Sharjah Heritage Days Discuss Cultural Identity through the “Majlis Al-Asala” for Community Dialogue
Sharjah – 5 February 2026
As part of the activities of Sharjah Heritage Days, a heritage session was held this evening at Majlis Al-Asala, affiliated with the Events and Activities Committee. The session was moderated by Ms. Aisha Obaid Ghabash, in the presence of a distinguished group of cultural heritage enthusiasts and festival visitors from various countries.
Cultural Identity: A Shared Responsibility
The session addressed the concept of heritage and cultural identity, highlighting the role of the family, community, and school—alongside relevant institutions—in preserving and strengthening cultural heritage through community education and cultural initiatives. It also reviewed international and individual experiences that contribute to safeguarding heritage and transmitting it to future generations.
Gulf and Arab Contributions
The session featured contributions from Nada Abu Shabs (UAE), Dr. Mohammed bin Suroor (UAE), Ibtisam Badr Al-Zakhr (Bahrain), Muhina bint Khamis (Sultanate of Oman), Aida Al-Qarawi (Tunisia), Ibrahim Sanad (Bahrain), in addition to poet Sultan Ghafan (UAE). The speakers shared their experiences in preserving cultural identity and reinforcing its presence within contemporary societies.
Family-Oriented Activities and Interactive Programs
On the other hand, Mr. Mohammed Hamdan, Events Coordinator at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, explained that Sharjah Heritage Days provide an integrated space for families. He noted that the events include a wide range of programs for children, women, senior citizens, and families, featuring educational workshops, fine arts, traditional games, and interactive competitions with prizes. The program also includes training in traditional games and specialized exhibitions, with the number of workshops exceeding ten and covering various age groups.
Interactive Theatre
He added that the accompanying theatre presents daily cultural competitions and heritage-related questions, in addition to simple games for children with incentive prizes, in an atmosphere that aligns with the theme of the current edition, “The Glow of Authenticity,” and focuses on authentic elements that express the identity of the United Arab Emirates and its rich heritage.