Further energising the tradition of harees distribution in Al Dhaid, Watani volunteers accompanied a number of Sharjah scouts distributing harees plates before iftar to the residents of Bin Tunaij and Bin Ketb communities.
Harees is a traditional Khaleeji food.
Federal National Council member Khalifa bin Hwaiden, who accompanied the volunteers along with Saeed Al Kaabi from the Al Dhaid Club, said the distribution of harees highlights the UAE heritage and traditions of caring for the community during Ramadan.
"I thank Watani for its relentless efforts in preserving our heritage and culture among the community members, particularly youth." He said: "The responsibility of reinforcing our national identity is upon all UAE nationals. This move is a first in the region and is aimed at re-energising our traditions and local customs.
"The visit reminded me of my childhood when we used to distribute harees to neighbours and friends. We hope to conserve our rich heritage to serve as a strong link between our families and communities."
Al Kaabi said: "I thank Watani's officials for their efforts in imprinting the national identity and national spirit among youth through different activities organised throughout the UAE. We aim to help needy people and enhance the spirit of participation and strengthen community bonding." Amjad, a volunteer scout who participated in the initiative, said that Watani provided him with a golden opportunity to interact with community members in reliving the harees tradition.
He said: "Harees distribution is a very old tradition and this initiative has further taught us to help needy people during Ramadan."
Ahmed Sultan, one of the volunteers who enrolled with Watani since its start, expressed his enthusiasm over his participation in many heritage celebrations especially harees distribution, a tradition passed on to generations in the Emirates. He said: "The people received us warmly and I felt as if being part of the local community."
Ahmed Al Mansouri, Director-General of Watani, said: "The activity helps us in reliving our customs and traditions passed to us by our forefathers."
What is Watani?
The Watani programme was launched on December 2, 2005, to promote the UAE's national identity and practices of good citizenship within the country's diverse and multicultural society.
The programme organises and implements various educational, entertainment and media activities that are directed at the youth, women and children.
The activities and campaigns organised by Watani are carried out by a number of volunteers and public interest advocates in the UAE.
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