Sharjah Leads Regional Efforts to Safeguard Human Heritage

As part of its all-encompassing cultural vision, the Emirate of Sharjah is leading a momentous project designed to preserve Emirati, Islamic and human heritage. Inspired by the directives and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the UAE’s third largest emirate is highlighting the importance of heritage as being the memory of human civilisation. The initiative is predicated on the belief that a nation cannot make a progress without honouring its cultural legacy and without recognising that the heritage of humanity is the mirror of its diverse identities.  

Sharjah's cultural vision is being manifested in a series of initiatives and events organised by government and private institutions, with the emirate’s annual cultural calendar featuring a comprehensive line-up of events and festivals. Giving heritage a priority within Sharjah's strategic vision, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi has personally launched a number of landmark initiatives dedicated to the conservation of Arab and human heritage in all its architectural, traditional, cultural and literary forms. 

Updating Sharjah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site bid

In a ground-breaking achievement for Sharjah, the emirate’s cultural site ‘Heart of Sharjah’ has been nominated on the list of tentative World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Higher Committee of Heart of Sharjah’s bid updated the title of its submission to the UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, revising the title ‘Heart of Sharjah’ to ‘Sharjah - a Gateway to the Trucial States.’

The rebranding of the site reflects the significance of archaeological and historical heritage in Sharjah and comes in line with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi's vision to highlight the political, economic, cultural and social role played by the emirate of Sharjah within the Council of Trucial States, which was established in Sharjah during the time of British governance of the region.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan has made it his priority to pay great attention to heritage and its conservation on all local, regional and international forums, with his unceasing commitment going beyond moral support to include financial donations. His Highness allocated AED 1.5 million to support publishers participating in the Islamic Book Exhibition, with the funds used to highlight the importance of accuracy in information provided to the public and correcting common misconceptions about Emirati heritage.

As part of his patronage and support of important cultural initiatives, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan issued an Emiri Decree regarding the organisation and protection of the emirate's cultural heritage. Emiri Decree No. 5 of 2017 named the competent authorities mandated to manage, protect and promote cultural heritage in all local, regional and international forums. The directive co-ordinates their efforts to unify legislations pertaining to the protection of heritage in accordance with the international conventions and charters.

As per the decree, Sharjah Antiquities Authority, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Museums Department and Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), will coordinate within their jurisdictions to carry out all necessary tasks, duties and powers to protect, manage and promote cultural heritage. The authorities are also tasked with setting and implementing necessary policies and strategic plans, as well as proposing legislation to protect, manage and promote cultural heritage; including architectural heritage and museum collections locally, regionally and internationally.

Revitalising and preserving heritage sites that highlight the Emirati cultural and architectural identity, His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah issued instructions to maintain and renovate traditional markets that have historically played a prominent role in trade and have been featured in ancient Arab literature. These destinations include Souq Al Arsah, Souq Al Masqoof, Souq Al Shuwaiheen, Souq Al Sagha and Souq Saqr.

His Highness also gave instructions to the Directorate of Heritage to restore and refurbish traditional mosques where religious gatherings and seminars are held. The renovated places of worship include Al Khan Mosque, Al Daleel Mosque, Al Hira Mosque, Al Mananah Mosque, Al Alliyah Mosque, among others.

Conservation of Arab and Human Heritage

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s leading example in the protection of heritage has not just been limited to the conservation of local heritage, but include Arab, Islamic and global heritage. This was clearly manifested in His Highness’ initiative for the restoration and rebuilding of the 1000-year-old Armenia Church, highlighting the sublime human connections that bring human beings together.

In another significant initiative, His Highness provided his full support for the complete renovation of the Scientific Complex in Cairo, Egypt, which had been destroyed by fire. His Highness donated original manuscripts of rare documents to the Egyptian National Archives in an expression of gratitude and acknowledgement of the enlightening role that Egypt played in the dissemination of knowledge across the Arab world.

In a further heritage conservation-related gesture, a team of experts from the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah visited the Sudanese city of Suakin in line with the directives of His Highness. The team conducted several field visits to the Island of Suakin and its surrounding historical areas, where they discussed a work plan to restore the city and conserve its natural and human heritage, as well as develop the local community and strengthen cultural and natural tourism.

All these efforts have paid dividends. In recognition of its rich contribution to local, Arab and Islamic culture, Sharjah was named ‘Islamic Cultural Capital 2014’ - a significant achievement and one to be added to Sharjah's rich portfolio of cultural and literary assets. With its ongoing commitment and dedication to preserving history, it is clear that the emirate is leading the way in establishing the importance of heritage in the dialogue of civilisations.