Zayed University Job Fair Attracts Young Emiratis

The SMCCU participated in the Zayed University Job Fair this week.  Current volunteers and interns welcomed interested young Emiratis to look at SMCCU for future careers, training and volunteering for our cause.  The centre’s focus is to not only educate expats and visitors about the culture and tradition of the people of the Emirates, but to train young Emiratis as ambassadors and representatives of the UAE. The programme includes buiding their knowledge of the past, as well as providing them with full training in public speaking and presenting. Our Cultural Awareness Academy helps give the participants practical experience in public speaking, improving their effectiveness, polishing their delivery and preparing them for whatever career path they later choose.  Of course, successful participants in the programme are welcome to become a permanent part of  the SMCCU, and there are full,  part-time, volunteer and freelance opportunities available. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding place to kick start your carreer, you may fill out an application online at http://www.cultures.ae/JobApplicationForm.pdf .  Visit us in the Bastakiya or join one of the many events going on in the centre weekly.  Last year more than 41,500 visitors participated in SMCCU programmes.

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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!

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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.

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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.

 

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Sheikh Zayed Mosque UAE 40 Years Celebration

Sheikh Zayed Mosque UAE 40 Years Celebration
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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!

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