Ministry of Culture and Sharjah Institute for Heritage Sign Cooperation Agreement

The Ministry of Culture and Sharjah Institute for Heritage today signed a cooperation agreement at the Ministry’s pavilion during the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. The agreement aims to strengthen institutional partnerships, expand areas of coordination and expertise exchange in the cultural and heritage sectors, and unify efforts to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage while enhancing its presence locally and internationally.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, and on behalf of Sharjah Institute for Heritage by H.E. Dr Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, alongside a number of officials and staff members from both sides.

Building on a Longstanding Partnership

H.E. Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam affirmed that cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Sharjah Institute for Heritage has a long-established history, underpinned by shared objectives across various fields of work and joint projects. He noted that signing the agreement marks a culmination of this longstanding partnership and reinforces the exchange of expertise and the coordination of specialised teams working in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

He explained that the Ministry of Culture serves as the UAE’s principal federal umbrella for cultural affairs, making it essential to integrate efforts and strengthen cooperation and coordination among cultural institutions. Such collaboration, he said, supports the cultural sector as a whole and enhances the UAE’s representation internationally across various cultural fields, particularly in the area of cultural heritage.

The Institute as the Ministry’s Centre of Expertise

Dr Al Musallam explained that the agreement designates Sharjah Institute for Heritage as a centre of expertise for the Ministry of Culture in several specialised areas, foremost among them fieldwork related to heritage, the preparation of UNESCO nomination files for inscription on cultural heritage lists, as well as training, qualifying and developing the professional and academic capabilities of personnel working in these fields.

He added that this partnership will help harness the Institute’s accumulated expertise, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, and develop mechanisms for joint action. These efforts will further support the UAE’s endeavours to protect and safeguard intangible cultural heritage, ensure its transmission to future generations, and strengthen its position within the national and international cultural landscape.

Five Key Areas of Cooperation

The agreement outlines five main areas of cooperation, including the preparation of studies and research dossiers, and the implementation of joint field projects to document and safeguard elements of tangible and intangible cultural heritage and traditional cultural practices, in accordance with national and international standards. It also provides for the development of specialised databases and digital archiving systems, alongside the production of knowledge-based content using modern technologies.

Cooperation will also focus on building the capacities of national personnel through training programmes, workshops and expertise exchange; organising joint cultural and heritage events and initiatives; supporting innovation and the economic empowerment of artisans while promoting their products; and coordinating participation in regional and international conferences and forums in collaboration with relevant organisations, particularly UNESCO, ICESCO and ALECSO.

Enhancing the UAE’s Cultural Presence

The agreement reflects the Ministry of Culture’s and Sharjah Institute for Heritage’s commitment to broadening institutional cooperation, drawing on accumulated specialised expertise, and integrating their respective roles in serving culture and heritage.

It also supports the UAE’s ongoing efforts to protect and safeguard its cultural heritage, ensure its transmission to future generations, strengthen its global presence, and contribute to international initiatives and efforts dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage.