Media Center

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and preserve community legacy, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage organized a dialogue session in the city of Dibba Al Hisn titled: “Contemporary Methodologies for Safeguarding Community Memory and Its Sustainability.” The session featured the participation of Ahmed Obaid Al Tunaiji, Director General of the Department of Museums and Antiquities in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and was moderated by media personality Hazza Al Shuhi, with notable attendance from officials and individuals interested in cultural and heritage affairs.

Community Memory: A Pillar of National Identity

The session, organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage – Dibba Al Hisn Branch, explored the importance of community memory as one of the fundamental pillars in preserving the history of societies and strengthening national identity. Participants emphasized the necessity of documenting folk and intellectual heritage through modern tools and methodologies that contribute to its sustainability and ensure its transmission to future generations.

The discussion also addressed the major challenges facing national identity amid rapid changes, cultural openness, and digital transformation, stressing the importance of cooperation between cultural institutions and individuals in protecting cultural heritage from disappearance.

Youth and Modern Technology in the Service of Heritage

The session highlighted the pivotal role of youth in sustaining community memory by engaging in heritage and cultural initiatives and utilizing digital platforms to document folk tales, customs, and traditions, thereby reinforcing the presence of cultural heritage in public awareness.

Community Memory: A Shared Responsibility for Preserving Identity

Hind Al Awani, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage branch in Dibba Al Hisn, affirmed that organizing this dialogue session reflects the institute’s commitment to strengthening awareness of the importance of community memory as an integral part of national identity. She noted that documenting cultural and intellectual heritage has become a necessity imposed by the rapid transformations taking place around the world.

Al Awani explained that the Sharjah Institute for Heritage continues its efforts to adopt initiatives and programs that support the preservation of oral narratives, customs, traditions, and community practices, contributing to their sustainability and transfer to future generations.

She added that the session provided an important platform for exchanging ideas and expertise on the best contemporary methodologies for safeguarding community memory, emphasizing the need for integrated efforts among cultural institutions, educational entities, and individuals to protect cultural heritage from fading away. She further noted that Dibba Al Hisn possesses a rich repository of folk heritage that deserves further documentation and study, reflecting the uniqueness of the place and strengthening national and cultural belonging.

Manuscript Exhibition and Heritage Studio

The session concluded with several recommendations calling for the expansion of programs and initiatives dedicated to preserving community memory and enhancing awareness of its importance as a fundamental pillar for safeguarding cultural identity.

The session was accompanied by an exhibition of heritage manuscripts in collaboration with the institute’s Manuscript Restoration and Preservation Department, where samples of heritage manuscripts were displayed alongside detailed explanations of restoration mechanisms and preservation methods for heritage collections.

Additionally, the Sharjah Museums Authority – Bait Al Naboodah participated through a heritage studio that reflected aspects of traditional life and local cultural heritage, offering visitors a visual and educational experience that strengthened their connection to Emirati heritage.

Honoring Participants

At the conclusion of the event, the Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage branch in Dibba Al Hisn honored the lecturers and participants in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the success of the session and the achievement of its cultural and educational objective