Sharjah: A world of Emirati culture opened up on Tuesday with the launch of the 15th annual Sharjah Heritage Days, which will run till April 22 at the Heart of Sharjah traditional district.
The event was inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Dr Shaikh Sultan, other shaikhs and dignitaries watched folk performances on a stage near the entrance to the Heart of Sharjah. The performers were from UAE, Bahrain, Georgia and Malta, which is the country guest of honour this year.
Performers from Bahrain, Georgia and Malta also enthralled the audience at the opening of Sharjah Heritage Days. Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Besides Sharjah city, the latest edition of Sharjah Heritage Days is also taking place in the towns of Al Madam, Al Dhaid, Maliha, Khor Fakkan, Kalba, and other parts of the emirate.
This year, the festival is themed ‘Heritage – Structure and Denotation’. Entry is open to all and free.
Through Sharjah Heritage Days, the Sharjah Government aims to support a variety of events showcasing art, culture and heritage of the emirate and many other countries.
“As we celebrate our 15th edition, events like these remind us of how incredible this province is, how much we have to be proud of, and what we can accomplish when we come together,” said Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and chairman of the higher committee of Sharjah Heritage Days.
The event will feature reading sessions for children from 5pm to 9pm every day. In addition, the Heritage Days theatre will host performances from Italy, Georgia and Bahrain.
“Being a nation that’s home to a myriad of races and cultures, it is an overwhelming experience to host 31 countries at the festival. No matter what country they represent or which group they belong to, it is incredible to see the pride that each country showcases while representing their culture,” Al Musallam said.
Every aspect of Emirati culture and heritage has been recreated at the event, featuring traditional food, homes, clothes, decoration, homes and re-enactments of village life. Stalls are offering deals on traditional ware. A plate of harees (a paste made of meat and wheat) costs around Dh10. There are even some retro radios priced between Dh1,000 and Dh4,000. Vintage cars and old-fashioned shop fronts add to the feeling to nostalgia at the event.
“I’ve been coming to the Sharjah Heritage Days for four years. I visit at least four or five times each year. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Emirati culture and shop around. My son likes it too as there are games and rides here also,” said Indian expat Nigilesh, 36.
