"Sharjah Heritage Days" event discusses traditional games

February 12, 2026 / 12:46 PM

Sharjah 24: As part of the 23rd Sharjah Heritage Days, the Cultural Café hosted a session titled "Traditional Games and Their Importance in Heritage." The session featured Saeed Al-Manaei and Dr Samar Saeed, and was moderated by Aisha Obaid Gabash, Director of Events and Exhibitions at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. A number of researchers and interested individuals attended.

A school for values and character building

Participants emphasised that traditional games have served as a community school, instilling values of cooperation, patience, and sportsmanship in generations. They also contributed to building children's character and boosting their self-confidence, recalling the games played in neighbourhoods and villages and their emotional and social dimensions.

Diverse environments and experiences

Saeed Al-Manaei discussed the connection between games and different environments and seasons, from coastal games to agricultural games. He highlighted the simplicity of their rules and their educational role in developing children's skills and fostering community interaction.

Artificial Intelligence… an opportunity and a challenge

Dr Samar Saeed emphasised the importance of employing modern technologies and artificial intelligence to digitally preserve traditional games without compromising their authenticity, while warning against the dangers of using inaccurate information that could distort this heritage.