Sharjah Heritage Days: Global platform for cultural exchange

Portugal as Guest of Honor… A commitment to the vision of Sharjah Ruler

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that the selection of Portugal as Guest of Honor for this year's event was in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. These directives emphasize presenting guests of honor in a manner befitting their status and promoting the values of convergence and understanding among peoples.

A comprehensive cultural presence for Portuguese heritage

Dr Al Musallam explained that this vision was practically implemented through the allocation of a dedicated pavilion for Portugal, showcasing its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and organizing specialized sessions and seminars that highlighted the Portuguese experience and its historical ties to the region.

The cultural café: A reading of shared history

In this context, Bait Al Naboodah hosted a seminar entitled "The Portuguese Presence in the United Arab Emirates" as part of its Cultural Café activities. A select group of researchers and specialists participated, discussing the history of cultural relations and knowledge exchange between the UAE and Portugal, and the Arab presence in Portugal, which spanned nearly five centuries, as a crucial foundation for a deeper understanding of civilizational ties.

Scholarly papers and historical documents

Dr Al Musallam commended the scholarly papers presented, particularly those by Dr Anna Lee, Director General of the Portuguese Institute of Cultural Heritage, and Professor Alexandra, who addressed the positive Arab influence on Portuguese culture. He also highlighted the importance of the book by the mid-16th-century Portuguese historian Duarte Barbosa, which was recently completed and translated into Arabic through an initiative by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Published under the title "A Journey of Great Importance by Duarte Barbosa," it represents a valuable addition to the Arabic library. Other works in archaeology, translation, and historical studies have also emerged as a result of collaborative research.

Honoring and signing publications

On the sidelines of the symposium, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage honored the participants and discussants. The Al Naboodah House also witnessed the signing of the book "Scattered Expressions in a Collection of Articles" by Dr Hamad bin Saray, published by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, in recognition of his scholarly and cultural contributions.

Free boat trips… Heritage in a living experience

In another initiative, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage launched free boat trips for visitors to Sharjah Heritage Days. This unique initiative, the first of its kind, aimed to enrich the public experience and create an atmosphere of enjoyment and delight. The trips, conducted on abra boats bearing the festival's slogan "The Radiance of Authenticity," connected several maritime sites, from the Al Abghala and Al Qasba boats to the Al Qasimiya boat and back.

A tour of Sharjah's maritime landmarks

The tours offered a distinctive maritime experience, allowing visitors to enjoy views of Al Qasba Canal and Khalid Lagoon, especially with the opening of a new canal this year to refresh the lagoon's waters and enhance its aesthetic and recreational value, reflecting the spirit of the emirate's maritime heritage.

With this diversity of programs and initiatives, Sharjah Heritage Days confirms its ability to combine knowledge and enjoyment, history and experience, to establish Sharjah as a global beacon of culture, heritage and civilizational dialogue.