SIH unveils Monument in SK celebrating Art of "Al-Ayyala"

The unveiling ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Mr. Fred Minn, CEO of Nami Island Arts & Education. The park where the monument is located has been named "UAE Park."

The monument celebrates the UAE's deep-rooted heritage and symbolizes the growing cultural ties between the two countries. It embodies the traditional art of Al-Ayyala, a symbol of the authentic values of the UAE's heritage, passed down through generations, and underscores the importance of intangible cultural heritage in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

A Key Cultural Exchange Pillar: Strengthening Relations with South Korea

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam emphasized that this initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to engage in dialogue with others and embrace their knowledge and arts. The monument strengthens cultural interaction and builds bridges of understanding between different cultures. Al-Musallam stressed that cultural preservation transcends geography and fosters civilizational and intellectual exchange on a global level. He noted that Al-Ayyala is more than just a traditional art; it is an expression of collective spirit and unity among the people of the UAE. Through this monument, he hopes to build new avenues for cultural cooperation and human connection between peoples.

"The Al-Ayyala monument stands as a key pillar in the journey of cultural exchange, reaffirming our strong ties with South Korea through a cultural symbol that reflects our rich heritage. It offers visitors to Nami Island an opportunity to experience the authentic arts and traditions of the UAE. The monument also serves as a testament to the efforts of the SIH in promoting Sharjah's cultural mission globally and enhancing cultural awareness of the importance of heritage and its preservation for future generations," added Al-Musallam. He also highlighted that the unveiling of this monument coincides with the 10th anniversary of Al-Ayyala's inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

A Reminder of Our Shared Values, Inspiring Future Generations

His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, expressed his pride in the historic event, stating, "It is with great pride and joy that we gather here for the unveiling of the Emirati sculpture, 'Al-Ayyala,' on the beautiful Nami Island. This significant event symbolizes not only artistic collaboration between our two nations but also the strengthening of cultural bonds between the UAE and South Korea." He added, "We hope that this event serves as a reminder of our shared values and inspires future generations to continue building bridges of friendship and understanding."

Seven Pillars Representing the Emirates, United on a Single Base

The monument is crafted from stainless steel with a polished metallic finish and is mounted on a marble-covered concrete base, ensuring it will endure for the next ten years in its designated spot on Nami Island. It consists of seven pillars connected to a single base, symbolizing the unity of the seven Emirates. The names of each Emirate are engraved on the pillars in both Arabic and English. At the top of the pillars, handgrips holding the traditional sticks used in Al-Ayyala performances are artistically integrated to reflect the dynamic spirit of the performers. A central metal plaque displays the name of the UAE in Arabic and English, followed by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage’s logo and a QR code that links to informative videos about Al-Ayyala in Arabic, English, and Korean.

A Decade of Cultural Activities

For the next ten years, the cultural activities related to the monument will continue, with a variety of events and workshops highlighting the intricate components of Al-Ayyala. Visitors and tourists will have a unique opportunity to participate in these activities, designed to promote cultural awareness and foster mutual understanding between different cultures. This initiative aims to showcase the UAE’s rich heritage and open new avenues for cross-cultural dialogue.

Nami Island, known for its natural beauty and diverse cultural offerings, provides an ideal setting for visitors to explore different cultures from around the world. The addition of this Emirati monument will undoubtedly enrich the island’s collection of cultural landmarks.