‘Heritage Nights’ attract more than 52,000 visitors in Sharjah

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) concluded the first edition of “Heritage Nights,” held at Al Soor Square, in the Heart of Sharjah.

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with traditional Emirati folklore filling the air through vibrant cultural performances and authentic music that lit up the venue.

The event successfully reflected the Sharjah’s deep-rooted cultural identity and reinforced its standing as a capital of heritage and culture.

Over the course of several days, the event attracted a large and diverse audience, with more than 52,000 visitors attending — highlighting the strong public interest and engagement with the rich and varied heritage activities organised by the SIH during this inaugural edition.

Commenting on the success of the event, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: “Heritage Nights have marked a new milestone in our ongoing efforts at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage to safeguard and promote cultural heritage through experiences that resonate with people of all ages. The great success of this first edition affirms that heritage remains alive in the hearts of the community.

“Under the guidance of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate of Sharjah continues to lead as a hub for culture and a guardian of identity.”

He added: “We are proud of the overwhelming response to Heritage Nights, which inspires us to continue delivering even more creative and dynamic future editions. Our goal is to present heritage through contemporary formats while staying true to its authenticity and depth.”

The event featured a wide array of activities that showcased the richness of the UAE’s cultural heritage. In the Storytelling Village, visitors enjoyed live performances by storyteller Abdel Nasser Al Tamimi and puppet theatre shows — reviving the traditional art of oral storytelling.

The Children’s Village offered a variety of interactive educational and entertaining activities designed to strengthen children’s connection with their national identity through engaging experiences.

In an atmosphere pulsing with the spirit of the past, the Traditional Games Corner gave visitors the chance to explore the games once played by their ancestors.

Meanwhile, the Ramadan Culinary Competitions brought together cooking enthusiasts in an atmosphere filled with energy and creativity.

The event also featured strong participation from the Emirates Publishers Association, along with a Book Souq (Al Kutubiyeen Corner) that offered heritage lovers the chance to explore and purchase rare books highlighting various aspects of Emirati cultural heritage.

Recently, the International Storytelling School, part of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, hosted a wonderful event called “World Storytelling Day.”

This gathering celebrated the art of storytelling, showcasing it as a valuable tradition that brings people together and helps different generations connect with one another.

The event featured several distinguished guests, including Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam; Marwa Al Aqroubi, the President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; and Professor Amira Bu Kadra, an author and co-founder of Ghaf Publications, as well as the Chairperson of the Emirates Publishers Association. Many heritage enthusiasts were also present. The audience was then treated to a lively theatrical performance by talented children from the “Pearls and Jewels of Tales” programme.

Their performance showcased how storytelling can promote important social values and connect us with our history, all while delivering vibrant messages about heritage in an engaging way.

In this context, Al Musallam highlighted the importance of storytelling. He explained that storytelling is not just a nice tradition or a fleeting trend; it is the memory of nations, carrying their wisdom and connecting people across time. It helps share experiences and pass down values and knowledge from one generation to the next.

He added, “Our celebration of World Storytelling Day showcases our commitment to preserving oral traditions and sharing them in new and creative ways that keep them relevant while staying true to their roots. This allows storytelling to continue being a source of inspiration and knowledge for future generations.”