In order to strengthen the bond between relatives and integrate society, as well as to maintain contact between different generations, the UAE has launched a series of initiatives to strengthen this social practice. The Ministry of Education of the country, in collaboration with traditional and cultural institutions, developed the 'Emirati Sand' program, which has been implemented in public and private schools. The goal of the program is to reinforce the societal values and ethical principles among students.
The program aims to teach students the principles and rules of sand, reflecting the national identity of the Emiratis. At events and cultural-heritage festivals held throughout the year, special attention is given to educating and popularizing sand among various nationalities residing in the country, as well as highlighting this aspect to tourists and visitors.
**'Sand'** includes a multitude of rules and norms of behavior that vary depending on the situation in people's everyday lives, such as respect for elders, hospitality, generosity, helpfulness, humility, trustworthiness, volunteering, integrity, and many others.
One of the most significant aspects of sand in the UAE is the ability to welcome guests warmly. The manner of welcoming guests and their families, as well as the tradition of serving coffee, are also important elements of 'sand'. It is essential to know how to properly greet guests, offer them coffee, and also, particularly for the younger present, the guest's coffee should be served starting from the right, especially if there is an elder present.
Bearing this in mind, 'sand' also pertains to reciprocal visits, including the ability to choose a suitable time for visits, avoiding mealtime or unfavorable time slots, as well as knowledge of societal norms and rules for conducting conversations, including 'turning the sleeve in the left sleeve'.
