Sharjah: Under the theme Traditions are the Pillars of Heritage, the 11th edition of the Sharjah Heritage Days will officially start on Wednesday at the Sharjah’s Heritage Area.
Held across Sharjah, the cultural event will also take place in Khorfakan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hosn, Al Dhaid, Al Hamreyah, Meleha and Madam.
“As part of our efforts to preserve the UAE’s cultural heritage, which has been distinguished for its generosity and loyalty, this edition of Heritage Days will honour His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as the Heritage Personality of the Year for 2013,” said Abdullah Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah at a press conference announcing the activities of the event.
“This award is presented by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media in recognition of Shaikh Sultan’s leading role and efforts in serving heritage,” he added.
Running until April 20, the event organised by Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Information and the Sharjah Media Centre will hold several seminars, competitions and other activities.
The Sharjah Heritage Days, which will be run from 5pm-10pm daily, will feature a variety of traditional events including a stands from the Department of Heritage and the Centre of UAE handicrafts and displays from the coastal, agricultural, mountain and Bedouin environments. The annual event will also include traditional markets and an entertainment area.
During the 17-day event, the Sharjah Media Centre will hold two seminars, titled The Drama of the GCC: Between The Authenticity Of The Past And The Challenges Of Modernism and Between the Theatre Of Horror And The Realm Of Superstition.”
A competition titled Remember Sharjah, which aims to collect photographs of Sharjah’s past to document the emirate’s historical authenticity, will also take place at this year’s event. The competition will be divided into several categories such as Sharjah’s landmarks, faces and events, and will give away Dh45,000 worth of cash prizes to the winners.
