Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, has said that the large turnout for registration in the past few days for courses and workshops in theatrical arts, music, creative writing, and visual arts, launched by the ministry as part of 'Cultural Summer', reflects the trust of parents and students in the project.

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, through its numerous initiatives, aims to develop student's abilities and enable them to make the country proud in various fields, both locally and internationally, Sheikh Nahyan continued. He explained that the discovery and management of talent, in addition to the cultural development of communities, falls within the strategic goals of the ministry.

"The national Cultural Summer Programme, with its specialised workshops, creators, authors, theatrical and musical artists, does not only aim to occupy students’ spare time during the summer holidays, but also identifies creative, artistic and literary hobbies of students aged 7 to 17 years, and invests them in a methodological way. Thus, we will help such students turn their hobbies into real creative works and pave the way for them to invest and develop their talents," Sheikh Nahyan added.

The programme can be categorised as one large workshop in which the most talented students across the four fields set by the ministry become qualified to be part of a year-long programme. It will enable them to develop their skills, and eventually introduce a real innovator and become an addition to the established cultural, artistic and knowledge scene of the UAE, the minister commented.

Sheikh Nahyan called on parents to follow up with the organisers and track the development of their children in various phases, which will continue until 10th August.

"Our goal is to transform the cultural and knowledge centres of the ministry across the country into hubs playing an important role in building a knowledge-based society in the literal sense of the word," he said adding that there are 38 specialists in the fields of theatre, creative writing, visual arts, and music, who will train students in a number of workshops, in addition to providing students with cultural and archaeological trips to various heritage and artistic sites in the country.

"We, in the UAE, are proud of the wise vision of the leaders of this beloved country, their interest in the status of culture and knowledge, and their role in nurturing young talents and supporting their creative abilities. I highly appreciate the sincere efforts and support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the UAE, to achieve successful cultural and knowledge development throughout the country," he concluded.