The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, MCKD, has raised the participation age in the national "Cultural Summer" programme to 22 years instead of 17.

The cultural centres of MCKD in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Dibba Al-Fujairah, Masafi, Ras al-Khaimah, and Al Dhafra, have organised an open day for students participating with parents during the first week. The aim is to get their feedback and contribute to the development of Cultural Summer.

The ministry said that this step comes in response to the demands of parents and its own keenness to accept all those who wish to participate, whether children or school students above the age of seven. Parents wanted the participation age to be raised so that even university students can join the programme. They have called on the ministry to sponsor talented students after the completion of the programme and help them develop their abilities. They further stressed their complete confidence in the programme and its role in the development of knowledge and culture.

Parents praised the great efforts exerted by the ministry, the higher organising committee, and the workshop supervisors. They expressed their happiness with the summer workshops in the fields of theatrical arts, visual arts, creative writing, and music. They hope it will help children explore, discover and develop their talents.

MCKD stated that registration is open to all university students for the workshops that will continue until 10th August. This will help achieve the ministry's objectives that include empowering young people to practice their hobbies in a proper environment and raising the level of cultural and knowledge awareness.

There has been a noticeable increase in the demand for theatrical workshops. Artist and director Hassan Rajab, Supervisor of the theatre workshop at the Ajman Cultural Centre, said that participation doubled on the third day to exceed 50 students of different ages.

He pointed out that a large number of participants did not know anything about theatre, while a few others were active in theatre groups in schools. This necessitated certain topics including the definition of theatre, its various elements, writing for theatre, and the role of the actor and director.

"MKCD has focussed on making workshops more developed and systematic to provide a simplified approach to visual arts in general and to drawing and painting in particular. This would be achieved by first raising the level of awareness of the value of fine art and enhancing the values of beauty in the hearts of students. Then comes the role of practical training which enables us to discover talents available in UAE schools and universities," said Abdul Karim Sukar, Supervisor of the Visual Arts Workshop at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre.

Dr. Ahmed Sami, Supervisor of the Musical Arts Workshop at the Al Dhafra Cultural Centre, said that the workshop will help students learn more about music, its creativity, and aesthetics.