- MBZUH and Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority launch region’s first master’s degree in Emirati Folk Literature.
- Programme aims to train researchers and strengthen cultural identity through academic study.
- Collaboration includes joint research, cultural activities, and promotion of heritage-focused education.
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, has launched the region’s first Master’s Programme in Emirati Folk Literature, marking a major step in preserving and academically documenting the UAE’s cultural heritage.
The agreement was formally signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of senior officials, cultural leaders, writers, and poets. The programme supports the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen national identity through education and research.
The new master’s programme focuses on developing skilled researchers who can study Emirati folk literature using modern academic methods. It covers key sources, genres, prominent literary figures, and the artistic evolution of folk poetry and prose. Students will analyse texts within historical, social, and cultural contexts, while also comparing Emirati folk traditions with those from the Gulf region and around the world.
The partnership also supports knowledge exchange, joint research teams, and cultural initiatives that promote Emirati heritage. Both institutions will encourage staff, students, and cultural enthusiasts to engage with this new specialisation.
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The curriculum includes both global literary influences and uniquely Emirati cultural expressions. It highlights values that strengthen social unity and community bonds. Graduates will be trained to document and interpret folk literature, use digital tools for research, and contribute to preserving oral heritage for future generations.
Officials from both organisations emphasised that the programme aligns with the UAE’s National Identity Strategy and represents a major educational advancement in the humanities. They described it as a transformative step that will elevate research, scholarship, and public appreciation of Emirati heritage.
