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In a scene that revives the spirit of the past through a contemporary lens, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage continues to strengthen its mission of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through pioneering initiatives that transform traditional crafts into vibrant, living experiences. These initiatives provide younger generations with the opportunity to discover and practice the UAE's rich heritage. In this context, the Institute launched the "Craft: A Living Memory" program, combining learning with hands-on engagement and reaffirming that traditional crafts are far more than inherited occupations—they are living records of national identity and repositories of the community's history and enduring values.

An Interactive Program Promoting Heritage Sustainability

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage – Khorfakkan Branch organized the program at the Traditional Crafts Museum in Souq Sharq as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the UAE's traditional crafts and reinforce their presence within society as one of the nation's defining cultural identity markers. The program offered an interactive cultural experience that combined education with practical engagement, helping transfer inherited knowledge and skills to younger generations while fostering awareness of the importance of safeguarding and sustaining the country's cultural heritage.

Workshops Showcasing Emirati Crafts and Traditional Attire

The program featured a diverse range of heritage workshops and activities, including introductions to traditional Emirati clothing, the Zafana method, traditional tailoring, and incense making. Participants also explored the tools and equipment of the Jallaf (traditional wooden shipbuilder), along with exhibits on wooden dhow construction and other traditional crafts and professions that have long formed an integral part of Emirati life. Interactive workshops were also organized for children, using engaging educational approaches to introduce them to the nation's folk heritage and strengthen their connection to their cultural roots.

The program further included guided tours of the Traditional Crafts Museum, where visitors explored the museum's collections and exhibits while learning about the history of traditional crafts, their significance in Emirati society, and their role in preserving cultural identity and collective memory.

Strong Community Participation Reflects the Value of Heritage

The program attracted wide participation from various segments of the community, whose enthusiastic engagement with the workshops and accompanying activities reflected the growing public interest in heritage initiatives organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The event highlighted the Institute's ongoing role in promoting national identity, fostering pride in the UAE's cultural legacy, and supporting efforts to safeguard and pass this rich heritage on to future generations.