Haitham Bin Saqer opens ‘Spectra of the Beautiful Past’ exhibition

A tribute to Emirati culture and identity

Launched on Wednesday evening, the exhibition runs until 31 May 2026, as part of SMA’s vision to highlight art as a living memory that bridges heritage, creativity, and intergenerational dialogue. The exhibited works, created over eight months of artistic exploration, are being shown to the public for the first time. They celebrate family bonds, women’s roles in society, and the resilience of Emirati traditions through contrasting yet complementary artistic expressions.

Artistic narratives

Abdul Raheem Salim’s vibrant works, such as Motherhood and Scenes of Kalba, depict the colourful essence of local life, family ties, and community spirit. Meanwhile, Najat Makki offers a more abstract interpretation through symbolic compositions, such as "Women’s Memory" and "The Spirit of Kalba (The Dream)," exploring femininity, emotion, and continuity within Emirati society. Together, their works create a dialogue between memory and modernity, reflecting the emotional and cultural richness of the nation’s identity.

Linking generations through cultural reflection

The exhibition presents genuine Emirati customs and values through a contemporary lens, enabling visitors to reconnect with their heritage while exploring the importance of human memory. By engaging younger audiences, the exhibition supports Sharjah’s broader cultural objective of utilising art as a bridge between generations and as a platform for national pride, creativity, and education.

Voices from Sharjah Museums Authority

Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, described the exhibition as “an artistic window into Emirati heritage and its enduring human values.” She added: “At Sharjah Museums Authority, we remain committed to bridging the past and present, offering the younger generation immersive cultural experiences that allow them to feel the depth of Emirati identity in all its aesthetic dimensions.” She also reaffirmed SMA’s dedication to advancing visual storytelling and supporting Emirati artists whose work reflects community, identity, and collective memory.

Cultural programme and interactive experiences

The opening ceremony started with a traditional Emirati performance inspired by the heritage and symbolism of a century-old tree in the museum’s courtyard, an enduring metaphor for deep roots and steadfast identity. This theme was reflected in Najat Makki’s artwork, “An Everlasting Presence,” which illustrates how human memory transcends absence and keeps presence alive across generations. The exhibition will be accompanied by interactive workshops and a community programme, titled “Fuwala of Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi,” on 22 December. This event will feature artist Najat Makki in a women-only session, discussing the connections between art, place, and memory.

Reinforcing Sharjah’s cultural vision

“Spectra of the Beautiful Past” reaffirms Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to arts and culture as pillars of national heritage and identity. Through initiatives like this, the emirate continues to preserve its history, inspire creativity, and ensure that the spirit of Emirati tradition endures for future generations. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, cultural figures, artists, and distinguished guests, marking another milestone in Sharjah’s ongoing cultural renaissance.