During a distinctive press conference, Sharjah ignited the 'Glow of Authenticity' and unveiled the details of the 23rd Sharjah Heritage Days
Sharjah – Central Sharjah, January 15, 2026
In an extraordinary cultural scene that drew inspiration from storytelling and dramatic production, the Western House in the Central Sharjah, hosted a packed press conference, where the Supreme Committee unveiled the details and launch of the 23rd edition of the Sharjah Heritage Days, scheduled from February 4 to 15, 2026, under the theme “Radiance of Authenticity.” The event was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Arts Foundation, H.E. Fernando Figueiredo, Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal to the UAE, and a wide array of media representatives and digital platforms.
Storytelling Production Evokes Memory
The press conference featured an innovative format that embodied the spirit of heritage through an interactive visual drama, accompanied by live performances of folk groups, scenes of traditional crafts, and heritage exhibitions. These highlighted the depth of Emirati cultural identity and presented the new edition’s features through a narrative blending authenticity and innovation.
Portugal: Guest of Honor
H.E. Fernando Figueiredo expressed his pride in Portugal being chosen as the guest of honor for this edition, noting that the participation celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Portugal and reflects the deep cultural and civilizational ties between the two countries.
Seven Cities Host the Event
The Organizing Committee announced that the activities of Sharjah Heritage Days will be held this year across seven cities and areas: Sharjah City, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn, Al Dhaid, Wadi Al Helo, and Al Hamriyah, in a geographic spread that reflects the comprehensiveness of the event and its broad community presence..
International Participation and an Unprecedented Program
During the press conference, Dr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated that the 23rd edition represents a qualitative leap in both scale and content. The event will host participants from 27 countries, with over 265 artisans presenting 40 traditional crafts, 20 varieties of folk songs, and 41 Arab and international folk groups performing a total of 1,173 artistic shows.
Dr. Al-Musallam also highlighted that the program includes more than 307 workshops, 57 educational programs, 44 live performances, 5 training courses, 19 awareness initiatives, 70 heritage competitions, and 21 new activities being presented for the first time.
A Diverse Intellectual and Cultural Program
He further explained that Sharjah Heritage Days offers a rich intellectual program through the Cultural Café, featuring 14 thought-provoking lectures, 15 cultural book signings and launches, alongside theatrical performances, heritage cinema, creative photography competitions, best artwork contests, and live drawing corners.
Unprecedented Features
Dr. Al-Musallam added that this edition stands out for offering 21 entirely new activities, alongside innovative competitions and children’s activities, expanded Emirati craft workshops, and the launch of an AI-powered interactive map to enhance visitors’ experience across different venues and events.
New Highlights of the Edition
H.E. Abubakr Al-Kindi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, confirmed that the event features a comprehensive program highlighting the richness of local and global heritage. The edition will launch the first-ever postage stamp dedicated to the Heritage Days, alongside heritage cinema, live drawing corners, interactive space exhibitions, fine arts displays, creative photography contests, and best artwork competitions. Additional features include the Heritage Days Kitchen, traditional water-carrying championships, corners for teaching traditional children’s games, as well as horse and camel caravans and live camel racing, reflecting authentic heritage life.
Institutional Partnerships and Integrated Services
Al-Kindi added that 118 local governmental bodies and 8 international organizations, including global cultural institutions, will support the event. The Sharjah Police Headquarters and the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority serve as security partners, while Sharjah Media Corporation and the Sharjah Government Media Office are media partners.
The event’s service infrastructure is fully prepared, with over 500 additional parking spots, the Heritage Days Train, land and sea transportation from Dubai and Sharjah, heritage markets, participation of family-run businesses, food trucks, and the Heritage Days Kitchen.
Sharjah’s Message to the World
With this cultural and organizational momentum, Sharjah Heritage Days continues to consolidate its position as one of the region’s and the world’s leading heritage events, affirming Sharjah’s mission to preserve human heritage, creating a living bridge connecting the past with the present, while envisioning the future.