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A step towards preserving rich heritage of the country

“Our society was aimed at familiarising the young people with the life of our ancestors in the pre-oil area,” Nasir bin Hessian Al Kas, President of Ibin Majid Society for Folklore and Traditional Paddling, told Khaleej Times.

The society is named after the famous Arab navigator Shhab Al Deen Ahmed bin Majid, who was born in Julphar area of RAK emirate in the year 1421 and died in the year1502. “We take bin Majid as a symbol and guidance,” he said.

Bin Majid during his lifetime undertook a number of sea voyages to India, Iraq, East Africa and Yemen and wrote a number of books and diaries. “He has also drawn a number maps of the sea routes of these areas and written on navigation sciences,” he said, adding, “To keep the memory of this great man alive, we have dedicated a room inside the society’s premises to showcase his manuscripts, books and maps.”

The building, which is located in Al Maireed area, also comprises a room dedicated for exhibiting household items, agriculture and traditional fishing tools and clothes.

This is in addition to pictures and full information about the emirate’s different archaeological sites, forts and old buildings.

“The society, which was established in the year 1974, organises different cultural and sports activities for school children and educational courses to educate students on the old fishing, diving and agricultural methods besides traditional sports, songs and dances,” he added.

The society, which has around 195 registered members of different age groups, organises forums, lectures and public speeches in schools, universities, clubs and other cultural and educational organisations inside the country and abroad. “We took part in a number of cultural activities in countries like Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Morocco, Syria, Sultanate of Oman and Lebanon,” he said.

Al Kas also pointed out that the society’s doors are open for tourists and those who wish to be acquainted with the cultural heritage of this part of the world. The association also has a traditional paddling team that takes place in the different events of this important traditional sport. “We have also produced a number of books, brochures and posters on the traditional fishing methods, sports, folklore, social heritage and fish species in the UAE,” he said.

• UAE