Nestle Nespresso Execs Visit with SMCCU

This week we  were keen to host a visit with the CEO and fellow execs from Nestle Nespresso.  Our General Manager provided them with insight on many aspects of traditional and local cultural as well as discussing topics like Emiratization and its necessity and impact on companies based here, and the larger ideas behind the much needed program.  The Emirates has growth exponentially over the last 40 years and while its physical progress can be easily measured, there are many aspects of Emirati life that have been given special attention by the rulers and visionaries of this country.  With greater understanding of these concepts, businesses can better address the needs of the people living and working here.   They can also incorporate and partnership with places like SMCCU to develop cohesive work environments and promote successful team building through cultural understanding.  We would like to thank the Nestle Nespresso team for their enthusiasm and look forward to  a continued collaboration!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Members of the Dubai and Northern Emirates Homeschool Association Visit the Bastakiya

A group of homeschooling families joined us at the SMCCU for a historic tour around the Bastakiya.  I was personally impressed with the children’s knowledge of the UAE, and their eagerness to learn more! What a bright and lively group of families. Thanks to Siobhan Mitchell for sharing her pictures  with us and we look forward to seeing you at our other activities.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

US Congressional Delegation Visit SMCCU

The Director of Congressional Affairs for the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC along with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted several congressional members from the United States with us on a traditional Heritage Tour of the Bastakiya and Mosque.  The tour was followed by dates and arabic coffee, prepared with Yemeni beans, ground and boiled with saffron and cardomon seed.  Our General Manager and staff spoke about the culture, traditions and religion of the people of the UAE in an effort to promote cultural understanding on a global platform. We would like to thank our guests and co-hosts of the event.  A interesting fact raised by one of our staff: Did you know that the Supreme Court North and South Halls are decorated with friezes (a  long stretch of painted, sculpted or even calligraphic decoration in such a position on a wall, normally above eye-level) depicting some of the greatest lawgivers of all time, from Moses and Solomon to Confucious and yes,  Mohammed (pbuh)? While depicting of any of the prophets is not acceptable in Islam, the fact remains that these Friezes were meant to embody the concept of  justice, human rights and a recognition of the contributions of religious icons in the creation of common law.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque UAE 40 Years Celebration

Sheikh Zayed Mosque UAE 40 Years Celebration
Follow my videos on vodpod

Famous Footballer KAKA visits SMCCU

The SMCCU welcomed famous footballer brothers KAKA & Digao and family to the Historic Bastakiya yesterday evening. As our guests Kaka and family visited the Bastakiya Mosque, sampled tradtional arabic Gahawa and dates in the SMCCU  Wind Tower House, and ended their evening with a visit to our neighbors in the Bastakiya at a traditional Areesh House.   A little know fact is that his brother is responsible for the nickname given to his famous brother Ricardo (Kaka). As a child he could not pronounce his name and called him “Kaka” instead. The nickname stuck. Thanks Digao!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

School Visits Programme at SMCCU

Its been a busy first term for students, and SMCCU has been keen to host many of the local schools this year at our cultural activities. Since September, students have participated in more than 50 activities, from Cultural Lunches and Breakfasts, to Bastakiya Hertiage Tours and Mosque Visits. Some of our highlights are featured below in the photo montage. We hope to see many more of you in the coming new year! A special thanks to Jumeirah College, for their vision and dedication to our common mission, promoting cultural understanding between our young children and families in the UAE.   We’re always excited when new schools join our programmes; and this term we welcomed Bradenton Prep, Modern High School and Philadelphia School.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.