Emirati writers and artists have emphasized the importance of connecting the new generation with the heritage of traditional Emirati attire and presenting this rich legacy in contemporary ways that combine entertainment and knowledge, and suit the way children and teenagers think. They stressed the need to employ storytelling, engaging illustrations, local dialects, and to creatively re-present features of old clothing to highlight identity and meet the aspirations of current generations. This was discussed during the session 'Kushak and Heritage... A Journey into the World of Traditional Emirati Clothing', organized as part of the Sharjah International Book Fair events to mark the release of the new book 'Tawanga', which allows teenagers and adults to interact with heritage and get to know it in a creative way. The session was hosted by writer and illustrator Badur Rashidi, children's literature writer Nura Khouri, and artist and designer Yasser Alabayji, and was moderated by Isra Al-Mulla. Badur Rashidi spoke about her experience in authoring and illustrating her book 'Tawanga', explaining that the project stemmed from her dream of entering the world of fashion design and her passion for traditional Arab clothing. She noted that her grandmother was her primary source of information, as she accompanied her to the old markets in Dubai and introduced her to the types of fabrics used in the fifties according to the seasons and occasions. Nura Khouri, for her part, pointed to the importance of addressing children in their own language and in a narrative style that aligns with their nature of thinking.
