RAK's first summer etiquette camp draws over 1,050 children

• Volume / scale: 1,050

What happened

Ras Al Khaimah's first ‘Al Sanaa Al Saifi’ summer etiquette programme has drawn more than 1,050 children aged 7 to 12, surpassing its enrolment target by over 250 participants, across a month-long run this summer.

Developed by RAK authorities with certified trainers and senior Emiratis versed in heritage, the curriculum runs through hands-on practice welcoming guests and serving Arabic coffee, team-based competitions built around values such as generosity, community solidarity and helping others, and instruction on tolerance, equality, respect for elders, teamwork and fazaa (aiding those in need). Sessions are hosted at multiple centres, including ones run by the Al Shehhi and Al Haboos tribal associations, and involve partnerships with local heritage organisations and community elders.

“We don't just teach them the theory… we give them empty coffee pots and let them practice on themselves,” one programme coordinator said, describing the practical bent of the curriculum. Organisers reported that roughly 80% of participants initially struggled with public-speaking confidence, with visible improvement within the first week.

The scale of enrolment — well past target in a first run — points to real parental demand for structured heritage and etiquette programming for children in the emirate, alongside the more commonly covered sports and academic summer-camp options.