- ECAE hosted its 2025 summer camp 'Bridging Generations' in Abu Dhabi, blending Emirati heritage with modern digital technologies.
- Students aged 12–17 engaged in hands-on workshops, storytelling with elders, and team projects using AI, CAD, and laser cutters.
- The program, aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community, concluded with a showcase highlighting creativity, cultural pride, and STEM skills.
The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) organized its 2025 summer camp, under the title Bridging Generations: Honoring the Past, Innovating the Future, at the ECAE FabLab in Abu Dhabi.
Co-organized by the college's Continuing Education Centre and complementing the UAE's Year of Community program, the camp provided students between the ages of 12 and 17 with a special hands-on experience that combined classical Emirati crafts with state-of-the-art digital fabrication technologies.
In two weeks, the participants underwent an array of interactive sessions that enriched their knowledge about the rich cultural heritage of the nation along with imparting them practical competencies for life. The camp occurred in two batches; the first from 14-25 July, and the second from 28 July to 8 August to ensure that there was flexibility for families and broad inclusivity. Students were able to utilize sophisticated equipment like laser cutters, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and artificial intelligence programs, understanding how to convert heritage motifs into cutting-edge new designs.
During the course, students worked in teams of three, and the group projects fostered creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The daily routine included workshops on ancient crafts and digital fabrication by experts and also sessions of storytelling culture where the participants got involved with elders in the community and exchanged personal anecdotes. These breaks of storytelling were intended to foster a sense of cultural connection to local practices and challenge students to think about their own cultural identity.
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Dr May Laith Al Taee, ECAE Vice Chancellor, added: "Spanning generations through learning is key to creating an integrated and future-oriented society. Bridging heritage and innovation, this summer camp equips students with what they need to positively impact their communities and uphold the UAE's rich cultural heritage. This program holds specific relevance this year, as it has been declared the Year of Community".
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority was the institutional partner for the cultural workshop. One of the highlights of the camp was the culminating showcase event, in which students showcased their finished projects to their peers, parents, and special guests, emphasizing the significance of community, creativity, and cultural pride.
Since its founding in 2014, ECAE's Continuing Education Centre has provided about 344 programmes to over 7,000 children and facilitated lifelong learning. The summer camp is included in this continuous endeavor, exposing students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines while they remain attached to their heritage.
