Latest news with #AbdulazizAlMusallam
Sharjah 24
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SIH organises 18th edition of "Bisharat Al-Qayz" event
Qaith: Season of Maturity "Bisharat Al-Qayz" is an annual heritage event organised by the institute to celebrate Al-Qayz season, which is deeply embedded in the UAE's collective memory. This season represents the ripening of fruits and the start of seasonal migration to oases, highlighting the traditional connection between people and their environment in local folklore. Cultural Vision Emphasised His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated that "Bisharat Al-Qayz" aligns with the institute's vision to embed intangible cultural heritage into daily life and present it in creative ways that resonate with community aspirations. The event aims to spotlight the summer season's symbolic and social meanings within Emirati popular memory. Jasmine: Symbol of Beauty This year's theme, "Jasmine," has folk culture-related visual and emotional components. A continuous presence in the collective consciousness of Emirati culture, the fragrant plant is a symbol of sensitivity and purity and is often praised in Nabati poetry as a mirror of love and beauty. Aisha Ghabesh, Events and Activities Director at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasised that the "Bisharat Al-Qayz" is a key annual tradition on the institute's calendar due to its strong cultural and social value rooted in the UAE's collective memory. The event offers younger generations an immersive experience of the Al-Qayz season and its traditional customs. The initiative reflects the institute's commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage and reinforcing national identity through interactive, modern, and knowledge-rich events.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SIH takes part in the ‘Make it in the Emirates' Forum
Highlighting role of heritage in shaping national identity This participation points out the vital role of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. The institute offers a remarkable pavilion that highlights a curated selection of traditional Emirati crafts, including palm frond weaving (khous), Sadu weaving, and embroidery. The programme features interactive workshops and cultural art performances that showcase the richness and diversity of Emirati folk heritage. Connecting tradition and modernity Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighted that the forum serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase the robust connection between heritage and innovation. He observed that the institute seeks to establish a venue through these events that unites heritage and local industry, thus bolstering the national economy with products that reflect genuine Emirati character. He remarked, 'Our heritage serves as a bridge linking the past to the present.' Our dedication lies in enabling artisans and content creators to transmit this legacy to future generations through sustainable initiatives that harmonise tradition with modernity. Live demonstrations by skilled artisans The event includes a curated selection of talented artisans who conduct live demonstrations, highlighting their distinctive skills. This gathering provides guests with a unique chance to witness the processes involved in creating traditional products, along with the methods used to maintain and evolve these crafts to align with modern needs. The "Make it in the Emirates" Forum serves as a national platform dedicated to advancing local industry and fostering innovation across diverse sectors. The "Make it in the Emirates" Forum acts as a national platform focused on advancing local industry and fostering innovation across diverse sectors. This event brings together policymakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs to share experiences and explore business opportunities, creating an excellent platform to showcase products that hold cultural and environmental importance. SIH's contribution to sustainable development The Sharjah Institute for Heritage actively contributes to the support of national identity through crafts and culture, thereby reinforcing the journey towards sustainable development in the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIACH honours the fifth edition's winners
Film retrospective and opening address The event opened with a warm welcome to attendees, followed by a short film highlighting the award's journey since its inception. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and chair of the award's board of trustees, delivered the keynote address, emphasising that the award embodies the Ruler of Sharjah's vision for supporting cultural heritage and honouring its custodians. He noted that Sharjah has become a global model in safeguarding and promoting heritage. Dr Al Musallam stated that Sharjah launched this award as an international platform to acknowledge excellence in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Today, we celebrate scholars, researchers, and storytellers who have left a clear mark in protecting our shared human legacy by underscoring Sharjah's leadership as a bridge for cultural dialogue worldwide. Director's tribute to heritage champions Ms. Aisha Rashid Al-Husan Al-Shamsi, Director of the Award, affirmed that this fifth edition continues the award's successful legacy, which is now firmly established among specialised cultural awards. She explained that the award realises the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in protecting heritage and celebrating its guardians. This year, it also introduces 'Heritage Personality of the Year' to honour those who have devoted their lives to its preservation. She praised the combined efforts of the organising teams, juries, and supporting entities, which made this event a triumph. Presentation of Awards Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, accompanied by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam and Ms Aisha Al Husan, invited the winners to the stage to commence the awards presentation for this edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage. Heritage Personality of the Year Dr Najeeb Abdullah Al Shamsi from the UAE was named Heritage Personality of the Year in recognition of his decades of research and community work in preserving Emirati heritage and preventing its erosion. Winners across the three categories The fifth edition saw distinguished entries from around the globe, distributed across three main domains—local, Arab and international—and nine categories. In the category of Best Conservation Practices, the local award went to the Sharjah Quran Academy for its submission 'The Role of the Academy in Preserving Arabic Manuscript Heritage'. The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Saudi Arabia won the Arab award for its study of traditional wooden door craft in Najd. The international award was claimed by the Malaibar Foundation for Research and Development for its 'Malabar Digitisation Initiative'. In the Narrators and Heritage Bearers category, the local storyteller award went to Muhina Ali Obaid Al Sureidi, the Arab Narrator Award was presented to Salman bin Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Hamad of Saudi Arabia, and the international storyteller award was won by Elizabeth Weir of Ireland. In the Research and Studies in Cultural Heritage category, Dr Aisha Ali Ahmed Al Ghaith Al Zaabi received the local research award for her study, 'Traditional Performing Arts and Folk Songs in the UAE.' The Arab research accolade was given to Saeed bin Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Farsi of Oman for his research on constancy and change in Omani fishing traditions, with a case study on North Al Batinah Governorate. The international research award was given to Jean Lambert of France for his study of the qanbūs, a short-necked lute originating in Yemen. The award also honoured several supporting organisations and he expert jury members. About the Award Established by Emiri Decree No. 19 of 2017, the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage is the first Arab award of its kind with a global scope in preserving intangible heritage. The award aims to spotlight outstanding conservation practices, celebrate storytellers, and encourage research that sustains cultural heritage. Academic, cultural, and media institutions worldwide participate in a distinguished ceremony annually to present the award.
