At Bait Al Naboodah, traditional crafts keep Sharjah’s living memory alive
Sharjah, February 9, 2026
Traditional crafts took centre stage at Bait Al Naboodah during a cultural session held as part of Sharjah Heritage Days, where they were explored not as relics of the past, but as living expressions of place, identity, and human creativity. The discussion highlighted crafts as a vital bridge between past and present, and a continuing force in shaping cultural memory and social belonging.
Memory of place and people
In the first segment, Emirati artist Abdullah Saleh reflected on traditional crafts and professions in the UAE through a personal lens, drawing attention to the deep connection between people and their environment. He spoke about how earlier generations relied on locally available resources to meet daily needs, transforming necessity into skill and creativity, and turning craftsmanship into a clear marker of identity and belonging.
He noted that these crafts carry stories of adaptation and resilience, serving as an unwritten record of how communities lived, worked, and expressed themselves through their surroundings.
Between continuity and renewal
The second segment was presented by Khaled Metwally, who addressed the theme of traditional crafts between continuity and renewal. He stressed that safeguarding heritage does not mean freezing it in time, but rather nurturing it in ways that allow it to evolve while preserving its cultural essence.
Updating tools, techniques, and modes of presentation, he said, is essential to ensuring the sustainability of crafts and their relevance in a rapidly changing world, without compromising their historical and cultural value.
Living heritage and renewed identity
The session concluded that traditional crafts are far more than handmade objects or decorative products. They are an integral part of community life, reflecting shared values, human ingenuity, and a close relationship with the environment. Through them, generations have passed down stories of struggle, creativity, and pride, affirming heritage as a living practice that continues to shape the present and inspire the future.
Session moderation
The discussion was moderated by Khaled Al Shahi, academic director at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, underscoring the importance of recognising traditional crafts as a dynamic cultural legacy that remains deeply influential in Sharjah’s cultural landscape today.