SMA inaugurates “Native Plants in the UAE” exhibition

The opening was attended by Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, and Maissa Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Museums Authority, as well as a number of specialists in the fields of heritage, agriculture, and culture.

The opening ceremony commenced with an exploratory experience that took guests on an insightful tour to learn about the UAE’s native plants and their environmental and cultural significance. The programme also featured a hands-on workshop on making “sidr soap,” highlighting the use of local plants in traditional crafts and natural products.

Celebrating plants as a living memory that binds Emiratis to their land and environment, the exhibition unfolds a profound as a scientific and cultural vision that invites reflection on the timeless bond between humanity and nature through the lens of heritage journey of discovery, enriched by the beauty and diversity of native plants thriving across the landscapes of the UAE.

Featuring 46 plant species, the exhibition showcases how native flora such as Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria), Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi), Arta (Calligonum comosum), and Moringa peregrina played a central role in the lives of the population in the past, serving as sources of food, medicine, and shelter, and contributing to traditional crafts and industries that defined daily life. It also sheds light on the presence of plants in oral literature and popular heritage, reflecting their status in the collective memory of Emirati society.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore desert, mountain, and coastal plant varieties, learn about the environmental conditions that affect their growth, and understand how they were used in crafts and everyday life. The exhibition aims to raise environmental awareness among the public and connect younger generations with the values of sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.

Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority affirmed that the exhibition embodies Sharjah’s cultural vision of linking natural heritage with national identity.

“Native plants are not merely natural elements; they are a living memory that tells the story of the Emirati people and their harmonious relationship with the environment,” she said.

“This exhibition highlights the significance of plants in Emirati heritage and calls for appreciation of their role in the lives of our ancestors while inspiring us to preserve the environment. It also reflects the Authority’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability by spotlighting this natural wealth that forms part of both the land’s and people’s memory,” she added.

Complementing the exhibition’s educational and aesthetic value, a series of interactive workshops will run throughout the exhibition period, offering hands-on experiences that connect visitors to traditional uses of native plants in crafts, art, and beauty. The programme begins on November 15, 2025, with “Branches on Pottery” workshop invites youth participants to paint pottery inspired by tree branch designs.

On December 16, 2025, the “Handmade with a Touch of Nature,” an adults’ workshop introducing participants to the benefits of the Sidr tree and the process of making natural Sidr soap.

The series continues on January 15, 2026, with “Grandmothers’ Secret to Beautiful Hair,” an adults’ workshop exploring traditional haircare recipes passed down through generations, followed by “Green Printing” on February 7, 2026, which teaches youth the art of botanical printing using tree leaves to create designs on fabric.

On March 31, 2026, “The Secret of Natural Beauty” will invite adults to create natural body scrubs using locally sourced ingredients, and the programme concludes on April 4, 2026, with another youth session of “Branches on Pottery,” celebrating creativity inspired by nature.

Together, these activities aim to deepen visitors’ understanding of the role native plants play in Emirati life, blending tradition, environmental awareness, and artistic expression.

The exhibition underscores the Sharjah Museums Authority’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness through culture and education, while reaffirming Sharjah’s position as a leading cultural and intellectual hub. Through such initiatives, SMA continues to transform its museums into dynamic spaces of learning that connect the past and present, inspiring future generations to cherish and preserve their natural and cultural heritage.