Sharjah Ruler opens 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage

Opening ceremony

The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, after which Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, delivered a speech welcoming His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for honouring the opening of the forum, continuing his unlimited support for all heritage and cultural events, and reflecting the importance of shared responsibility in safeguarding cultural heritage.

Empowering women and youth

Al Darmaki indicated that the forum reflects a movement to integrate and empower women and youth in decision-making processes and practical initiatives, ensuring that heritage preservation remains a living and inclusive process. He reviewed several projects implemented by the Government of Sharjah to empower youth and enhance their role in society, expressing his pride in the experience of the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates, which serves as a leading model in supporting and empowering women and youth in the cultural heritage sector.

Heritage as a living value

Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, delivered a speech in which he pointed out that the concept of heritage is not merely old buildings or preserved artefacts, but a living value shaped in memory, customs and practices, acquiring its true meaning from human beings as carriers of memory and narrators of the story.

Women and youth at the heart of heritage

Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi highlighted the role of Arab women as the heart of the story and the voice of living heritage, explaining that their efforts today are a living extension of a role that has never ceased, despite its diversity. He also highlighted the role of youth as the makers of the future, integrating heritage with innovation, technology, and the cultural economy.

Empowerment as a path to protecting cultural identity

 At the end of his speech, the Chairman of the Department of Government Relations affirmed that empowering women and supporting youth represents the path to protecting cultural identity and transmitting it to future generations. When heritage is invested in people’s lives, it transforms from a static memory into a living force that participates in shaping the future and enriching the world.

ICCROM’s global perspective

In a recorded message, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of ICCROM, expressed her gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his inspiring vision and continuous support for the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, as well as for various cultural and heritage events at all levels.

A Platform for collaboration and innovation

Gujral praised the importance of the forum as a platform that places women and youth at the forefront of heritage conservation efforts. She noted that this forum goes beyond being merely a dialogue on preserving cultural heritage; it serves as a platform where voices are heard, experiences are shared, and partnerships are built. She explained that heritage protection efforts not only safeguard the past but also establish an incubator for new ideas in which stakeholders collaborate to shape how future generations will experience and preserve heritage.

Sharjah Institute for Heritage contribution

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, during his speech at the opening of the forum, pointed to the continuous role of cultural heritage in shaping the collective identity of the Arab world and strengthening its presence. He noted that Sharjah attaches paramount importance to involving women and youth in all heritage programmes and projects, recognising them as the true safety valve for the continuity of this legacy and the bridge between the past and the future.

Linking heritage to innovation

Al Musallam emphasised the importance of the distinguished cooperation between the Institute and the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, which has become a regional model for addressing pressing challenges in heritage conservation. He pointed out that preserving heritage is inseparable from innovation; museum innovation is not a luxury but a necessity that enables us to re-present our heritage to future generations and to the entire world in a contemporary language they can understand and engage with, without losing its authenticity or value.

Keynote on youth and cultural resilience

His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE, delivered a keynote address entitled “Youth, Heritage and the Future of Cultural Resilience in the Arab World.” In his speech, he discussed the evolving roles of women in transmitting traditions and the creative youth in preserving, reviving, and transforming cultural heritage, which is regarded as a living memory of civilisation and the language spoken by society members. He also emphasised the use of technology and digital tools to access and engage with local and global cultural heritage.

Inspiring youth experiences

His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh reviewed a number of inspiring youth experiences inside and outside the country, noting that these experiences have become a regional model for innovation in heritage conservation while enhancing community participation and knowledge transfer between generations. He concluded his speech by presenting a number of recommendations and ideas on youth empowerment policies in the field of cultural heritage.

Cultural programme and closing

During the ceremony, attendees listened to a musical segment performed on the qanun instrument, during which several Emirati musical pieces were presented. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously took commemorative photos with the forum's guests.

Forum goals and attendance

The forum reaffirms Sharjah’s commitment to supporting cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of Arab identity and sustainable development. It will continue for three days, bringing together officials, experts, cultural leaders, and representatives from various Arab and international countries, with the aim of enhancing the reality and future of cultural heritage in the Arab region.

In its fifth edition this year, the forum aims to highlight the pivotal role of women as guardians and transmitters of cultural knowledge, as well as their contributions to preserving identity and collective memory for future generations. It also focuses on the transformative potential of youth as new leaders and innovators in heritage conservation, and their ability to provide creative solutions and modern techniques to protect cultural heritage.

Distinguished guests

Attending the forum’s opening ceremony alongside His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, were Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relations, Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE, as well as several senior officials, heads and directors of government departments, and specialists from inside and outside the country.