CDA hosts ‘Generations in Majlis’ initiative to deepen intergenerational connection and preserve Emirati heritage

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai is hosting the ‘Generations in Majlis’ initiative under its ‘Connected Generations’ programme, which seeks to promote engagement between younger and older generations and strengthen community bonds. 

The initiative forms part of the ‘Season of Wulfa’ launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Running until 21 May, the initiative brings children together with senior citizens in interactive community settings designed to reinforce national identity and encourage the transfer of Emirati heritage and values through authentic, experience-led engagement. The programme aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to build a cohesive and values-driven society.

Held in the lead-up to Eid Al Adha, the initiative forms part of both the ‘Season of Wulfa’ and the ‘Eid in Dubai’ campaign, highlighting the enduring role of the majlis as a cornerstone of Emirati social life during festive occasions. Through an immersive and interactive framework, the initiative offers a contemporary interpretation of these traditions by promoting social connection and intergenerational exchange.

The initiative reflects CDA’s broader vision to develop sustainable community models that enhance quality of life by activating majlis spaces as vibrant platforms for learning, dialogue, and human connection. It also provides children with direct exposure to Emirati customs and traditions through meaningful interaction with senior citizens.

Reem Al Awabed, Director of Community Programmes Department at CDA, said: “‘Generations in Majlis’ reflects CDA’s vision to instil national identity and Emirati values among younger generations through meaningful, experience-based engagement. By creating interactive platforms that connect children directly with senior citizens, the initiative strengthens their connection to heritage while enriching their social awareness.”

She added: “The initiative also strengthens human connection across generations and reinforces the role of the majlis as a community space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and shared experiences, contributing to stronger social cohesion and supporting Dubai’s position as a leading model in sustainable social development and cultural preservation.”

Targeting children aged six to 15, the programme is being delivered across several locations, including Al Warqa Majlis, Hatta Community Centre, Al Khawaneej Majlis, and Nad Al Sheba Majlis. Senior citizens serve as storytellers and mentors, sharing lived experiences rooted in traditional Emirati life, particularly those linked to religious and social occasions such as Eid Al Adha, offering participants an immersive understanding of cultural identity and social heritage.

The initiative features a range of interactive activities and educational sessions covering Emirati etiquette (Al Sanaa), majlis customs and hospitality traditions, guest reception practices, and the cultural significance of Arabic coffee and Eidiya. It also includes ‘Stories of the Past’ sessions, during which senior citizens share memories and experiences from earlier generations, giving children insight into historical Emirati life and the social transformations witnessed over time.

Open to children from across Dubai, the initiative actively engages senior citizens as key partners in preserving and passing on cultural knowledge, reinforcing their role as custodians of collective memory while transforming their experiences into a valuable educational resource for younger generations.

The Community Development Authority affirmed that the initiative represents a practical model for strengthening social cohesion by facilitating dynamic knowledge transfer between generations through a contemporary and engaging format. It supports the preservation of national identity by embedding it within children’s daily lives, while positioning the majlis as an effective platform for dialogue and informal learning.

The initiative forms part of CDA’s ongoing efforts to design impactful programmes that strengthen social bonds and preserve Emirati heritage by transforming oral traditions into living community experiences, contributing to a dynamic cultural archive and reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a leading model in social development and identity preservation.