Sharjah and UNESCO revive Beirut Grand Theatre

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Ali Al Hajj Al Ali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to UNESCO; Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO; Hind Darwish, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to UNESCO; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture; George Kreidi, Director of the UNESCO Office in Beirut; and a number of diplomatic missions, officials, and Arab intellectuals.

Cultural and educational tributaries

The signing ceremony began with a speech delivered by Abdullah Al Owais, who highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation between countries and international organisations and its positive impact on societies. He said, "We are delighted to celebrate this renewed occasion, which embodies the importance of cultural cooperation between countries and international organisations. This approach has proven the success of cultural initiatives implemented over the past decades and their impact on human societies as a whole."

Al Owais pointed out that the signing of the agreement reinforces this approach, saying: "Our meeting today, marking the signing of the agreement between the Government of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and UNESCO to rehabilitate the Beirut Grand Theatre, reinforces this constructive approach for a life of culture and arts, whose impact extends to a happy and secure life. This is the approach that the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates is keen to uphold through the implementation of numerous cultural initiatives at the Arab and international levels."

In his speech, Al Owais emphasised that this occasion is merely a continuation of the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in establishing numerous cultural, artistic, and educational centres around the world, in a noble endeavour to provide humanity with knowledge and culture with the goal of achieving stable societal development.

The Chairman of the Department of Culture conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the attendees, saying: "I am honoured on this occasion to convey to you His Highness's greetings and his wishes for success and prosperity."

A pioneering role

At the beginning of his speech, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez commended the ongoing efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in supporting the (UNESCO) in numerous cultural projects, noting that Sharjah's contribution to the rehabilitation of the Grand Theatre of Beirut in Lebanon confirms the emirate's pioneering role in supporting cultural work.

Ramirez also praised the fruitful cooperation between UNESCO and the Government of Sharjah, noting that this partnership represents an effective model for protecting the world's cultural heritage and preserving historical monuments that form part of human memory.

Ramirez reiterated UNESCO's gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his donation and support for the rehabilitation of the Beirut Theatre.

A cultural renaissance

The Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to UNESCO affirmed that the generous hand of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah extends from the Arab world to all parts of the world, leaving a clear and significant impact on the global cultural scene.

Hind Darwish said: "Sharjah has a prominent role in the renaissance of the Arab cultural movement through a series of ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at supporting creativity and creative individuals, and consolidating the status of culture and the arts as a pillar of life. Today, Sharjah is knocking on the doors of the world with its noble cultural action, which seeks to promote a humanitarian and civilisational discourse worldwide."

Darwish noted that the contributions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah are evident and appreciated, emphasising that His Highness's donation to support the rehabilitation of the Beirut Theatre will contribute to strengthening the artistic and cultural movement in Lebanon.

Financial support

It is worth noting that His Highness the Ruler has allocated financial support for the rehabilitation of the Beirut Grand Theatre as part of the international campaign launched by the UNESCO to restore the theatre's historic building in the Lebanese capital.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais attended the ceremony announcing the Emirate of Sharjah's contribution to the recent rehabilitation of the Beirut Grand Theatre in the Lebanese capital.

Beirut Grand Theatre

Designed by Youssef Aftimos and built by Jacques Tabet (a poet and theatre enthusiast) during the 1920s, the building opened in 1929 and has hosted international theatrical productions over the years. The theatre's 630-seat auditorium includes an orchestra, two balconies, and stage equipment. It features a small, electrically operated steel dome on rails, in addition to a vaulted ceiling with decorative stained glass covering the lobby.

The theatre was designed to accommodate theatre and opera troupes, and performances continued until the mid-1970s, when it remained abandoned to this day.