SIH celebrates International Coffee Day with rich programme

The programme aims to highlight the cultural, historical, and heritage significance of coffee as a key element of world heritage and a symbol of shared human connection among nations and cultures.

Arab and international participation
Held at the institute's headquarters in Sharjah, the programme features notable contributions from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and performances from Arab communities, including those from Syria and Jordan, as well as Italy and Ethiopia. These participants will showcase their unique traditions in coffee preparation, hospitality, and serving etiquette. Attendees can enjoy coffee tasting tours, learn about coffee’s uses in folk medicine, and experience folk arts associated with coffee, along with various coffee-derived products.

A Shared symbol of human heritage
Aisha Obaid Ghabesh, Director of Events and Activities at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated that the institute's celebration of International Coffee Day reflects its commitment to highlighting elements of shared human heritage. She emphasized that coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, especially with the emergence of new varieties and products in the coffee industry.

Promoting generosity and hospitality values
Ghabesh noted that coffee holds a special place in cultural memory and has a deep-rooted history, particularly in Arab culture, where it symbolizes communication, generosity, and hospitality. Coffee traditions have been passed down through generations, making it an integral part of social gatherings and cultural exchanges. Cafés in the Arab world have historically served as hubs for dialogue, idea exchange, and community interaction, often accompanied by traditional tools for preparing and serving coffee.

Cultural and tourism connections
The celebration offers an opportunity for cultural and heritage institutions to showcase the diverse aspects associated with coffee, reinforcing shared identities and civilizational connections among different societies. It enhances cultural tourism through events and festivals that attract visitors, fostering cross-cultural understanding and supporting national projects in the coffee industry.

Diverse heritage and intellectual programme
The programme features a variety of heritage and intellectual activities. On the first day, a dialogue session titled "Coffee is a Human Heritage" was held, moderated by Aisha Obaid Ghabesh and featuring panelists such as Fatima Al Mughni and Ibrahim Sana. The second day included a poetry session, "Samraa Al Shu'ara," moderated by Mohammed Hamdan, celebrating fragrant poems about coffee in Emirati heritage by poets like Hamdan Al-Samahi and Ateeq Al Qubaisi.

The programme also includes workshops and educational activities for school and university students, enriching the experience for all attendees.