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The festival this year focused on Taghruda, a distinctive piece of Emirati intangible heritage that received UNESCO certification in 2012. The custom, which is deeply established in Bedouin culture, represents societal ideals and the essence of desert life.
Taghruda is more than just a poetry chant chanted by camel riders; it is a narrative carried by caravan footsteps, a tribute to honour, valour, and Bedouin communal life. It provided both entertainment and a means of communication in the desert. The Institute has resurrected this practice in a cultural and educational setting that reflects its historical relevance.
The event included a symposium on the historical and cultural significance of Taghruda; a poetry evening; children's activities; and a traditional exhibition of Amel-related artefacts with participants from the UAE and Oman. The events also featured performances of Al-Razfa, a traditional heritage dance.
Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, hailed the celebration as a passionate tribute to the country's cultural legacy and a call for future generations to learn about their forefathers' heritage firsthand. He underlined Taghruda's role in representing the profound, natural link between humanity and nature, as well as how such events retain identity and bridge generations.
World Heritage Day allows us to see the past as a living aspect of our modern identity, rather than a closed chapter. The Sharjah Institute for Heritage's dynamic cultural event transformed the celebration of Taghruda into an interactive experience where history, voice, and creativity combine for Eid Al Adha.
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