Sharjah Heritage Days wows residents of Khor Fakkan

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

A large number of cultural and heritage activities as part of Sharjah Heritage Days have started in the Heritage Area of Khor Fakkan and will continue till 3rd April. The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Saeed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of Sharjah Ruler’s Office in Khor Fakkan.

Sheikh Saeed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, opened the 18th edition of Sharjah Heritage Days in the Heritage Area of Khor Fakkan on Saturday. Also present was Sheikh Majid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Districts and Villages Affairs Department (SDVAD), Dr Rashid Khamis Al Naqbi, Chairman of the Khor Fakkan Municipal Council, and Eng. Fawzia Rashid Al-Qadi, Director of Khor Fakkan Municipality.

The event, which is organised by Sharjah Institute for Heritage and running under the slogan “Cultural Heritage Gathers Us”, will enable visitors to explore the customs and cultures of the region through a series of performances, events, workshops, and seminars. Sharjah Heritage Days organisers are following all instructions, guidelines, and precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of all. Also attending the ceremony were ministers and ambassadors of different countries, apart from researchers and specialists, and members of the Khor Fakkan and Eastern Region community of residents.

Sheikh Saeed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, accompanied by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam and all the attendees, toured the various parts of the Heritage Area. They learnt about the activities, crafts and customs that embody the history of Khor Fakkan, with its various environments and heritage components that symbolise the local mountain, marine and agricultural life. Activities also include displays of women’s crafts, popular food and sweets, and various pottery and heritage collectibles that summarise the history of the city.

The tour also visited the offices of participating government agencies, such as: Sharjah Districts and Villages Affairs Department (SDVAD); Sharjah Police General Command; the Sharjah Social Services Department; Sharjah Museums Authority; the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (Epaa); Sharjah Falconers Club; Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Sharjah Ladies Club; Khor Fakkan Cooperative Fishermen Society; Khor Fakkan Culture & Public Arts Association Heritage; Ministry of Community Development - Customer Happiness Centre - Khor Fakkan; Khor Fakkan Club; Sharjah Parents Council -Khor Fakkan, and Memories of the UAE- Ahmed Al Mutawa.

The launch included a programme full of events and activities, including various artistic performances to the music of the Sharjah National Band, organised by the SIH, and dancing shows by the Macedonian Entertainment Troupe.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam said, “Today we arrive in the city of Khor Fakkan, where we celebrate the unique facets of local heritage. The event is an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the diversity and richness of local cultural heritage, and connect the past and present, through a rich agenda of activities and workshops. Sharjah Heritage Days is one of the most important titles in the world of heritage, bringing the whole world under one roof in Sharjah. The event represents a hub for the exchange of knowledge, information, and experiences, and provides an opportunity for all to experience and learn about and interact with local and Arab heritage in general.””

Syrian folk performers: Syrian folk dancers performing at the ongoing Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) can be credited with leading one of the most captivating live shows at the festival. The troupe is regularly performing Syrian folklore dances that are hundreds of years old, wearing traditional and regal blue-and-white Kumbaz costumes. Male and female dancers take turns on the stage, before grouping together for a vibrant finale depicting Syrian pride and patriotism.

Don’t miss the chance to watch this and plenty other vibrant folk performances from the UAE, Macedonia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, the Republic of Montenegro, Spain, and several other nations that are being showcased at the festival.

Organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), the 18th edition of SHD is a three-week festival celebrating the heritage and local cultures of UAE and the world. Running until April 10, the 500-plus events and activities, taking place at the Heart of Sharjah district and the Khorfakkan Heritage Area, are open to visitors from 4–10pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends.