Sharjah Heritage Days’ 19th edition starts on March 10

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has revealed the details of the 19th edition of the annual Sharjah Heritage Days festival. The event will take place from March 10 – 28,  2022 under the slogan “The Heritage and the Future”, which aims to link the past with the future.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, announced during the press conference that the idea of organising these days annually is based on the vision and the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has emphasised on more than one occasion that heritage reinforces national affiliation.”

He added: “The 19th edition of Sharjah Heritage Days will take place under the slogan ‘The Heritage and the Future’, which is a comprehensive statement characterised by current relevance and importance. It refers to the need to identify future challenges and to meet these challenges with forward-looking vision that is in harmony with heritage. The slogan is also consistent with the orientations of the Emirate of Sharjah in communicating with the past and opening up to the future, while emphasising the efforts of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in fostering values and mobilising determination to protect heritage, spread awareness of its importance, and celebrate treasures and ancient symbols, whatever the circumstances.”

Dr Al Musallam stressed that the procedures adopted by the emirate under the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to protect heritage are in line with the requirements set by Unesco to preserve human heritage through a global agreement concerned with the world’s cultural and natural heritage, one of the provisions being to introduce people to the cultural and natural heritage by those familiar with the heritage and who are able to convey the message, adding that Sharjah Heritage Days serve as an important addition to the global efforts that seek to protect human heritage.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), told Gulf Today that the annual Sharjah Heritage Days represent a celebration of the authentic heritage of the country and the societies of the world and are one of the most important events in the Emirate of Sharjah, which is known for embracing various activities and cultures.

It highlights the importance of heritage in exploring the knowledge of countries, in creating human identity, in building civilisations and in preparing future generations.

“The Authority’s participation in this special event confirms its commitment to this vital sector, which helps shape the tourism scene. We are working closely with our strategic partners in the public and private sectors to provide the best possible tourism experience for the public during the days.”

Al Midfa extended his thanks  to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his unlimited support and for laying solid foundations for the cultural and knowledge process of the Emirate. He stated that he valued the efforts of all members of the Higher Committee for the activities of the 19th edition of Sharjah Heritage Days, and of the SIH and all contributing parties for enriching the cultural and heritage scene in Sharjah.

“The contribution of Sharjah’s tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is around 9 per cent, which is almost Dhs10.8 billion.” Al Midfa concluded.

Rashid Abdullah Al Obed, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority said: “The Authority has prepared an integrated plan to cover the days. Sharjah TV will broadcast the opening events via live broadcast, with direct coverage via a studio at the venue to keep pace with the events throughout the festival. The programmes Sabah Al-Sharjah, Literature and Art, and Al-Dar News will transmit throughout this cultural carnival, with special daily reports planned to keep viewers updated on activities, guests, and competitions.”

Abu Bakr Al Kindi, General Coordinator of Sharjah Heritage Days, said: “The organisation of the 19th edition confirms the Sharjah Heritage Days’ achievement of the goals for which it was launched, namely protecting national identity and contributing to global efforts to preserve human heritage.”