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH participates with more than 1,000 titles at ADIBF 2025
Quality publications The fair showcases a distinguished collection of more than 1,000 titles covering various fields of cultural heritage, including scholarly series, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and specialised magazines. It also features quality publications from SIH most prominent departments and centres, such as the Academic Department, the Arab Heritage Centre, the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations, and the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage. Ensuring presence of Arab cultural heritage This distinguished participation is part of the Institute's strategy to enhance the presence of Arab cultural heritage in the intellectual and knowledge landscape and to highlight Sharjah's efforts in preserving and documenting it. His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of SIH said that the institute participation in ADIBF this year comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts to convey the message of heritage to a wider audience of readers, researchers, and interested parties, through solid knowledge production that reflects the richness of the local and Arab cultural heritage. A qualitative addition Al Musallam added that SIH is keen to ensure that the Institute's publications possess scientific value that keeps pace with the aspirations of the cultural movement in the UAE and the region, and we hope that this participation will constitute a qualitative addition that enhances the presence of heritage in intellectual platforms and international exhibitions. Through its participation in major cultural events, SIH continues to highlight the importance of heritage as a fundamental tributary to national identity and an open space for intercultural dialogue. Raising community awareness This is in line with Sharjah's cultural vision and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to make books and knowledge beacons for raising community awareness.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Emirati folktales delight children at Sharjah Public Libraries event
The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) organised the "Heritage Tales" event, introducing children aged 6 to 13 to the cultural significance of Emirati folktales and their role in shaping values, knowledge, and identity. Held under the Cultural Civilisation theme of SPL's year-long programme, the event aimed to foster a deeper appreciation of heritage through engaging, hands-on experiences. Organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, the event featured three interactive activities that combined storytelling, traditional crafts, and recreational activities, offering young participants a rich introduction to the UAE's cultural legacy. Eman Bushalibi, Director of SPL, commented, 'The 'Heritage Tales' event underscores the vital role of libraries as centres of knowledge and guardians of cultural heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of Sharjah's libraries, we also honour their legacy in connecting generations, preserving identity, and fostering a sense of belonging through meaningful cultural engagement.' Folktales as a gateway to learning The event opened with a workshop titled "The School of Tales", which explored the role of folktales in children's literature as tools for learning, character development, and cultural awareness. Children engaged with a selection of traditional stories authored by Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, brought to life through storytelling and discussions that introduced key Emirati expressions and cultural concepts. Identity woven into memory The second activity offered an interactive workshop on traditional Emirati clothing, highlighting the deep cultural significance of heritage dress. In the Talli embroidery corner, children explored the intricate art of traditional embellishment used in Emirati garments. The Kandura corner introduced boys to the national attire, emphasising its cultural importance, while girls in the Mokhwar corner had the opportunity to design their traditional dresses, learning about different patterns, styles, and the heritage they represent. Heritage competitions with a playful spirit The final activity featured heritage-themed competitions organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in the entertainment corner. In an engaging and educational setting, children responded to questions about Emirati traditions and cultural identity. The event concluded with a ceremony honouring the winners and celebrating their cultural knowledge. 'Heritage Tales' is part of SPL's year-long centennial programme, which highlights the vital role of libraries in preserving culture, fostering knowledge, and promoting reading. Through a series of talks, tours, and workshops, the programme brings together cultural figures and institutions from across the UAE to celebrate and enrich Sharjah's literary and heritage legacy.
