International Capacity-Building Centre and Sharjah Private Education Authority Explore Cooperation in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
Sharjah, 22 January 2026
The International Capacity-Building Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States, headquartered at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, received a delegation from the Sharjah Private Education Authority as part of an institutional meeting aimed at exchanging expertise and exploring avenues of joint cooperation in the fields of education and cultural heritage.
The visiting delegation included Her Excellency Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Her Excellency Khawla Al Hosani, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Education Academy, in the presence of Ms. Aisha Al Hissan Al Shamsi, Director of the Category II Centre in the Emirate of Sharjah.
The Centre’s Experience and International Accreditation Mechanisms
The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on the experience of the International Centre and its role in capacity building and developing Arab competencies in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. It also reviewed the application and accreditation mechanisms for Category II Centres under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as the requirements for joining its international network.
Integrating Training Programs into the Educational System
The two sides discussed ways to benefit from the Centre’s accumulated expertise in designing training and qualification programs, and the prospects for integrating these programs into the educational system. This would contribute to raising awareness of intangible cultural heritage and strengthening its presence within educational policies.
Strengthening Partnerships and Highlighting Global Presence
The meeting underscored the importance of expanding institutional cooperation between the two entities in support of shared objectives related to cultural and educational initiatives. Such cooperation would help highlight the position of the Emirate of Sharjah at both regional and international levels as a leading model in fostering culture and knowledge and safeguarding humanity’s heritage.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of continued coordination, the exchange of expertise, and the development of joint projects serving the education and heritage sectors, in the presence of administrative and technical leadership from both sides.
It is worth noting that the International Capacity-Building Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab States was established pursuant to an agreement signed by the State in December 2021 with UNESCO. Based in Sharjah, the Centre contributes to enhancing the efforts of the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and raise awareness of its importance, positioning them as regional and global leaders in developing and qualifying Arab capacities working in this field.