Sharjah highlights heritage preservation efforts in Cuba

Scientific seminar in Havana

This took place during a scientific seminar organized by the Cuban Society for Biological Anthropology, in collaboration with the Office of the Historian of Havana, attended by a select group of academics, researchers, and diplomats. The event was part of Sharjah’s efforts to strengthen cultural and scientific cooperation and to highlight the emirate's Archaeology legacy and Quranic museums.

Honourary guest delegation

The delegation, which was an honorary guest at the University of Havana and the Cuban Society for Anthropology, included. Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; Dr. Faisal Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Museums and Institutional Communication & Marketing Departments at the Holy Quran Academy; and Khalid AlHamid, Head of Protocol at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

UAE diplomatic engagement

The delegation was received by Jassem Al Shamsi, Acting Ambassador at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Cuba. The delegation briefed him on the content of their participation as a guest of honour at the University of Havana, in addition to presenting a number of academic lectures that addressed the preservation of cultural and civilizational heritage, as well as the material culture of the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah.

Ambassador praises cultural ties

For his part, Hazza Ahmed Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, praised the efforts of the delegation in presenting the UAE’s experience and achievements in preserving and protecting cultural, civilisational, and human heritage. He noted that cultural relations between the UAE and Cuba are witnessing significant development, contributing to the strengthening of civilizational dialogue and cultural openness between the two countries.

Reinforcing cultural cooperation

He added: “The delegation’s participation in presenting Sharjah’s experience in particular, and the UAE’s experience in general, in preserving historical heritage that spans centuries, reinforces cultural cooperation that embodies the values of tolerance and diversity, and highlights the rich cultural and historical legacy of both friendly nations.”

Building sustainable partnerships

He concluded by saying: “The United Arab Emirates is committed to building sustainable cultural partnerships that reflect respect for diversity, enhance its cultural presence as a bridge for communication between nations and peoples, and contribute to enriching the cultural landscape in both countries.”

Sharjah’s archaeological legacy

Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, stated: “Our participation in Cuba reflects Sharjah’s commitment to being actively present on the global academic stage—not only by showcasing its exceptional Archaeological sites, such as the Mleiha but also by contributing to shaping future perspectives on archaeology and its role in fostering human dialogue. We view Mleiha as a living laboratory for understanding the deep history of the region and its long-standing connections with other civilisations.”

Guided by Sharjah’s leadership

“Supported by the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, we highlight Mleiha’s scientific and cultural value. These efforts position Sharjah as a leading center for archaeological discoveries while strengthening its role as a platform for global knowledge exchange and collaboration.”

Promoting global heritage

The Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority added: “This participation also reflects the Authority’s commitment to highlighting the Archaeology sites of the emirate, as they represent a global heritage that deserves study and preservation. It further reinforces Sharjah’s status as a capital of global culture and Archaeology research, and a prominent destination connecting East and West.”

Showcasing Quranic heritage

For his part, Dr Faisal Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Museums and Institutional Communication & Marketing Departments at the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, expressed the pride of the UAE in general, and Sharjah in particular, in taking part in this event at the University of Havana, which aimed to strengthen Sharjah’s cultural presence and establish bridges of intellectual dialogue with Latin America.

International recognition of Sharjah’s efforts

Al-Suwaidi said: “The Sharjah delegation arrived in Havana preceded by the emirate’s remarkable cultural reputation—one that tells the story of the tireless efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his exceptional vision in safeguarding culture and preserving history—an endeavor that deepens identity and enriches heritage.”

Quranic presentation well received

He added: “The attendees were deeply impressed by Sharjah’s Museum and Quranic experience, particularly the way in which the Holy Quran is presented to the world. The University of Havana requested copies of the materials presented in the Academy’s lectures to be shared with students across its faculties, so they may serve as an important reference within the university.”

Promoting cultural dialogue

Al-Suwaidi concluded: “Through such participations, we are keen to highlight Sharjah’s and the UAE’s leadership in serving the Holy Quran, preserving heritage and knowledge, and highlighting the history of the Quran’s writing, its sciences, and its scholars. We also present models of the Academy’s projects and its unique manuscripts, which help promote cultural exchange and enrich shared human dialogue.”

Cultural tours and site visits

On the sidelines of the visit, the delegation also toured several Archaeology and cultural landmarks, including the Arab House in Havana, the House of the Marquises of Arcos, the Anthropology Museum, and Las Terrazas Nature Reserve—Cuba’s first UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve—as well as a number of other museums and sites of mutual interest.