Sharjah Institute for Heritage Launches "Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of the Other" Conference on Wednesday
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Sharjah Institute for Heritage Launches Second Heritage Conference Under the Theme “Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of the Other” on July 2, 2025
Sharjah 24:
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Second Heritage Conference organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage will launch on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, under the theme “Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of the Other.” The event will take place at the Arab Heritage Center in University City, Sharjah, and will continue through Thursday, July 3, with the participation of a select group of academics, experts, and specialists from various Arab and foreign countries.
Intellectual Exchange to Promote Cultural Dialogue
The conference aims to highlight how Emirati and Arab folk heritage is perceived by foreign researchers. Through a series of academic papers and discussions, it will explore models of intellectual and cultural interaction between local heritage and global perspectives, as part of the Institute’s efforts to foster civilizational dialogue and exchange expertise in preserving and transmitting heritage to future generations.
Official Opening and Two-Day Program
The first day’s activities will begin at 10:00 AM with the official opening ceremony, followed at 10:30 AM by the opening of the accompanying exhibition “Our Heritage Through Their Eyes”. The exhibition features artworks, documents, and field research by non-Arab scholars who have documented various elements of folk heritage in the region.
The scientific program spans two full days, running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and includes six specialized academic sessions. Key themes include:
Perceptions of folk heritage by the "other"
Cultural discourse in foreign studies
The role of international institutions in heritage preservation
Presentations of research projects and field studies from different regions
Honoring the Conference’s Personality of the Year
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage has announced Dr. Saif Mohammed bin Aboud Al-Badwawi as the “Personality of the Conference” for this year, in recognition of his significant contributions to historical and cultural heritage studies, and his prominent role in documenting the UAE’s national memory and enriching cultural identity through academic research and reference works.
A Shared Vision: Our Heritage in the Eyes of the World
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasized that the conference is a key milestone in the Institute’s journey. He stated:
“We are keen for this conference to be an open space for dialogue with researchers from around the world, to understand how our heritage is perceived beyond our borders, and how we can present it in ways that preserve its authenticity while keeping pace with today’s cultural transformations.”
In turn, HE Abubakr Al-Kindi, Director of the Institute, affirmed that organizing this conference reflects the Institute’s vision to enhance the global presence of Emirati and Arab heritage. He said:
“This conference offers a real opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences and to engage with researchers from around the world. It aims to deepen our understanding of heritage and present it in scientifically grounded ways that reflect its cultural value on an international level.”
Invitation to Attend and Participate
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage extends an invitation to those interested in culture and heritage, including researchers, media professionals, and university students, to attend the conference sessions and take part in its diverse activities. The event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with global experts and explore rich research and cultural experiences that shed light on folk heritage from a wide range of international perspectives.