SIH celebrates palm tree legacy in interactive cultural event

June 23, 2025 / 9:32 PM

Sharjah 24: Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), inaugurated the event "In the Shade of the Palm Tree: Heritage and Story", held as part of the World Cultural Heritage Weeks programme in Sharjah. The event runs from June 23 to 26 at the International Organisations Centre for Cultural Heritage and highlights the palm tree as a rich source of inspiration, knowledge, and Arab folk heritage through interactive stations and diverse workshops.

Discussions and poetry sessions
The event includes a panel discussion titled "The Palm Tree: A Shared Arab Heritage", scheduled for Tuesday, 24 June, featuring experts and researchers from various Arab countries and moderated by Aisha Obaid Ghabesh, Director of Events and Activities at the Institute. A poetic morning session, "The Tale of the Palms," will be held on Wednesday, June 25. It will be led by media personality Mohammed Hamdan and feature poets and creatives from across the region, celebrating the symbolic and cultural presence of the palm in Arab popular memory.

Strong turnout and rich cultural exhibition
The event attracted significant interest from heritage and folklore enthusiasts. It featured interactive stations and specialised workshops in a traditional, entertaining atmosphere. Attendees toured a cultural exhibition in which participating countries—namely, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Egypt—showcased elements of their authentic heritage and traditional crafts, adding a rich and multidimensional flavour to the cultural experience.

Live demonstrations and children's workshops
The exhibition featured live demonstrations of traditional crafts. It also included displays of palm-frond products and dates. Daily, the exhibition held more than ten hands-on morning workshops that covered traditional bracelet making, palm-leaf keychains, basket decoration, plate painting, and hand fan crafting. Storytelling sessions for children, including the story "Happy Palm Frond,", offered an engaging blend of education and entertainment, aimed at instilling cultural values in young minds.

National symbol.
Dr Al Musallam emphasised that the palm tree is more than a blessed tree—it symbolises generosity, a deep bond with the land, and a vital part of the UAE’s national identity and long-standing heritage. He noted its special place in Arab consciousness, representing values such as patience, continuity, and connection through generations.

Modern media to revive heritage
He also noted that the Institute is committed to presenting heritage in innovative and appealing ways, using visual media and interactive workshops to bring traditions closer to the public. These initiatives, he said, enhance the presence of the palm as a living and influential cultural symbol, especially among younger generations and modern communities.

Bridge of unity
Aisha Obaid Ghabesh stated that the palm tree has historically brought Arabs together across generations. It has been a central figure in knowledge, stories, and shared traditions passed down from ancestors. The palm continues to symbolise the deep cultural and social ties that unify people, fostering mutual understanding and respect across communities. It thus serves as a powerful bridge for communication and civilisational dialogue, preserving values and customs that form the fabric of shared heritage.

Global legacy
The World Cultural Heritage Week programme, organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, promotes cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange by hosting diverse global traditions and highlighting shared heritage elements. The initiative supports the preservation of human identity and safeguards cultural diversity.