Dubai, UAE; May 27, 2015: The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirates dedicated entity for heritage and culture, joined hands with the University of Modern Sciences to celebrate the second edition of the Heritage Festival.

The Heritage Festival aimed to strengthen the awareness of students on the rich Emirati heritage and enhance national identity by providing them with comprehensive insights into the countrys cultural values and traditions.

Students were encouraged to take part various competitions and volunteering opportunities thus enabling them to gain hands-on experience about the UAE heritage. The festival also reiterated the importance that heritage plays in defining Dubais rich history, while fostering a genuine understanding of the soul of the city.

The event was attended by His Excellency Rashid Al Falasi, Director of the Board of Trustees at the University of Modern Sciences, Mr. Anwar Mohammed Al Hanai, Manager Heritage Village & Majles Umm Al Sheif, Dr. Mohamed Mounier El Toukhi, President of the University of Modern Sciences and Professor Mohamed Saad, Dean of the College of Media & Mass Communication at the University of Modern Sciences.

As part of the event, Areesh tents hosted an extensive array of heritage-oriented activities including traditional handicrafts and products, Emirati dishes, the art of making Arabic coffee, and many more.

Anwar Mohammed Al Hanai, Manager Heritage Village & Majles Umm Al Sheif, at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: Dubai Culture aims to always provide students a comprehensive understanding of UAEs rich heritage and traditions that will enable them to appreciate their national identity. Through the Heritage Festival, they had the opportunity to play a positive role in contributing to the nations culture.

In todays fast-paced life, it is crucial to strengthen bonds between students by engaging them in traditional activities that will inculcate in them respect, interest and insights on the varied cultural facets of the country. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has observed, it is important to take pride in our past and present to face the future with unflagging determination.

Dubai Culture plays a pivotal role in driving awareness of and strengthening Emirati heritage and national identity and is committed to cultivating the cultural landscape of Dubai by building on its rich Arabian heritage, nurturing and promoting talent, and encouraging intercultural dialogue between the citys communities.