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Sharjah 24
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UOS's Francophonie Center marks Intl Francophonie Day
The celebration drew a distinguished guest list, including His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Government Relations, who attended as guest of honour. Joining him were His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Neyadi, the UAE's Ambassador to the International Organisation of La Francophonie; Sheikha Raad bint Fahim Al Qasimi, Francophonie Relations Executive at the Department of Government Relations; His Excellency Seko Kamara, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the UAE and his deputy; Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Adnan Serhan, Dean of the College of Law; and Prof. Rasha Hattab, Director of the Francophonie Center. In his opening remarks, Prof. Yousef Haik welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Fahim and the audience, underscoring the University of Sharjah's steady march toward global prominence. He highlighted the University's comprehensive strategy to bolster its international standing through robust partnerships with academic, research, and cultural institutions worldwide. What sets the University of Sharjah apart, he noted, is its extraordinary cultural diversity noting that it is home to students from over 100 nationalities making it a true crossroads of civilisations and a vibrant platform for intercultural dialogue. In his turn, His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Neyadi emphasised the significance of this annual occasion in strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation with the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the world's second-largest international organisation, uniting 90 member states across five continents. He stressed that cultural and linguistic diversity is fundamental to fostering tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect. His Excellency Dr. Al Neyadi pointed out that the UAE's commitment to the Francophone world, since joining the organisation in 2010, reflects the forward-looking vision of its leadership. He also commended the University of Sharjah's outstanding efforts to promote the French language and to deepen scientific collaboration with Francophone academic institutions, thanks in large part to the pioneering work of the Francophonie Center, the first of its kind in the country. Guest of honor His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi paid tribute to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose dedication has transformed Sharjah into a beacon of knowledge and culture, open to the world yet firmly rooted in its identity. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim spoke passionately about the power of language, describing it as far more than a tool for communication. 'It is a vessel of culture and identity, a bridge to understanding and connection,' he noted. He emphasised that mastering another's language is the key to grasping the depth of their culture, traditions, and worldview. His Excellency concluded by affirming the vital role of cultural exchange and international cooperation in building bridges of understanding between nations, paving the way for a brighter future for humanity. In her address to the gathering, Prof. Rasha Hattab, Director of the Francophonie Center, highlighted the University's growing community of nearly seventy French-speaking or French-learning students. She praised the center's expanding role in fostering regional academic cooperation, especially following its recent hosting of the Conference of University Presidents in the Middle East. Prof. Hattab noted that the Francophone Student Club embodies a new generation that embraces French as a living, shared culture on campus and beyond. She pointed to the center's partnerships with Arab and international institutions, which are opening doors to joint programs, promising research, and training opportunities. UoS, she affirmed, is determined to make Sharjah a beacon of Francophone culture in the Gulf. The festivities featured a vibrant array of activities, including a student exhibition celebrating French culture and history, a dialogue session between students and Sheikha Raad bint Fahim Al Qasimi, and a series of workshops on topics such as international law, Napoleonic legal terminology, women's suffrage, and the Arabic words and phrases borrowed into French. The event concluded with the announcement of scholarships for French language study at the Vichy Institute in France and at the Alliance Française in Sharjah, rewarding the University's most promising Francophone students.
Sharjah 24
05-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates art exhibition in Rome
The exhibition showcases 110 rare artifacts unearthed from Sharjah's ancient trade centers, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn. These artifacts highlight Sharjah's central role in the thriving trade networks between the East and West during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, offering a captivating glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world. This collaborative showcase between Sharjah and Rome, organized by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), celebrates the millennia old historical and cultural connections between the ancient civilizations of the Arabian Gulf and Rome. The exhibition continues until May 4, 2025. A distinguished gathering of government officials, cultural figures, and dignitaries from both the UAE and Italy attended the opening, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Government Relations; Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; and Ms. Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. This high-profile attendance underscores the exhibition's significance in enhancing cultural dialogue between the two nations. Tracing cultural exchange through archaeological discoveries The rare artifacts unearthed from important archaeological sites in Sharjah, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn tell the story of thriving trade centers during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE). Among the standout items are Roman glass flasks, a bronze statue of Venus, and coins from both Roman and Greek empires. These treasures reveal the long-distance trade that connected Rome and Sharjah, illustrating the profound cultural and economic exchanges that took place. Mleiha, in particular, was a flourishing urban and economic center, where these items were in high demand, reflecting the city's integration into the international trade network. The deep ties between the Arab and Roman civilizations, highlighting the commercial and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Spice Route - a vital artery connecting Asia and Europe for trade, knowledge, and technological advances, are a key highlight of the curation. The exhibition illustrates how this route served as a bridge, enabling the movement of goods, ideas, and craftsmanship across continents, laying the foundation for global trade networks. Sharjah Archaeology Authority: Showcasing Sharjah's Historical Legacy to the World Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasized the exhibition's significance, stating: "This exhibition marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to present Sharjah's rich historical legacy to the world, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It serves as a platform to enhance cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration through international archaeological exhibitions and initiatives. Moreover, it reaffirms Sharjah's status as an essential component of the ancient global trade network." He added: "Beyond displaying archaeological discoveries, we are reconstructing history—offering scholars and the public an extraordinary opportunity to explore the profound connections between East and West. The SAA remains committed to advancing research and excavation efforts to uncover more historical treasures that reaffirm Sharjah's leadership as a global center for heritage and culture." Eisa Yousif further noted: "Archaeological discoveries have demonstrated that Sharjah's ports and trade centers were not merely transit points but thriving economic hubs that facilitated the flow of Roman goods into the Arabian Peninsula. These exhibitions and continuous research efforts allow us to reimagine the commercial and cultural landscapes of ancient cities in our region, shedding light on how these connections shaped our shared history." Exploring Sharjah's central role in the ancient global trade network The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Sharjah's pivotal role in the ancient global trade networks. Key ports such as Dibba Port served as strategic hubs where Roman goods, highly sought after by local communities, were exchanged. These bustling trade centres were not only hubs for the flow of commodities but also for knowledge and cultural exchange. This dynamic interaction significantly contributed to the creation of early global trade routes, promoting economic and cultural integration between civilizations. Mleiha: A flourishing economic centre in the heart of the desert Archaeological excavations in Mleiha have revealed Roman and Greek coins, traded alongside locally minted currency featuring designs inspired by foreign coinage. This convergence of currency further emphasizes Mleiha's vital role in the ancient trade routes. Additionally, findings of gold, silver, and bronze circulating through Mleiha highlight the region's thriving commercial activities and the wealth amassed by its merchants, solidifying its place as a key trading city. Trade between Sharjah and Rome facilitated the sharing of artistic, intellectual, and cultural ideas. Artifacts discovered in Sharjah display distinct Roman artistic influences, indicating that Mleiha's inhabitants not only imported Roman goods but adapted and integrated them into their daily lives. This exchange laid the foundation for a vibrant cross-cultural connection that shaped both civilizations, fostering mutual enrichment in areas such as craftsmanship, art, and commerce.
