Latest news with #SharjahInstituteforHeritage
Sharjah 24
6 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.
Gulf Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
All good things
Bahraini author Nada Fardan's latest children's book has hit the shelves this month, highlighting the idea that something good can only be built on strong, noble foundations, writes Melissa Nazareth. The 25-page Arabic story Manba'a Al-Jood ('source of bounty') was unveiled at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, staged at Sharjah Institute for Heritage, from April 23 to May 4. The cultural event featured workshops, interactive shows, and renowned authors, among other activities, inspiring children and developing their love for reading. 'Manba'a Al-Jood (available on tells the story of a young farmer who rests beneath the shade of a large tree after a long, tiring day, and as he begins to admire the leaves for the comfort they provide, his father – an old and wise man – initiates a conversation to teach him an important lesson,' the 39-year-old told GulfWeekly. 'This tree would never have grown so strong and beautiful if it hadn't come from a good seed. Their philosophical exchange reflects the idea that all good things must have strong, virtuous origins,' she added. Coinciding with the book release, the Sanad resident won the Jury Prize for her 2023 release Shampoo Al-shoor Al-ajeeb ('the amazing shampoo of feelings') at the seventh edition of the Sharjah Gulf Women Creativity Awards. Other titles by the architect-turned-full-time-author include Faris wa drou'oh Al-asher ('Faris and his 10 Armours'), Faris fi zaman Al-goos ('Faris in the Pearling Age'), Ebtisamet Shamoosa ('Sunny Smile'), Hamama Nodi ('Nodi the dove') and, recently, her first English story One Trunk Away. 'I keep my imagination alive – vivid and attuned to what children need in order to grow,' she explained, describing her creative process and how she thinks of ideas for her books. 'Writing for children is a beautiful journey. Often, I feel like a cloud laden with rain, burdened by thoughts and words that must pour forth as stories before I can find peace once more.'
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
21-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Cultural Heritage Award honours narrators and researchers
Under the Patronage of Sharjah's Ruler Under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, honoured the winners of the 5th edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage. The event was organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and took place at the Centre for International Cultural Heritage Organisations. A Message of Cultural Commitment His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasised that the award reflects Sharjah's cultural message of safeguarding and preserving heritage, in line with the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Celebrating Excellence in Heritage Fields In a statement to "Sharjah 24," Al Musallam noted that the award celebrates researchers dedicated to heritage preservation and honours narrators in three main categories: Best Research and Studies in Cultural Heritage, Best Narrators and Heritage Bearers, and Best Practices in the Preservation of Heritage Elements.
