fablab, the 2025 Summer Camp welcomed students between 12 and 17 years of age under “Bizing Generation: Honoring the past, innovating the future”. The event was organized by the Sustainable Education Center in ECAE as part of its comprehensive educational mission and community engagement efforts. The subject reflected the central goal of the camp: to help the young participants attach the cultural traditions of the United Arab Emirates to attach to the equipment and technologies that shape yesterday.The camp was given in two separate colleagues to allow for more flexible participation:
- Kohrt 1: 14-25 July
- Kohrt 2: 28 July -8 August
In two weeks of sessions, the students participated in a mixture of traditional craft activities and digital construction workshops, which were all designed to offer practical and creative learning experiences.
Cultural story
Participants were introduced to a wide range of digital devices, including:
- Laser cutter
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software
- Artificial intelligence (AI) application
Using these techniques, the students learned how to re -interpret traditional Emirati patterns to modern digital designs, with future innovations, bridging previous aesthetics.Working in small, allied teams, students were engaged in group projects that emphasized problems, teamwork and creative thinking. Each day a structured schedule of expert-laid sessions, both covered:
Traditional Emirati Craft Directed by experts and cultural teachers- Digital construction skills, taught through practical tutorials
In addition to technical and craft-based learning, the program laid a strong emphasis on inter-dialogue. The students participated in the sessions of the cultural story, where community elders shared individual stories and heritage insights. The purpose of these interactions was to deepen the relationship of students with their cultural roots and promote a sense of identity and belonging.
Climate in a community performance
An attraction of the summer camp was the final showcase event, where the participants presented their full projects:
- Fellow students
- Parents and family members
- Special guests of the community
The incident not only celebrated the achievements of the students, but also strengthened the topics of community participation, cultural pride and creative innovation.The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority served as an official partner for the cultural component of the camp, providing support and expertise for traditional workshops.
Long commitment to learning youth and lifetime
This summer program continues the mission of the Sustainable Education Center of ECAE, which has been active since 2014. In the last decade, the center has:
- About 344 programs were given
- Reach more than 7,000 children
- Support the extensive goal of promoting lifetime learning in the United Arab Emirates
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Vice Chancellor of ECAE, Dr. I Lath al -Tay said:“It is necessary for the creation of a harmonious and forward -minding society through education. By integrating the legacy with innovation, this summer camp provides skills and experiences to students that require them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and honor the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.”
