Latest news with #SharjahMuseumsAuthority
Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
SQA and Museums Authority enhance cultural collaboration
Museums as educational and cultural platforms Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, praised the Academy's initiatives and the value of institutional cooperation in reinforcing Sharjah's position as a cultural capital. She highlighted the recent exhibition 'Eternal Letters: Quranic Manuscripts from the Collection of Abdulrahman Al Owais' as a powerful example of this collaboration, showcasing the role of museums as educational spaces that foster intercultural dialogue and uphold Islamic and human heritage.
Sharjah 24
30-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
SPL's Reviving Forgotten Pages explores craft of preserving books
Held in collaboration with the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage and the Sharjah Museums Authority, the event drew a vibrant mix of academics, students, professionals and culture enthusiasts, all eager to explore the delicate craft of preserving literary heritage. Through expert-led demonstrations and hands-on workshops, attendees gained insights into traditional restoration and bookbinding techniques. Praised for its educational depth, 'Reviving Forgotten Pages' highlighted the historical and intellectual value of old books, inviting the community to reflect on the enduring link between writing, cultural identity, and collective memory in Sharjah and the region. Preserving memory through the science of restoration The event opened with a lecture by Dr. Bassam Daghestani, Head of the Preservation, Processing and Restoration Department at the Juma Al Majid Centre. He highlighted the importance of manuscripts as a shared human heritage and showcased the UAE's leading role in their preservation, and outlined the environmental threats posed to the delicate materials and detailed the restoration process, beginning with sterilisation using hydrogen gas to prevent microbial damage. The session explored methods such as dry cleaning for dust removal, chemical treatments to reduce paper acidity and skilled manual restoration using materials closely matching the originals. Dr. Daghestani also discussed the limited yet precise role of machine-based restoration and concluded with essential post-restoration practices, including digitising manuscripts to minimise handling, rebinding for protection, and storing them in controlled environments to safeguard them for future generations. Bringing books back to life: Hands-on restoration and binding workshops As part of its interactive programme, the 'Book Clinic' corner invited visitors to immerse themselves in book conservation through two specialist workshops, held in collaboration with the Juma Al Majid Centre. In the first session, an expert demonstrated manuscript restoration techniques, guiding participants through the process of repairing damaged paper using materials closely matched to the originals. Tools and lighting equipment used to assess manuscript condition were also on display. In the second, visitors took part in a hands-on bookbinding workshop, learning the steps of manual binding using traditional tools and methods, from applying covers and adhesives to trimming and aligning pages. Exploring ancient scripts: A hands-on journey for young minds The event concluded with a workshop for children and young participants, offering an engaging introduction to ancient writing techniques using clay tablets. Inspired by prehistoric inscriptions from the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, the session encouraged children to explore the early history of written communication. Using simple tools, they engraved letters and symbols into clay, blending education with creativity in an experience that connected them to the origins and evolution of human expression.
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
SMA announces free entry to Sharjah museums on May 18
Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) announced free entry to all its museums on Sunday, May 18, in celebration of International Museum Day. The Authority will mark the occasion with a series of interactive experiences running from May 15 to 22, highlighting the evolving role of museums in serving communities and responding to cultural and societal transformations. This year's International Museum Day carries the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies,' underscoring the importance of equipping museums to meet the expectations of future generations and navigate ongoing digital and societal shifts. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth within communities, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the role of museums in a changing world. A general view of the Sharjah Museum. The theme also aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who views museums as vital centres for knowledge, identity, and cultural awareness across all segments of society. Emphasising the significance of this global occasion, Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: 'This occasion reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality museum experiences that promote lifelong learning and strengthen the connection between museums and their communities.' She added that the Authority continues to position its museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue, discovery, and education, while reimagining the visitor experience to be more inclusive and aligned with evolving cultural and digital trends. 'Sharjah Museums remain open and accessible to all,' she concluded. This year's celebration unfolds through four main activations that promise engaging and memorable experiences for all age groups. The first takes place across Sharjah's museums from May 15 to 22, inviting visitors to explore themed, self-guided museum workshops. These creative and interactive walk-in activities-such as designing future museums, building traditional boats, and digitally illustrating marine life-combine fun and learning to spark curiosity and imagination. The second is an immersive sensory experience titled 'Experience Museums with All Your Senses' at City Centre Al Zahia from May 15 to 18. This dynamic platform activates sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, through interactive exhibits drawn from Sharjah's rich museum collections, offering visitors a vivid encounter with heritage through innovative engagement. The third activation features a guided tour titled 'A Walk Through Living Heritage,' led by Emirati storyteller and heritage expert Mouza Binhdhaiba, also known as Umm Azan at the Sharjah Heritage Museum on May 16 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Her engaging narrative brings to life the customs and traditions of Emirati society, offering participants a personal connection to the past. Finally, the fourth activation is an invitation-only Focus Group Session titled 'Innovation in Action: Technology's Role in Shaping Museum Experiences,' hosted at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on May 17. Gathering a select group of professionals from various disciplines, this session encourages the exchange of ideas on integrating technology to elevate museum experiences and support digital transformation efforts. These initiatives reflect Sharjah Museums Authority's ongoing investment in enhancing visitor engagement and delivering inclusive, high-quality programmes that showcase the emirate's cultural and intellectual richness. They reaffirm Sharjah's status as a regional and international hub for cultural dialogue and discovery. As part of its celebration of International Museum Day, Sharjah Museums Authority will illuminate a selection of its landmark buildings for three consecutive nights, from May 18 to 20, 2025. This symbolic gesture includes SMA's Headquarters, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Art Museum, and the Resistance Monument, transforming each site into a radiant beacon of cultural pride. Through this visual expression, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and cultural visibility. WAM
