Foundations Newsletter

Azza Al Awadhi (right) and Christine Howling (centre) meet with founder Mr. Ali Abdul Rahman Bin Darwesh at Bin Darwish Cultural Village.

Students learn about life in the past on recent field trip to Bin Darwesh Cultural Village in Ras Al Khaimah. Students from the Higher Colleges of Technology were taken on a field trip recently to learn more about life in the past.

More than 40 students in the pre-foundation program at RAK women’s college were taught about local life in the Emirate and also had the chance to see locally made handicrafts.

When asked why he built this village, founder Mr. Ali Abdul Rahman Bin Darwesh said that it started as a hobby. “This heritage village tells the story of the people who lived and survived under harsh conditions many years ago,” he said, adding that “many students and tourists from all over the United Arab Emirates visit this village to know the ancient living style in the UAE and look at our collection.”

Bin Darwesh Cultural village in Ras Al Khaimah includes all holdings that reflect the lives of parents and grandparents in the past. For example, there are bedrooms and other family household holdings that were used by mothers.

In addition, students had the chance to see a collection of hardware old radios, cooking pots and other collectibles used by parents in their normal lives many years ago. Moreover, coins from all over the world, pottery and ancient weapons are distributed between the old guns as well as various types of daggers and swords. 

Hind Al Shehhi, 18, said: “I enjoyed this trip because I had the chance to experience and see unique antiques from the past. Also, they showed me how to make the traditional Emirati bread ‘khamir’”.

Fatima Mohammed, 18, agreed. “The most fascinating thing was to see the boat making and the sea section,” she said.

“I especially enjoyed the Bedouin section and crafts display, coffee, and the Emirati food,” said Maryam Mohammed, 18. “They treated us like their own daughters, and invited us at their majlis,” she added.

Sara Hamed, 18, said: “We had an extraordinary morning at the village. There, I learned about life in the past, and names of old things, and I learned that collecting old things is valuable.”

“This was an enjoyable field trip, and worth going to,” said Shamma Murad, 18. “Thank to Mr. Ali for inviting us to his home museum, and showing us his unique collection.”

Mr. Darweesh added: “These sorts of events are crucial to remind our children of how hard our ancestors worked to get this great nation where it is today in terms of development and advancement.”

The trip was organized by Miss Shamma Al Naqbi and the Foundations English faculty team at Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College.

“This field trip allowed the students to explore different aspects of Emirati history and culture through demonstrations and interacting with the owner of the village,” said English teacher Azza Al Awadhi. “In addition, students had the chance to ask him questions directly about his collection and to look at some of the most valuable items, including an old Quran that is over 300 years old.”

English teacher, Christine Howling commented that it was fascinating to learn how people lived in the past and see the difference between then and now.  “The students thoroughly enjoyed the visit,” she said. “For me, it was amazing to experience the local culture through the hospitality and generosity of Ali Abdulrahman and his wife.”

Another English teacher, Martina Dorn remarked that she was very grateful to Mr. Bin Darwesh for inviting everyone to the cultural village. “We had a rare opportunity to see and interact with authentic objects that Emirati people used in the past,” she said, adding that some items were especially old. “It was fascinating to learn about the UAE, my host country, and I will recommend visiting the place to my friends, family and colleagues. It is well worth visiting.”

Foundations English teacher Mr. Adam Arra stated that it was inspiring to see a family take on such a project to preserve so much local history.  “More than a museum, it is a treasure trove of knowledge,” he said. “Mr. Ali and his family made a huge impact on all of us.”

Students also had the chance to sample local cuisine and watch a demonstration of baking local bread “khamir”. Also on display, students saw baskets woven from palm fronds which are called “khous”, rugs made of “Sadu”, pottery items and a vintage car. Students also watched demonstrations of how the handicrafts are produced such as boat making.