Meet The Remarkable Emirati Father Who Teaches His Kids Carpentry, Metalwork, and Life Skills from Age 5

Meet the Emirati Father Who Turned Carpentry Lessons into a Life School for His Children

In a world where many parents are worried about their children spending too much time behind screens, one Emirati father has taken an entirely different approach, swapping video games for hammers, nails, and carving tools.

Meet Ghanem Abdullah Al Muhairi, a proud father of five who decided that the best “toys” for his children were not plastic gadgets or tablets, but wood carving machines, iron rods, and wrenches. From the tender age of five, his kids were introduced to the world of carpentry, metalwork, and hands-on creativity, a move that’s now inspiring countless families across the UAE and beyond.

For Al Muhairi, this wasn’t just about keeping his children busy. It was about passing on a family legacy. His own father had taught him the value of self-reliance and the satisfaction of creating something with his hands, lessons he now proudly instills in his four sons and one daughter. “From the age of five, I taught them how to use wood carving machines and presented them as toys for them to use as a fun activity,” he told Khaleej Times.

While most parents might shudder at the thought of their little ones holding a hammer, Al Muhairi made safety a top priority. He is always by their side, teaching not just the how, but the why, explaining potential risks and ensuring they understand the importance of careful craftsmanship.

Turning Lessons into Life Skills

What started as a father’s hobby soon grew into a full-fledged educational experience for his kids. They learned to make their first chairs from scratch, combining iron, wood, and their own creativity. Through every nail hammered and every board polished, they picked up skills far beyond carpentry. They learned patience, focus, and teamwork. They experienced the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish. Most importantly, they discovered the joy of creating something tangible, something real, in a digital age where instant gratification often dominates.

For Al Muhairi, the goal was clear: “The idea of teaching children handicrafts is not just for entertainment, but to instill values of self-reliance, patience, and teamwork.” As the family’s small projects began to attract attention, Al Muhairi took his mission to social media through his Instagram account, @klna_rban, which means “We Are All Captains.”

The account became a community platform showcasing how practical education can strengthen families. Through short, engaging videos, he highlights how children can take part in meaningful household activities, from assembling sinks and repairing furniture to changing car tires, checking oil levels, and even building fountains. Each post is more than a tutorial, it’s a statement about raising a generation of capable, responsible Emiratis. The account’s motto is simple but powerful: the father is the “captain” of the family, guiding the ship with leadership, love, and example.

The response? Overwhelmingly positive. Parents from across the UAE and the wider Arab world have praised Al Muhairi’s initiative, admiring how his children spend their time building rather than scrolling.

The Balance Between Technology and Reality

Al Muhairi is no technophobe, he understands that technology has its place. But he strongly believes that digital engagement should never replace real-world learning. He emphasizes that children can use their devices productively, watching educational videos, documenting their projects, or learning new skills online, but they also need the balance that comes from doing practical work with their own hands.

Crafts, he says, teach focus and discipline. They calm the mind, reduce restlessness, and boost creativity in ways that no video game can. “Crafts help children focus, calm down, and develop discipline. They also teach patience, creativity in problem-solving, and the joy of accomplishing tasks,” Al Muhairi explains. What started at home has now blossomed into something much larger. Seeing the impact on his own kids, Al Muhairi began hosting workshops for other children aged 10 to 18, all from his living room, which he converted into a training space.

Over time, nearly 90 children have participated, learning everything from basic carpentry and plumbing to agriculture, water pump repair, and light electrical work. The feedback has been heartwarming. Many parents have shared stories of how their children proudly fix things around the house, apply what they’ve learned, and feel more confident in themselves. Encouraged by this success, Al Muhairi is now planning to open a permanent center, a hub where children can learn traditional Emirati crafts presented in a modern, engaging way.

A Vision for a Hands-On Future

In many ways, Al Muhairi’s vision goes beyond carpentry or craftsmanship. It’s about building character, preserving culture, and preparing the next generation for real life. He believes that the UAE, a country known for its rapid modernization, must also preserve the hands-on values that shaped its identity: resilience, creativity, and a strong work ethic.

Through platforms like We Are All Captains, he hopes to spark a movement that encourages parents everywhere to teach by doing, not just by saying. And perhaps that’s the most important lesson of all: that the foundation of every successful nation begins at home, in the values, skills, and examples parents pass down to their children.

In an era dominated by virtual experiences and digital distractions, Ghanem Abdullah Al Muhairi’s story reminds us of the enduring power of real-world learning. His approach, equal parts tradition, innovation, and heart, shows that even in today’s fast-paced world, the best lessons still come from the simplest places: a piece of wood, a few nails, and a father’s guiding hand.

He’s not just raising kids who can fix a chair or change a tire, he’s raising builders of the future.

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