With this in mind, the institute launched the "Craft: A Living Memory" programme, which combines learning with interaction and affirms that a craft is not merely a traditional occupation, but a living record of national identity and a repository of the community's history and authentic values.

Interactive programme promotes heritage sustainability

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage's Khorfakkan branch organised the programme at the Traditional Crafts Museum in Souq Sharq as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the UAE's traditional crafts heritage and strengthen its presence within the community as one of the foremost pillars of national identity. The programme aimed to provide an interactive cultural experience that combined introducing traditional crafts with hands-on practice, helping pass inherited knowledge and skills on to younger generations while reinforcing awareness of the importance of safeguarding and sustaining the nation's heritage.

Workshops showcase Emirati crafts and traditional dress

The programme featured a diverse range of heritage workshops and activities, including introductions to traditional Emirati dress, Al Zafana embroidery, traditional sewing, incense-making, as well as displays of a jallaf's tools and wooden dhow-building equipment, alongside other crafts and occupations that formed an integral part of life in Emirati society. Interactive workshops were also dedicated to children, using engaging educational methods to introduce them to the country's folk heritage and strengthen their connection with their national heritage.

The programme also included guided tours of the Traditional Crafts Museum, where visitors explored the museum's collections and diverse exhibits while learning about the history of traditional crafts, their importance in Emirati society, and their role in reinforcing cultural identity and preserving the community's collective memory.

Strong community turnout highlights heritage's significance

The programme attracted a strong turnout from members of the community, who actively engaged with the workshops and accompanying activities, reflecting the growing interest in the heritage initiatives organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and their role in highlighting national identity, fostering pride in the country's folk heritage, and supporting efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.