Legendary Sesame Street in UAE soon

The Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, one of the UAE's leading philanthropic institutions, is bringing the legendary Sesame Street children's show concept to the UAE.

Sesame Workshop, USA, together with Emirates Foundation, will produce 'Reach for the Sky', an event Mubadala Aerospace is sponsoring and supported by Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi.

Emirates Foundation's Science Technology and Environment Programme worked with Sesame Workshop to tailor the event for the children of the UAE.

In addition to learning about planets, galaxies, the earth and stars children will explore the phases of the moon and their relationship with Arabian months, including the month of Ramadan, and Islamic achievements in the fields of science and astronomy - all designed to stimulate young people's interest in science and foster a love for learning and discovery.

Children will attend live shows performed by beloved Sesame characters; Elmo, Bert, Ernie and Khokha.

Alongside the performances comes an exhibition that includes a Mini Cinema where classic episodes of Sesame Street are screened, a treat for children and parents alike.

The event will also feature a Story Time corner, where the audience is taken on a magical journey into space through literature, and the Creation Corner, where imaginative minds can draw constellations, make paper planes and even build rockets.

Mubadala Aerospace, the official sponsor, contributed to the event with the 'Museum of Flight', which is exhibiting exclusively at this event.

'The Flying Gizmo' Show will use flying toys and models to help kids discover the science and history of flight and wing design.

'The Apollo Moon School' will delve into the history and operations of rocketry and robotics with a live, hands-on approach to capture children's imaginations.

'Reach for the Sky' is the latest annual version of the Foundation's own 'Science in the Mall', offering colourful, interactive learning steps for children that engage them with the wonders of science and astronomy today.

Dr Abdullah Ismail Abdullah, Senior Advisor to the Emirates Foundation's Science, Technology and Environment Programme, which has initiated the project said: "Reach for the Sky stands as part of our larger project Science in the Mall, a scheme we organise every summer. In the last two years the project was implemented in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. Based on the feedback and success of this year's edition, we will study the possibility of doing the same event in other emirates."

Dr Ismail added that holding the event at a popular mall allows the Foundation to reach a larger number of youth. Using the best edutainment tools available helps stimulate their inquisitiveness and build a desire to deepen their knowledge of fields like science, engineering and astronomy. "We aim to reach 1,000 children per day in the age range of 4 to 14 years old."

Homaid Al Shemmari, Mubadala Aerospace Executive Director said: "I want the children of the UAE to stimulate their minds with the wondrous world of science and math, get a taste for the many exciting opportunities and fun possibilities that lay within those fields and learn how they can be explored within careers in the aerospace industry.  We are honoured to work with the Emirates Foundation and Mubadala Aerospace to provide young children with a fun learning experience that introduces the wonders of astronomy, science and space travel," said Robert Knezevic, Sesame Workshop's Regional Director of International Partnerships. Many of today's parents grew up with Iftah Ya Simsim and we commend the Emirates Foundation for their leadership in re-introducing the project to today's children. Our joint objective is to prepare today's young people with the skills necessary for the 21st century."

'Reach for the Sky' activities will run nightly at the Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, starting from August 12, 2010 to coincide with the first day of Ramadan, continuing throughout the Holy month. On weekdays shows will commence at 9.30pm and finish at midnight.

On weekends the shows run from 9.30pm to 1am.

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