SIH organises 18th edition of "Bisharat Al-Qayz" event

May 28, 2025 / 3:25 PM

Sharjah24: As part of its ongoing efforts to revive and preserve Emirati heritage in the minds of younger generations, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) launched the "Bisharat Al-Qayz" event on Wednesday morning under the theme "Jasmine Blossoms." The opening ceremony took place in the institute’s hall, drawing a notable presence of heritage enthusiasts, school students, and fans of popular culture.

Qaith: Season of Maturity

"Bisharat Al-Qayz" is an annual heritage event organised by the institute to celebrate Al-Qayz season, which is deeply embedded in the UAE’s collective memory. This season represents the ripening of fruits and the start of seasonal migration to oases, highlighting the traditional connection between people and their environment in local folklore.

Cultural Vision Emphasised

His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated that "Bisharat Al-Qayz" aligns with the institute’s vision to embed intangible cultural heritage into daily life and present it in creative ways that resonate with community aspirations. The event aims to spotlight the summer season’s symbolic and social meanings within Emirati popular memory.

Jasmine: Symbol of Beauty

This year's theme, "Jasmine," has folk culture-related visual and emotional components. A continuous presence in the collective consciousness of Emirati culture, the fragrant plant is a symbol of sensitivity and purity and is often praised in Nabati poetry as a mirror of love and beauty.

Aisha Ghabesh, Events and Activities Director at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasised that the "Bisharat Al-Qayz" is a key annual tradition on the institute’s calendar due to its strong cultural and social value rooted in the UAE’s collective memory. The event offers younger generations an immersive experience of the Al-Qayz season and its traditional customs. The initiative reflects the institute’s commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage and reinforcing national identity through interactive, modern, and knowledge-rich events.