Latest news with #AbdulazizAl-Musallam
Sharjah 24
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SIH wraps up ‘Heritage Nights' with 52,000 visitors
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 organized by the SIH during this inaugural edition. Dr. Al-Musallam: We Are Proud to See Heritage Alive in the Hearts of People Commenting on the success of the event, H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: 'Heritage Nights has 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 Sheikh Dr. 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.' A Rich Lineup of Cultural Experiences Reflecting the UAE's Vibrant Heritage 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 theater 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.
Sharjah 24
13-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Haq Al Laila.. A custom reflects values of communication
A Unique cultural celebration Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam noted that the UAE's celebration of "Haq Al Leila" is a deeply rooted tradition where children roam neighborhoods collecting sweets and gifts. This occasion holds a special status in Emirati heritage, symbolizing love and brotherhood among generations. He emphasized that it is not a religious event but rather part of the popular heritage embedded in the region's culture. A Social tradition In a special statement to Sharjah 24, Dr. Al-Musallam explained that "Haq Al Leila" is a social tradition that showcases the authenticity of Gulf heritage. Children participate by wearing traditional costumes and visiting homes to collect sweets and gifts in a joyful and friendly atmosphere, thus enhancing community bonds and preserving popular heritage. A Shared tradition among Gulf Nations Al-Musallam added that the celebration of "Haq Al Leila" is a shared tradition among Gulf peoples, despite differences in celebration dates and names. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain celebrate it on the night of 15 Sha'ban, while Kuwait and Oman celebrate it on the night of 15 Ramadan. Different names, common joy He pointed out that this heritage occasion is known by different names in each country. It is called "Haq Al Leila" in the UAE, "Garnqaouh" in Qatar, "Garnqaishouh" in Oman, "Gharqiyan" in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and "Qarqaoon" in Bahrain. Despite the varied names, this occasion remains a symbol of shared heritage that expresses joy and strengthens communication among generations in a festive atmosphere. Preserving cultural heritage Dr. Al-Musallam concluded his statement by emphasizing that this heritage occasion represents a shared cultural legacy among the region's peoples, reflecting values of love, joy, and brotherhood that unite young and old. It is essential to pass these traditions on to future generations to preserve the cultural and heritage identity of the UAE.
Sharjah 24
06-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH explores future of heritage amid contemporary transformations
The session featured the participation of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Dr. Ahmed Bahaa El-Din Al-Assasi, President of the Egyptian Society for Folklore; and Dr. Samar Saeed, Dean of the Higher Institute of Folk Arts. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mini Bounama, Director of Content and Publishing at the SIH, with a large audience of researchers, academics, and cultural heritage enthusiasts in attendance. Preserving cultural heritage: A pressing responsibility requiring collective efforts Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam emphasised that safeguarding cultural heritage in Arab societies has become an urgent responsibility that requires collective efforts and increased awareness of its historical and cultural significance. He pointed out that while modern civilisation brings many positive advancements, it has also cast its shadow on Arab identity and traditional customs, necessitating the development of strategies that preserve cultural identity and revitalise heritage practices in contemporary contexts. Dr. Al-Musallam further explained that cultural institutions, as key players in heritage preservation, must not only focus on protecting cultural heritage from extinction but also devise innovative mechanisms to ensure its sustainability in the collective memory of future generations. He stressed the need to integrate modern technologies and digital media into heritage promotion, making it a living, interactive element that keeps pace with modern developments. He also noted that traditional solutions are no longer sufficient to counter the rapid challenges posed by globalisation and technological expansion. Furthermore, he asserted that strengthening Arab heritage should not be limited to documentation and preservation but must extend to reviving it through impactful initiatives that enhance people's connection to their heritage, support scientific research efforts, and enable younger generations to interact with it in innovative ways. This, he concluded, ensures that heritage remains an integral part of their cultural and social fabric. Current challenges and strategies for heritage conservation Dr. Ahmed Bahaa El-Din Al-Assasi explored the challenges facing cultural heritage in the digital age, highlighting the dangers of distortion and misrepresentation that may arise from unscientific documentation. He stressed the need to establish robust mechanisms that safeguard cultural heritage from unregulated exploitation. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Zayed discussed strategies for preserving Arab heritage amid rapid transformations, underlining the importance of scientific documentation and leveraging digital technologies to transmit cultural heritage to future generations in an interactive and contemporary manner. Harnessing technology and digital media to serve cultural heritage Dr. Samar Saeed examined the impact of digital advancements on heritage, emphasising the importance of utilising modern media and social platforms to promote cultural heritage. She advocated for engaging digital influencers in heritage awareness campaigns, which can attract younger generations and encourage them to appreciate and preserve their cultural identity. Concluding the session with the spirit of traditional arts The session concluded with a captivating musical performance by the Nile Folklore Troupe, where the audience enjoyed an authentic musical experience that revived the essence of Egyptian cultural heritage. This artistic finale served as a fitting conclusion to a discussion that underscored the significance of preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing its presence in an era of rapid transformations.
