Sharjah24: Sharjah's pavilion at the World Media Congress captivated officials and visitors with its unique design, embodying the emirate's identity by blending its rich heritage with modern advancements. Organised by the Sharjah Media Council institutions—Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and Sharjah Media City (Shams)—the pavilion featured a packed agenda of sessions and events.
The pavilion’s architectural inspiration drew from Sharjah's historic buildings, creating an exceptional space that reflects the emirate’s spirit and deep-rooted cultural identity. This combination of heritage and forward-looking vision aligns with Sharjah’s ethos of merging tradition with contemporary creativity.
Visitors were welcomed with the iconic phrase, "Smile, You Are in Sharjah," set against a lush green backdrop. Guests enjoyed unique hospitality, including milk from the emirate's world-renowned dairy farms and bread made from Mleiha’s organic wheat, celebrated for its superior quality and high protein content.
"Sharjah Home" Pavilion Design
At the heart of the pavilion, the "Sharjah Home" concept showcased traditional rooms with arched windows adorned with screens presenting the emirate’s latest media developments and inspiring initiatives. Surrounding the displays were burlap fabrics bearing inscriptions that conveyed Sharjah's identity: "Inspired by Knowledge," "Sustainable with Wisdom," "Ambitious with Vision," and "Progressive with Awareness."
The pavilion also featured authentic Emirati décor, including wall hangings, local art, and floor coverings inspired by traditional carpets. Wooden chests known as Mandous added a touch of nostalgia, creating a setting rich in Emirati authenticity.
Traditional Emirati Majlis
The pavilion included a traditional majlis, echoing the design of heritage homes in Sharjah. Adjacent was a dedicated area for workshops and sessions, complete with iconic architectural features like liwan hallways and barjeel wind towers, which are historical cooling structures.
Visitors praised Sharjah’s pavilion for its rich representation of the emirate’s identity. They highlighted the pavilion's thought-provoking sessions and workshops, which added value through inspiring discussions and meaningful knowledge exchange.
Heritage and Technology
Sharjah Museums Authority contributed a cultural dimension by displaying historical artifacts that narrated stories of the emirate’s enduring heritage. This exhibit offered visitors a journey into Sharjah’s past, laying the foundation for its ever-evolving identity.
Content creator and journalist Saad bin Youssef appreciated the sessions addressing pressing media issues, such as the interplay between artificial intelligence and media, calling them timely and relevant to current global challenges.
A Cultural and Knowledge Hub
By showcasing its rich cultural heritage alongside cutting-edge advancements, Sharjah’s pavilion left an indelible mark on the event. The emirate told its story of wisdom and ambition, combining deep-rooted traditions with future aspirations to present a timeless narrative to the world.