Bridging Traditions and Innovations: The Emirates College for Advanced Education Summer Camp 2025
In a remarkable initiative designed to weave together the threads of traditional Emirati culture and contemporary technological advancements, the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) recently hosted its 2025 Summer Camp at the ECAE FabLab in Abu Dhabi. Themed “Bridging Generations: Honouring the Past, Innovating the Future,” this camp served as a unique platform for students aged 12 to 17 to explore the intersections of heritage and innovation.
As part of the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, the camp offered participants a distinctive hands-on experience that merged traditional techniques in Emirati crafts with cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies. Such an educational approach not only honors the rich cultural history of the UAE but also equips younger generations with practical skills requisite for future professional landscapes.
The programme was meticulously designed to run over two weeks, divided into two distinct cohorts: the first session took place from July 14 to July 25, followed by a second cohort from July 28 to August 8. This bifurcation allowed for greater flexibility, accommodating the varied schedules of families and facilitating wider participation among the youth.
During the camp, students had the opportunity to engage with advanced tools including laser cutters, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and artificial intelligence applications. This exposure allowed them to learn how to transform abstract heritage patterns into contemporary and innovative designs, fostering an environment of creativity and technical know-how.
Collaboration was a central pillar of the camp’s structure. Participants worked in small teams, which not only emphasized teamwork but also cultivated an environment ripe for problem-solving. The daily itinerary included expert-led workshops on traditional crafts and digital fabrication as well as cultural storytelling sessions that allowed participants to engage directly with community elders. Such interactions enriched their understanding of local traditions while encouraging personal reflections on cultural identity.
Dr. May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of ECAE, underscored the importance of this educational approach: “Bridging generations through education is essential for building a cohesive and forward-thinking society. By integrating heritage with innovation, this summer camp provides students with the skills and experiences they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and honour the UAE’s rich cultural legacy. This initiative assumes particular significance this year, as it is designated as the Year of Community.”
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority played a pivotal role by serving as the official partner for the cultural workshop. Integral to the programme’s essence was the final showcase event, where students had the opportunity to present their completed projects to an audience comprising peers, family members, and distinguished guests. This event not only highlighted the students’ newfound skills but also emphasized the overarching themes of community engagement, innovation, and cultural pride.
Since its inception in 2014, ECAE’s Continuing Education Centre has successfully rolled out approximately 344 programmes, reaching over 7,000 children while promoting a culture of lifelong learning. The summer camp aligns seamlessly with this mission, offering a conduit for students to delve into the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines while concurrently remaining anchored to their cultural roots.
In a rapidly evolving world, such initiatives are vital. They serve not only to cultivate necessary skill sets pertinent to the 21st century but also to instill a strong sense of identity and pride among the youth. Participants leave the camp not only with enhanced technical abilities but with a rejuvenated appreciation for their heritage—a dual inheritance that will undoubtedly shape their futures.
Through endeavors such as this summer camp, the ECAE plays a crucial role in the educational tapestry of the UAE, ensuring that the threads of the past are not lost, but rather intricately woven into the fabric of the future.
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