Sharjah 24: The Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of Sheikha Aisha bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, has inaugurated the Sharjah Cultural Forum "Ya Zaman Al Wasl - Oh the time of reunion".
The event runs from October 15 to 20 and has attracted numerous members of the Sharjah Consultative Council, department directors, officials from various emirates, and cultural enthusiasts.
The forum features over 35 prominent cultural and media figures and includes a diverse array of interactive programmes. Highlights include the Andalusian councils for discussion and dialogue, "If the Rain Comes," a poetry segment expressing deep emotions, and "Choir of the East," where poetry is intertwined with melodic performances. A visual art exhibition will showcase modern architecture inspired by Andalusian styles, culminating in a day dedicated to Emirati female writers under the programme “Ishraq and Her Sisters,” named after an influential Andalusian educator.
The event commenced with an opening speech by media figure Dr. Saeed Al Amoudi, who remarked, “The Sharjah Cultural Forum represents a bridge between two eras, blending a culture that persists through time with a new vision. This continuity, or sustainability, creates a vibrant intellectual and creative dialogue between the Andalusian era and contemporary Arab culture, with Sharjah at the forefront, embodying the essence of modern Arab identity.”
The forum's first event featured poetry readings titled “The Duo of Wallada bint Al Mustakfi and Ibn Zaydoun,” performed by poets Najat Al Dhaheri and Mohammed Al Mansouri, accompanied by the Nawaris Al Sharq Choir. Their harmonious blend of Andalusian Muwashahat and poetry captivated the audience.
The first discussion session, “The Civilisational Extension between the East and the West: The Story of an Arab Memory,” was led by Dr. Saif Al Badawi and Dr. Noura Al Karbi, moderated by Aisha Al Ruwaima. The dialogue focused on shared civilisational influences between the East and the Arab Maghreb.
Later that evening, a second session titled "The Holy Quran: The Secret of Our Arab and Human Culture" was held, featuring Dr. Amhamed Al-Mostaghanemi and Dr. Abdullah Al-Hosani, moderated by Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Hammadi. The opening also included an art exhibition inspired by Andalusian themes, in collaboration with the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah.
The forum continues to explore significant cultural and intellectual topics, including sessions on "Intellectual Security and its Role in Preserving National and Islamic Identity" and "Readings in the Content of the Speech of the Ruler of Sharjah about Arabs and their Language," along with poetry and story readings for schoolchildren.
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