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The announcement coincides with the International Day of Older Persons, marked annually on October 1, and reflects Sharjah’s position as the first Arab city to join the World Health Organization’s (WHO)’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
SMA’s initiative is a central part of its 2024–2026 strategy to strengthen Sharjah’s membership in the global network, and stems from the emirate’s vision under the guidance and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It also forms part of the broader institutional efforts taking place under the Sharjah Age-Friendly City Programme, overseen by the Department of Social Services, which seeks to ensure the emirate remains a model of inclusion and care for older people at all levels.
The authority said that four of its museums already fulfil more than 80 percent of the criteria set for age-friendly institutions in the sixth cycle of 2025. These include Bait Al Naboodah, Resistance Monument, Hisn Khorfakkan, and Sharjah Fort.
The criteria cover a wide range of services designed to make museums accessible and welcoming to older visitors. Among them are designated parking for wheelchair users, indoor and outdoor ramps, equipped services, automatic main doors, low-height reception desks, wide corridors, and non-slip flooring.
Additional requirements include appropriate lighting, elevators fitted with safety features, wheelchairs available at reception, and free admission for older people along with one companion. The authority noted that these measures have significantly increased the number of senior visitors, offering them a safe and smooth experience that encourages engagement and inclusion.
The four museums have been awarded official certificates and stickers carrying the “Age-friendly Institution” logo, reflecting confidence in the quality of services provided and placing them among leading cultural bodies that embrace the highest standards of inclusivity.
“Older people are at the heart of our priorities because we see them as the living memory of our nation and a fundamental pillar of our cultural heritage and an essential foundation shaping our national journey,” said Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, adding: “For this reason, we ensure that our museums are age-friendly spaces that meet their needs and open doors for their active participation in our programmes and events.”
She added that the authority’s work goes beyond providing facilities and services.
“As part of our ongoing mission, we continuously aim to create rich, safe, and engaging museum experiences that show our appreciation and respect. These experiences also allow older people to interact, share their knowledge with younger generations, and contribute to a vibrant cultural environment that enriches their daily lives and reinforces their role in the community.
This vision fully aligns with Sharjah’s status as an age-friendly city, reflecting our determination to enhance quality of life for older persons and ensure their active contribution to sustainable development.”
In keeping with this mission, the authority has designed museum and cultural programmes specifically for older people. SMA’s Museums Content and Programming Department organised a series of interactive workshops combining heritage with creative expression.
These included The Wool Jar in collaboration with the Social Services Department; The Decoupage Art with the Friends of Senior Citizens Association; Wool Bags; and The Grandparents Kettle, which allowed participants to add artistic touches to traditional objects.
Sharjah Archaeology Museum will also host an event titled “The Incense Route” on October 9, highlighting the importance of ancient trade in the region. Recently, the authority took part in the initiative “We Raise Them Young, and They Honor Us as Seniors” initiative, organised by the Youth Council of Emirates Health Services at the Elderly Care Home, underlining the role of community partnerships in integrating older people.
The authority said its efforts represent a practical translation of Sharjah’s vision to be a global model of inclusion, ensuring that all groups in society are supported and their aspirations met.
Through its programmes and initiatives, the authority continues to build bridges between generations, revive traditional crafts, and safeguard heritage skills—further strengthening its celebration of the International Day of Older Persons each year.
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