Ramadan 2015: Sharjah Girl Guides gear up for Hag Al Laila

Sharjah — The Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) announced it will celebrate Hag Al Laila (to mark the arrival of Ramadan two weeks in advance) on Saturday on its premises in Al Badea, Sharjah. The annual event welcomes girls aged 7 to 11 and 12 to 15, and will feature a number of creative workshops that aim to strengthen their sense of national identity and introduce them to new skills.

In one workshop they will learn how to decorate Hag Al Laila sweets bags, known as khreeta, with traditional fabric cutouts. Another workshop will show them how to draw traditional Emirati clothes on glass teacups known as estakana.

The girls will also engage in a workshop that will show them how to decorate clay jars with symbols from the UAE heritage. Finally, they will get to learn how to prepare batheetha, a popular Emirati dessert made with date paste, wheat flour and ghee. The dish is one of the most popular among Emiratis and is usually served alongside coffee.

“The celebration of Hag Al Laila is a great opportunity to spread joy and reconnect with local traditions,” said Shaikha Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager at SGG. “On this day we aspire to acquaint our girls with the UAE’s cultural heritage and show them how it is reflected in modern life.”

As part of the event, the Sharjah-based organisation will host a traditional bazaar comprising a selection of locally made goods, from ornate accessories and tea sets to sweets and drinks. Gifts will also be presented to the participating girls and their families, as well as volunteers.