Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) held a ceremony to honor 219 male and female graduates from the Ibn Al Dar and Junior Cultural Guide training programmes, both integral parts of the Al Shabab Al Banie (Youth Builder) initiative. These programmes focus on nurturing Emirati youth and promoting UAE culture, and the ceremony took place at the Dome of Peace in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Youssef Al Obaidli, Director General of SZGMC, expressed pride in the achievements of the Al Shabab Al Banie programme. He highlighted the Centre’s commitment to initiatives that develop Emirati human resources and enhance cultural dialogue. The Centre aims to empower cultural tour specialists to present a civilized image of the UAE, with specialists speaking various languages, including English, Mandarin, Russian, Hebrew, and sign language.
The Ibn Al Dar programme graduated 39 participants this year, providing them with skills through workshops, training activities, and
practical application. The programme prepares university students and Emirati graduates for cultural tours, promoting the UAE’s cultural heritage and values. Graduates are offered part-time work opportunities at the mosque, enabling them to serve visitors from diverse backgrounds.
The ceremony also celebrated 180 graduates from the Junior Cultural Guide programme, targeting students aged 11 to 17. This programme aims to develop the potential of young people, familiarize them with cultural tour specialization, and instill ethical education. It serves as a foundation for further exploration of cultural tours and encourages progression to advanced programmes.
Mahra Al Dhaheri, Acting Head of the Cultural Tours Section, expressed pride in the graduation of a new group of Emirati youth, emphasizing the role of skilled cultural tour specialists in the training programmes. Graduates like Aisha Al Roushdi and Saeed Essam Al Ruzaiqi shared their positive experiences, highlighting the skills and knowledge gained thro
ugh the programmes.
Ibtisam Hussein, a parent of a graduate, encouraged others to enroll their children in the Centre’s programmes, citing significant benefits such as enhanced public speaking skills and cultural awareness. Since their inception, SZGMC’s training programmes have graduated numerous participants, embodying the Centre’s core values and achieving 100% Emiratisation of the cultural tour specialist profession.