Sharjah Institute for Heritage Explores Ways to Enhance the Preservation of Cultural Heritage with Zanzibar
A formal delegation from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, headed by H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, President of the Institute, visited Zanzibar in Tanzania to explore ways of enhancing cooperation in the fields of heritage and tourism. The visit included discussions on joint cultural initiatives and documentation projects, as well as supporting cultural tourism as a driver for sustainable development.
Sharjah 24:
As part of the strong cultural ties between the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Republic of Tanzania, an official delegation from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage visited Zanzibar with the aim of strengthening cooperation in cultural heritage and tourism, and exchanging expertise in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
The delegation was led by H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, accompanied by H.E. Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Dheeb Al-Hamiri, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates to the United Republic of Tanzania in Zanzibar. They were received by Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage in Zanzibar.
Enhancing Cultural and Tourism Cooperation
The visit featured discussions on prospects for bilateral cooperation through cultural initiatives and training programs, as well as documentation projects that contribute to showcasing Emirati and Zanzibari heritage on the international stage. The meeting also addressed ways to support cultural tourism as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.
International Partnerships for Heritage Preservation
H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam affirmed that this visit falls within the Institute’s strategy to expand regional and international partnerships, strengthen knowledge exchange in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, and support institutional efforts to preserve and transmit it to future generations.
For his part, H.E. Consul General Saleh Al-Hamiri praised the depth of cultural partnership between the two sides, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to developing bilateral relations with Zanzibar, particularly in tourism, education, and creative industries.
Growing Relations and Upcoming Initiatives
Dr. Aboud Jumbe noted that this visit represents an extension of the growing bilateral relations, which witnessed a strong boost following the visit of H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, to the UAE in January 2022. He confirmed that the coming stage will see the launch of new initiatives to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.