Sharjah Institute for Heritage Continues Its Cultural Presence at Sharjah International Book Fair with Dialogue Sessions and Distinctive Publications

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage continues its distinguished cultural and academic presence at the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, taking place from 4 to 15 November under the theme “Made of Stories.” Through an integrated programme featuring intellectual and dialogue sessions, alongside heritage and literary book launches and signing events, the Institute reaffirms its mission to preserve and promote cultural heritage, strengthen its presence on the cultural scene, and build bridges of communication with readers, researchers and those interested in heritage.

Traditional Emirati Dress: Past and Present

As part of its cultural programme, the Institute organised a dialogue session entitled “Traditional Emirati Dress: Past and Present,” featuring His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute; Ms Aisha bin Hwaireb; and Dr Fatima Al Mughni. The session was moderated by Dr Saif Al Jaberi.

The discussion explored the characteristics of traditional Emirati dress, its transformations over time, and the aesthetic and social values it embodies, reflecting the distinctiveness of national identity and the authenticity of popular heritage.

Emirati Dress: Memory, Identity and Beauty

Dr Fatima Al Mughni addressed the aesthetic characteristics of traditional Emirati clothing, highlighting its diversity of colours and embroidery, as well as the meticulous selection of threads and decorative patterns. She noted that these details reflect a refined artistic taste and an inherited aesthetic sensibility among Emirati women.

She also explored clothing choices and styles, and the values associated with them, including modesty, elegance and strength. She emphasised the importance of preserving this heritage, nurturing young girls' appreciation of it, and introducing new generations to the customs and traditions associated with traditional dress.

For her part, Aisha bin Hwaireb presented a selection of traditional Emirati garments, explaining how Emirati women chose and tailored their clothing, and highlighting the attention to detail and knowledge of fabrics and designs suited to the local environment and different occasions.

She expressed confidence in the future connection of Emirati generations with their heritage, and in their ability to preserve their inherited traditions and customs. She also noted that Gulf countries continue to retain many features of their heritage and authenticity despite rapid transformations.

Al Musallam: Preserving Traditional Dress Begins with Reviving Its Crafts

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam emphasised the importance of preserving traditional Emirati dress as an authentic component of national identity. He pointed out that attention to this heritage should not be limited to documenting its styles and designs, but must also extend to preserving the crafts and skills associated with its production, particularly tailoring, embroidery and dyeing.

Al Musallam expressed concern over the decline of some of these traditional professions, particularly in light of the decreasing number of Emirati tailors. He stressed that safeguarding traditional dress requires reviving the craftsmanship associated with it and encouraging Emiratis to pursue tailoring as a profession and specialise in this field, ensuring that expertise and skills are passed on to future generations.

He added that the Sharjah Institute for Heritage gives particular attention to this aspect and seeks to contribute to preserving the authenticity of Emirati dress and identifying ways to ensure the sustainability of the crafts associated with it, recognising them as an integral part of the nation's cultural memory and heritage.

“In Love with Baba Sultan”: Sharjah’s Achievements Through the Eyes of Its Children

The Institute's book-signing corner also hosted the launch and signing of “In Love with Baba Sultan” by Mariam Salem Al Teneiji. A publication aimed at children in the Emirate of Sharjah, the book creatively and interactively introduces a collection of the emirate's landmarks and achievements through stories narrated by children, showcasing the cultural landmarks and developmental accomplishments that enrich their city.

The book concludes with a message of love and loyalty to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It highlights how these achievements and the opportunities enjoyed by children are closely linked to His Highness's vision, generosity and commitment to human development, making the publication an expression of the affection and gratitude that Sharjah's children hold for His Highness.

“The Friend We Seek”: Exploring the Literature of Friendship

In another signing event, the book-signing corner hosted the signing of “The Friend We Seek” by Dr Fatima Al Maamari. The publication offers a literary and cultural reading of Abu Hayyan Al-Tawhidi's work Friendship and the Friend, drawing on its chapters, stories, anecdotes and profound reflections on the concept of friendship, the qualities of a true friend, and the circumstances, experiences and challenges that shape human relationships.

Al Maamari explored the most prominent ideas and stories presented by Al-Tawhidi, analysing their human and social significance and highlighting how these insights can be applied to contemporary life and used to build genuine human relationships founded on loyalty, trust and mutual understanding.

“44 Ideas to Light the Path of Friendship”: Diverse Human Perspectives

The signing corner also hosted the signing of “44 Ideas to Light the Path of Friendship” by Ibrahim Sanad, published by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The book features 44 ideas inspired by the perspectives of 44 writers, philosophers and psychologists who explored friendship and its human dimensions. It presents a collection of thoughts and quotations that invite readers to reflect on the nature of friendship and its value in human life.

Sanad expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, and His Excellency Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, for their support and encouragement of authors to continue their creative work and produce distinctive publications that enrich the cultural and intellectual library.

He explained that the book raises questions about the meaning of a true friend: Is it someone who resembles us, complements what we lack, or differs from us? He noted that the diversity of perspectives presented in the book gives readers an opportunity to explore the meanings of friendship from various human and intellectual viewpoints.

The signing programme also featured Safaa Al Mazrouei signing her book “When the Desert Blooms.” In addition, Dr Khalid Al Suwaidi signed his publication “The United Arab Emirates in Al Ma'thurat Magazine,” while Dr Ahmed Saad signed his book “The Art of Performing the Sirat Bani Hilal in Egypt and Tunisia: Between Continuity and Change.”

A Knowledge-Rich Presence Bridging Heritage Authenticity and Cultural Renewal

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage's cultural and academic programme at the Sharjah International Book Fair reflects its commitment to presenting heritage as a living and evolving field of knowledge and creativity. This is achieved by bringing together discussions on popular heritage, the revival of traditional crafts, support for authorship and publishing, and opportunities for writers and researchers to present their perspectives and publications.

The Institute's presence also reflects its continued commitment to documenting and safeguarding elements of cultural heritage, connecting younger generations with their roots and identity, and enriching the Arabic library with publications that combine authentic foundations with the richness of contemporary thought.