Sharjah 24
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Museums Authority celebrates Int'l Museum Day
This year's International Museum Day carries the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies," underscoring the importance of equipping museums to meet the expectations of future generations and navigate ongoing digital and societal shifts. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth within communities, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the role of museums in a changing world. The theme also aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who views museums as vital centers for knowledge, identity, and cultural awareness across all segments of society. Emphasising the significance of this global occasion, Her Excellency Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: 'This occasion reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality museum experiences that promote lifelong learning and strengthen the connection between museums and their communities.' She added that the Authority continues to position its museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue, discovery, and education, while reimagining the visitor experience to be more inclusive and aligned with evolving cultural and digital trends. 'Sharjah Museums remain open and accessible to all,' she concluded. Four Key Highlights This year's celebration unfolds through four main activations that promise engaging and memorable experiences for all age groups. The first takes place across Sharjah's museums from May 15 to 22, inviting visitors to explore themed, self-guided museum workshops. These creative and interactive walk-in activities—such as designing future museums, building traditional boats, and digitally illustrating marine life—combine fun and learning to spark curiosity and imagination. The second is an immersive sensory experience titled 'Experience Museums with All Your Senses' at City Centre Al Zahia from May 15 to 18. This dynamic platform activates sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, through interactive exhibits drawn from Sharjah's rich museum collections, offering visitors a vivid encounter with heritage through innovative engagement. The third activation features a guided tour titled 'A Walk Through Living Heritage', led by Emirati storyteller and heritage expert Mouza Binhdhaiba, also known as Umm Azan at the Sharjah Heritage Museum on May 16 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Her engaging narrative brings to life the customs and traditions of Emirati society, offering participants a personal connection to the past. Finally, the fourth activation is an invitation-only Focus Group Session titled 'Innovation in Action: Technology's Role in Shaping Museum Experiences', hosted at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on May 17. Gathering a select group of professionals from various disciplines, this session encourages the exchange of ideas on integrating technology to elevate museum experiences and support digital transformation efforts. These initiatives reflect Sharjah Museums Authority's ongoing investment in enhancing visitor engagement and delivering inclusive, high-quality programs that showcase the emirate's cultural and intellectual richness. They reaffirm Sharjah's status as a regional and international hub for cultural dialogue and discovery. As part of its celebration of International Museum Day, Sharjah Museums Authority will illuminate a selection of its landmark buildings for three consecutive nights, from May 18 to 20, 2025. This symbolic gesture includes SMA's Headquarters, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Art Museum, and the Resistance Monument, transforming each site into a radiant beacon of cultural pride. Through this visual expression, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and cultural visibility. As Sharjah's architectural landmarks glow with meaning, the emirate itself becomes a living tribute to heritage, creativity, and collective memory—inviting the public to witness culture not only within museum walls, but in the very fabric of the city.
Sharjah 24
14-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
ALA trains government employees on official correspondences
Better correspondences for better institutional image The training sought to increase participants' ability to write official communication at a high level of professionalism. It taught students fundamental language and technical skills connected to the art of formal communication, emphasising its importance for institutional image and performance. Enhancement of the Arabic literary tradition Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, stated that the art of official writing is a continuation of a long-standing Arab heritage that is refreshed with each generation. He emphasised that professional writing improves employees' competency and institutional presence because a well-crafted message represents a company, just as the tongue expresses thought. Effective communication tools The instructor highlighted that official mail is one of the most significant forms of institutional communication. He mentioned that research shows that poorly written communication is responsible for more than 60% of official blunders. Poorly written messages create misconceptions, waste time, and harm the organisation's image. He emphasised the necessity of clarity, conciseness, objectivity, and articulating the goal from the start. Fundamentals of professional writing The seminar emphasised the importance of maintaining a professional tone hierarchy, using passive voice to communicate respect in formal circumstances (e.g., "Please be advised"), and distinguishing between formal and informal writing styles. It also emphasised avoiding emotional language and hyperbole, guaranteeing grammatical accuracy, and employing proper punctuation. Types of correspondences Training covers various communication styles, including internal memos, external letters, official emails, reports, and meeting minutes. Participants were invited to explore specialised sources, including traditional Arabic works like "Al-Washi Al-Marqoum", which epitomises the art of correspondence throughout Islamic history. Course feedback The workshop concluded with a discussion of common errors in official writing and provided advice to personnel on thoroughly proofreading messages before sending them to ensure effectiveness and quality. Participants expressed gratitude for the skills they acquired, citing a considerable improvement in their grasp of professional communication. Iman Humaid Ghanem, a tourism coordinator at the Sharjah Museums Authority, noted that the insights gained were superior to earlier training and gave a useful understanding of message content, presentation, and receiver impact.
