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Throughout the event, SSSD focused on supporting home-based family businesses, running awareness and educational programmes, and assisting with the organisation of workshops and heritage activities at the Heritage Village in the heart of Sharjah, in partnership with the Sharjah Volunteering Center.
Families registered with SSSD’s “Intaj” centre were at the heart of its contributions. They displayed a wide range of handmade and traditional products, arranged into themed collections to make it easier for visitors to explore. The “Atayb” collection offered home-cooked meals and sweets; “Tiyb” featured perfumes, incense, and other fragrant items; “Anaqa” presented clothing, accessories, and homeware; “Mahra” highlighted traditional crafts and local delicacies; while “Ibda’a” showcased handcrafted artworks and artisanal creations.
SSSD’s aim was clear: to give these families a direct platform to sell their products and to be part of a larger community celebration. It was never just about trade — it was about presence, participation, and connection. Their contribution brought colour, life, and a sense of authenticity to the heritage days. Visitors, both local and international, stopped to sample the food, admire the crafts, and take a piece of Emirati tradition home with them. It was a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate culture, heritage, and the people who keep them alive.
As part of its community outreach, the Social Services Department ran a series of educational programmes through its Social Education Directorate, marking one of its largest contributions to the heritage festival. Throughout the event, the department held 78 workshops—60 general awareness sessions and 18 specialised workshops on Emirati etiquette, known locally as al-sana‘al-Emirati.
The sessions focused on passing traditional values to children and young people, encouraging them to embrace their culture's customs. They also aimed to strengthen a sense of national identity, helping young Emiratis overcome the challenges of modern life, from digital technology to exposure to global cultures. The workshops combined practical guidance, interactive activities, and friendly competitions, all designed to instil pride in local heritage.
The Sharjah Volunteering Centre, part of the department, provided vital support during the festival. Volunteers organised and managed the many heritage activities across the Heritage Village, in the heart of Sharjah.
Volunteers played hands-on roles, ensuring events ran smoothly for the thousands of visitors who attended from across the UAE and abroad. The volunteers' varied tasks included supervising the traditional games house, the Arab Heritage Centre, arts and crafts sections, and the traditional crafts area. They also assisted with public safety, maintenance, hospitality, storytelling corners, and media coverage.
The presence of volunteers was a key factor in the festival’s success, demonstrating both their dedication and the essential role they play in supporting community events that celebrate Sharjah’s heritage.
Alya Al Suwaqi, acting director of the government communications office at the Sharjah Social Services Department, emphasised that the department's participation in the Sharjah Heritage Days is part of its ongoing efforts to nurture a national identity and to pass on authentic Emirati values to all segments of society. Through a range of programmes and competitions, the department seeks to bring the spirit of Emirati culture and heritage to life for visitors of all ages.
She added that the variety of activities offered by the department highlights its broader role in supporting the community and raising awareness of values such as tolerance, cooperation, and sustainability. These initiatives help preserve Emirati heritage as a living bridge, connecting the lessons of the past with the present and the future.
The department confirmed its commitment to attending this important cultural gathering annually. It also noted that Sharjah Heritage Days are not limited to the city of Sharjah but extend across several areas of the emirate, including Khorfakkan, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn. This ensures that the heritage message reaches a wider audience and maximises benefits for the community.
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