10 things to make the most of at Sharjah Heritage Days

The Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) 2021, taking place in the historic Heart of Sharjah district, is showcasing the unique customs and traditions of the UAE and 29 other countries. The festival is naturally attracting talents from the emirate and far and wide.

There’s plenty to do in terms of activities and performances – so much so that one evening might not be enough to satiate the explorer in you. But to make things easier, here is a round-up of some of the most exciting activities and things to do at SHD.

• Try your hand at “Al Damah” : Al Damah is a chess-like boardgame and a regional favourite. Learn how to defeat your opponent by removing all their “hatba” (wood pieces) from the board to get “sheikh” points. Easy to learn in a matter of minutes, the game is also quick – all you need is about 15 minutes to half an hour (if playing for the first time) to get the hang of it. Where: Al Damah Pavilion.

• Eat delicious Omani halwa: You’re not just savouring the indulgent gelatinous sweet but also a slice of Omani history at the halwa stall, as the recipe has not changed since 1961. Try the traditional black and yellow varieties topped with figs, olives and nuts. Where: Al Omani Sweet Factory stall.

• Get spooked out – Sharjah Heritage Days is a family affair, even at the Horror House that takes you on an intensely spooky tour through a traditional palm frond house “inhabited” by djinns, ghouls and other macabre characters famous in Emirati folktales like Umm Al Duwais, Baba Daryah and Abu Salasel. Enter if you dare! Where: Horror House opposite Main Stage.

• Enjoy live folk dances: The festival is a feast for the eyes and senses in more ways than one. Take a dekko at some of the folk dances and performances from countries like Belarus, Tajikistan, Syria, Spain, Kazakhstan, India, Montenegro and others. Where: Main Stage, Community Theatre and various locations around the festival venue.

• Watch traditional Emirati crafts in action: The whole idea of visiting the festival is to get an insight into the traditional Emirati way of life and culture. Try your hand at making traditional Emirati pottery from Ras Al Khaimah at the Pottery in the UAE exhibition. At the Heritage Crafts Village, you can see biryani being cooked for hours, Emirati women making their own perfumes and kohl and more such activities. Where: Multiple venues

• Pose with a falcon: No UAE festival is complete without the country’s favourite bird at hand. Take souvenir photos with the falcon on your arm and also learn about the 4,000-year history of falconry as practised by the Bedouins in the Arabian Peninsula. Where: Near Sharjah Sports Council pavilion.

• Watch a weapon smith at work: Had enough of battle royale video games and virtual war games? Watch a real weapons master from Kazakhstan at work as he fashions swords, clubs, shields, axes, spears and more, which showcases the country’s famous military history. Where: Kazakhstan Pavilion.

• Go down memory lane: Nothing brings nostalgia to the fore than old collectibles and household items that look like museum pieces now. At Emirati collector Saeed Ahmad Al Kashri’s recreated Areesh “home”, you can check out decades-old transistor and TV sets, record players, rotary dial phones, old notebooks, currency notes, and vintage soda bottles. Where: Districts and Villages Authority Pavilion.

• Treat your children to ‘game night’ : Wondering where to take your little ones this weekend? Look no further than the Sharjah Heritage Days children’s competitions to entertain and challenge young ones with prizes that will surely put a smile on their faces. In addition, the Children’s Village pavilion offers a number of games and activities for young ones to learn and play. Where: Main Stage, various timings; Children’s Village Pavilion.

• Spot the roaming Syrian juice seller: You can make a game out of this: find the man dressed in a traditional outfit, red hat and carrying a large copper goblet that pours out liquorice to visitors to quench their thirst, offering a touch of Arab hospitality to one and all.