SIH launches Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of Others Conf. on Wed

The event will run until Thursday, July 3, at the Arabian Heritage Centre in Sharjah’s University City, with the participation of a distinguished group of academics, experts, and specialists from various Arab and foreign countries.

Intellectual Exchange to Promote Cultural Dialogue

The conference aims to shed light on the image of Emirati and Arab folk heritage as perceived by foreign researchers, through a series of academic papers and discussions that explore examples of intellectual and cultural exchange between local traditions and global perspectives. This comes within the Institute’s ongoing efforts to foster civilisational dialogue and share expertise in the fields of heritage preservation and transmission across generations.

Official Opening and Two Days of Activities

The first day’s programme begins at 10:00 a.m. with the official opening ceremony, followed at 10:30 a.m. by the opening of the accompanying exhibition titled “Our Heritage Through Their Eyes.” The exhibition features artworks, documents, and field research conducted by non-Arab researchers that highlight their experiences in documenting elements of folk heritage in the region.

The programmme of the conference spans two days, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and includes six specialised sessions addressing a variety of topics. Key themes include: foreign perceptions of folk heritage, cultural discourse in international studies, and the role of global institutions in heritage preservation, in addition to presentations of research projects and field studies from different regions.

Honouring the Personality of the Second Heritage Conference

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage has announced the selection of Dr Saif Mohammed bin Aboud Al Bedwawi as the honouree of this year’s conference, in recognition of his scholarly contributions in the fields of historiography and cultural heritage, and his prominent role in documenting the UAE’s national memory and strengthening cultural identity through academic studies and reference works.

A Shared Vision: Our Heritage Through the Eyes of the World

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), emphasised that the conference is a vital intellectual milestone for the Institute, saying: “We are keen to make this conference an open space for dialogue with researchers from around the world, to understand how our heritage is perceived beyond our borders, and how we can present it in ways that preserve its authenticity while aligning with current cultural transformations.”

In turn, His Excellency Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), stated that organising the conference is part of the Institute’s vision to enhance the global presence of Emirati and Arab heritage. He said: “The conference presents a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise, and to engage with researchers from around the world, with the goal of gaining deeper understanding of our heritage and presenting it through scientific methods that align with modern developments and highlight its cultural value on an international level.”

Invitation to Attend and Participate in the Conference

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage extends an open invitation to all those interested in culture and heritage, including researchers, media professionals, and university students, to attend the conference sessions and participate in its various activities. The event provides a unique opportunity to engage with international experts and explore rich research and cultural experiences that offer diverse global perspectives on folk heritage.