SIH explores cultural cooperation with Zanzibar

July 27, 2025 / 4:53 PM

Sharjah 24: Within the framework of strong cultural relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Republic of Tanzania, an official delegation from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) visited Zanzibar Island with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the fields of cultural heritage and tourism, and exchanging expertise in preserving and protecting intangible cultural heritage.

Leadership of the delegation

The delegation was headed by His Excellency Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and accompanied by His Excellency Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Hemeiri, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates to the United Republic of Tanzania in Zanzibar. They were received by His Excellency Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Principal Secretary of the Zanzibar Ministry of Tourism and Heritage.

Enhancing cultural and tourism cooperation

The visit included discussions on prospects for bilateral cooperation through the implementation of cultural initiatives and training programmes, as well as documentation projects that contribute to highlighting Emirati and Zanzibar heritage on the international stage. The meeting also addressed ways to support cultural tourism as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.

International partnerships for heritage preservation

His Excellency Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam emphasised that this visit falls within the Institute's strategy to expand regional and international partnerships, enhance knowledge exchange in the fields of preserving intangible cultural heritage, and support institutional efforts to preserve and transmit it to future generations.

UAE–Zanzibar cultural commitment

For his part, His Excellency Consul General Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Hemeiri praised the depth of the cultural partnership between the two sides, noting the UAE's commitment to developing bilateral relations with Zanzibar, particularly in the tourism, education, and creative industries sectors.

Outlook for Future Initiatives

His Excellency Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe explained that this visit represents an extension of the growing bilateral relations, which witnessed a strong boost following the visit of His Excellency Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, to the UAE in January 2022. He emphasised that the next phase will witness the launch of new initiatives that enhance cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.