Sharjah Heritage Days Ends on a High, Leaving Visitors Thankful and Inspired
Sharjah – February 15, 2026
As the 23rd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days draws to a close under the theme “The Glow of Authenticity,” few are ready to say goodbye.
The festival may be ending, but for thousands of visitors representing more than 250 nationalities — participants and residents alike — its spirit feels ongoing. Moving seamlessly between past and present, the event once again demonstrated that heritage transcends borders. Childhood memories, traditional crafts, music and shared human experiences dissolved differences and reminded many that, despite varied origins, people are united by remarkably similar stories.
Creativity Upon Creativity
During a walk through the bustling venue, visitors expressed heartfelt appreciation for how the festival continues to evolve.
Emirati poet Wiam Al Saadoun, seated quietly and observing the vibrant atmosphere, reflected on the festival’s journey.
“I have followed this festival since its launch,” she said with a smile. “Every year I see beautiful changes — more meaningful and enjoyable activities, expansion of the main square into the rear courtyard, and the extension of events to other cities. The continuous updates make each edition more captivating, attracting visitors from the Gulf, the Arab world and beyond.”
She was particularly drawn to the traditional crafts. “It is creativity upon creativity,” she said. “The handicrafts I saw in the 1970s and 1980s revived memories of my childhood. I was especially captivated by textile crafts, including those presented by Portugal, this year’s guest of honour. Their embroidery techniques, stitches and wood carvings reflect similarities with our traditions — yet each culture retains its own distinctive touch.”
She noted that participating in workshops by both Portugal and Bahrain offered insight into how shared heritage can manifest in unique forms.
A Beautiful Similarity
For Nadia Abdel Jabbar, a Sudanese resident who has lived in the UAE since she was 13, the festival felt deeply personal.
“The events are beautiful and reflect Emirati and Arab heritage,” she said. “Sharjah is known for its culture and refined presence. The days here revive my childhood memories — both in the UAE and Sudan. What stands out most is the beautiful similarity between cultures and the sense of comfort it brings.”
Art Without Limits
Joy was unmistakable in the laughter of Emirati artist Moza Abdullah Bin Dhiban, a participant of determination, who paints with her foot at her corner booth at the Art for All – Falaj Centre.
“I am happy to participate and paint at Sharjah Heritage Days,” she said simply, her artwork drawing admiring glances from passersby.
Similarly, Syrian participant Sidra Tahan expressed delight at experiencing the festival for the first time.
“The activities introduce people to living heritage,” she said. “They bring people together and teach acceptance, regardless of differences.”
Memories That Travel Across Borders
For Bazani Tashfeen, visiting from India with his extended family, the festival stirred powerful nostalgia.
“It awakens memories of my childhood in India,” he said. “No matter where you are from, it reminds you of your early years. I especially enjoy the folk dances — Emirati and Arab — and the traditional foods. Even the design of the traditional Arab home, with its majlis and courtyard, reminds me of life back home. There are similarities even in old architectural styles.”
His son, Nikhil Tashfeen, eagerly added that he loved the dances, music, food an games most of all.
Hussain Jameel Al Hashemi from Oman echoed the sentiment.
“Sharjah Heritage Days is truly remarkable,” he said. “Each year it becomes more beautiful and more developed. Our Omani culture feels so similar to Emirati culture — in arts, traditions and even architecture. These similarities exist across the Gulf, the Arab world and even to some extent beyond.”
No Differences Between Us
As this year’s edition concludes, one message resonates clearly: heritage unites.
In the shared rhythms of folk music, the scent of traditional cuisine, the artistry of woven textiles and carved wood, and the laughter of children discovering the past, visitors found something universal.
They found themselves.
And though the festival lights may dim, the glow of authenticity — and gratitude — continues to shine long after the final curtain falls.