Sharjah Heritage Days to take place from Feb.12-23

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) hosted a press conference at the Arab Heritage Centre to unveil the details of the 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD), set to take place from Feb.12 to 23, 2025.

This year’s edition promises an exceptional experience under the theme “Roots,” highlighting the authenticity of Emirati heritage and showcasing the deep cultural and historical connections that bridge the past and present.

Through a diverse array of activities and events, the festival will celebrate traditions, customs, and cultural heritage, reinforcing national identity and fostering intergenerational dialogue.

The festivities will extend across seven cities in the emirate of Sharjah, starting in Sharjah City from Feb.12 to 23, before moving to Khorfakkan, Mleiha, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn.

This expansion offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage in diverse environments across the emirate.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasised that Sharjah Heritage Days reflects the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in preserving heritage and strengthening cultural identity for future generations.

He highlighted how the event has grown beyond a traditional celebration of Emirati heritage to become an international platform for cultural dialogue and the preservation of global heritage.

Al Musallam explained that this edition aims to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors by introducing new event spaces, launching unique cultural projects such as the “Book Market” and the “Library Centennial Celebration,” and expanding participation from folk groups, artisans, and artists.

He further noted that the increasing international presence at the festival reflects Sharjah’s role as a cultural hub and a leader in heritage preservation on a global scale.

Abu Bakr Al Kindi, General Coordinator of Sharjah Heritage Days, emphasised that SHD continues to evolve into a knowledge platform that honours the past, engages the present, and embraces the future. He invited the public to participate in this vibrant and enriching celebration, which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a cultural capital that values its heritage while shaping the future.

This year’s edition will feature participation from over 26 countries, including GCC nations, as well as Morocco, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, China, Russia, Germany, France, Georgia, and the Netherlands.

This broad international engagement reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration, further solidifying its reputation as a global capital for culture and heritage.

More than 30 governmental, academic, and cultural institutions will be involved, including ministries, heritage organisations, and international entities such as UNESCO, ICCROM-Sharjah, the International Organisation of Folk Art (IOV), and the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals (CIOFF). This institutional backing highlights the festival’s growing prestige, attracting global experts and scholars in the field of heritage preservation.

One of the major highlights of this edition is the inauguration of “Al Soor Square,” a newly dedicated venue for cultural activities, alongside the centennial celebration of Sharjah’s first library, established in 1925. Additionally, the event will feature the launch of the “Book Market,” bringing together over 12 libraries and six publishing houses, offering a platform to celebrate literary heritage.

The festival will also showcase live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world, along with the largest Al Ayyala folk performance, featuring 300 folk artists.

The artistic programme includes the “Palm Symphony” operetta, the play “Mawa’id Arqoub,” and the children’s theater production “Island of Wishes.”

The 8th GCC Dama Championship, a traditional strategy board game competition, will be hosted during the event. Additionally, three major exhibitions will take place, including the “Roots” Exhibition, which explores Sharjah’s historical milestones in education, traditional markets, and medical practices. The “Scents Through the Ages” Exhibition will document the evolution of perfumery across civilisations, while the “A Century of Libraries” Exhibition will highlight Sharjah’s literary and archival heritage dating back to 1925.