SIH Celebrates International Museum Day and International Tea Day with a Diverse Cultural and Heritage Programme.
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage organized a special celebration as part of its “Global Cultural Heritage Weeks in Sharjah” programme, marking both International Museum Day, observed annually on May 18, and International Tea Day, celebrated on May 21. The event, which commenced today and runs for four days from May 18 to 21, 2026, at the institute’s headquarters, features a diverse international and cultural participation highlighting tea as a cross-border cultural and human element.
The programme includes a wide range of heritage, artistic, and educational activities designed for the general public and those interested in cultural heritage. The festivities opened in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, and His Excellency Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, alongside a distinguished gathering of guests, visitors, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts. A knowledge journey titled “Tea’s Journey from Farm to Cup”, under the theme “Tea: A Heritage that Brings the World Together”, was also launched, exploring the history of tea and its cultural and social transformations across civilizations.
International Participation and Diverse Cultural Experiences
The event featured distinguished contributions representing several countries, including Bahrain, China, Morocco, and India, reflecting the cultural diversity surrounding tea traditions and customs worldwide. The programme also included the opening of the “Tea Etiquette” exhibition within the organizations’ exhibition, musical performances on the santur instrument featuring Arabic songs associated with tea, in addition to artistic performances presented by participating communities.
Al Musallam Highlights the Significance of the Two Cultural Occasions
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, emphasized that the institute annually celebrates International Museum Day based on its belief in museums’ role in preserving cultural memory and safeguarding human heritage. He explained that the coincidence of this year’s occasion with International Tea Day provided an opportunity to organize an extended celebration combining both events, beginning with International Museum Day and concluding with International Tea Day.
Dr. Al Musallam further noted that this year’s focus is on “tea heritage” as an integral part of peoples’ cultural and social practices, with broad participation from countries including China, India, Bahrain, and Morocco to showcase tea traditions, cultivation methods, preparation techniques, and serving customs, along with the social and cultural values associated with tea. He added that tea has long accompanied coffee in the United Arab Emirates, where Emirati hospitality has traditionally embraced both Arabic coffee and tea. He concluded by inviting the public to visit the institute’s headquarters in Sharjah and explore the accompanying activities and programmes.
Al Kindi Praises the Role of Cultural Events
His Excellency Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, stressed the importance of both occasions as platforms for enhancing cultural and human awareness. He noted that museums represent the living memory of nations and bridges connecting the past with the present, contributing to safeguarding cultural identity and reinforcing the values of knowledge and belonging, in line with the institute’s continuous efforts to support heritage and strengthen its societal presence.
Al Kindi also highlighted tea’s cultural and humanitarian significance as a global symbol of hospitality and communication among peoples, affirming that the institute’s event—through interactive workshops, a scientific session, and participation from multiple countries—embodies the values of cultural dialogue and civilizational openness, reflecting heritage’s ability in all its forms to bring cultures closer and promote human understanding.
Showcasing Programmes and Workshops
For her part, Ms. Khawla Mubarak Al Ghafli, Deputy Director of the Institute’s Events and Activities Department, stated that the institute is organizing a distinctive celebration for International Museum Day and International Tea Day, with participation from several sisterly and friendly countries, in addition to active contributions from participants from the UAE in presenting workshops and accompanying activities. Al Ghafli explained that the event includes a rich selection of interactive workshops and programmes for participants and the public, offering a cultural experience that blends knowledge, heritage, and community engagement.
Tea in Emirati Heritage
The institute has dedicated part of the celebrations to showcasing tea’s presence in Emirati heritage as an essential component of social customs and traditional hospitality, reflecting the institute’s commitment to highlighting heritage elements connected to daily life in Emirati society.
Educational Workshops and Interactive Experiences
The programme also includes specialized educational workshops on soap-making using tea-derived aromatic oils, tea-infused cosmetic production, and candle-making with tea, offering a unique blend of creativity, heritage, and practical knowledge.
Dialogue Session on Tea Culture
Additionally, the programme features a dialogue session to be held on Tuesday, bringing together a group of specialists and enthusiasts to discuss the cultural and social dimensions of tea and its role in fostering understanding among peoples