Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam: 40 researchers join 2nd Heritage Conference

July 02, 2025 / 5:30 PM

Sharjah 24: His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated that the Second Heritage Conference, organised by the Institute on July 2 and 3, is considered one of the important conferences that affirms the Institute’s academic and scientific standing.

Diverse Participation and Key Themes

Dr Al Musallam revealed that the second edition of the conference brings together 40 researchers from 20 different countries to discuss several key topics related to "Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of Others," and how explorers, travellers, and politicians viewed the Arabian Gulf region in general, and the United Arab Emirates in particular.

Accompanying Exhibition: Maps, Images, and Misrepresentations

He added, in statements to “Sharjah 24,” that the conference includes an accompanying exhibition showcasing maps, photographs, and drawings related to these journeys, as well as how others perceived the region through their lens. It also highlights some of the distortions they intentionally introduced to portray certain matters inaccurately.

A Historical Review Spanning Over 500 Years

Dr Al Musallam noted that the conference aims to analyse and challenge these journeys, observations, and writings that span more than 500 years, providing a critical review of how the region has been represented in external narratives.