Summary 1: The search for water

Bedouins knew where every well was located, due to the fact that water was needed to help fight the heat that they had to encounter on a daily basis. Wells were not only used for their water, but also for navigating through the desert, which is still done today. Wells were named after the people who dug them. Considerable amounts of vegetation in a certain area, and valleys between dunes, were considered as good places to search for water. Satchels made of sheep or goatskin was used for storing water after it was extracted.  In cases that were life threatening, the Bedouins would kill a camel and drink the water that was stored in its stomach. A Bedouin’s body adjusts itself in order to last longer without water.

Saleh Al-Menhali

H00229449 CLA

Summary 3: Safeguarding the UAE's national identity

The preservation of traditional Emirati sports is very important for safeguarding the UAE’s national identity. It is extremely important that these traditions stay alive as they symbolize the UAE. These traditional sports consist of falconry, horse, camel, dhow, and saluki racing. These sports were practiced by our Bedouin ancestors. But unfortunately, with time, technological and western influences have played a negative role in the youth’s interest in learning the traditions of our ancestors. A group of local women from ZU have put together a documentary about the traditional Emirati sports, with the purpose to educate young Emiratis. Even though the influences are great, today’s youth have not yet lost touch with their cultural heritage. The traditions were used as a means for survival by our Bedouin ancestors. In the past, it was all about trading. There are a few people who strive to keep the Bedouin culture alive, such as Hamad Al Ganam. The UAE will forever fight to maintain its culture and traditions.

Saleh Al-Menhali

H00229449 CLA

Summary 2: Masdar's plan for the future

Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company, Masdar, is planning on building a wind farm near the Saudi border, the first wind farm in the area. Wind is what Abu Dhabi is planning to use for renewable energy. Their target percentage for sourcing its power from this renewable source is 7 per cent. Specialized blades are being developed to help produce more energy from the winds that are received by the area they plan to build on. The government has announced that they plan to reach this percentage by 2020. Masdar, which is owned by Mubadala Development, has been given the task to complete this project. The plant that they plan to build would produce 100 megawatts, which generally isn’t a challenge with wind. But due to the fact that strong winds are not constant in the Gulf, it will be more challenging to produce renewable energy from wind compared to solar energy. This project will cost about Dhs734.6m, and will be the first of its kind in the UAE due to the fact that it is wind, not solar.

Saleh Al-Menhali

H00229449 CLA

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