The long-awaited Sharjah Heritage Days(SHD) has raised the curtain today (Saturday, 20 March),promising the UAE public a rich and vibrant showcase of the unique customs and traditions of 29 nations around the world.

Over the next three weeks, the 18thedition of SHD will run its course in the heritage area atHeart of Sharjah, introducing UAE residents and visitors of all age groups to the unique historical, cultural, literary, artistic and customary elements that define the sociocultural fabric of the UAE as well as of 29 countries participating in SHD 2021.

Themed ‘Cultural heritage gathers us', this edition of SHD hosts the Republic of Montenegro as Guest of Honour, and the Republic of Kazakhstan as Distinguished Guest.

Visitorsenjoy opening-day festivities as a family

On the inaugural day, visitors immersed in spectacular sights and sounds of the venue, adorned with the national flags of participatingcountries,while the main courtyards at Heart of Sharjah came alive withcolourful performances of traditional Emirati Ayyala and Andima arts and dances, in addition to folk shows from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India and Lebanon.

Anintroductory tour of the festival was led by HE Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, during which he highlighted the various activities and offerings of SHD 2021, in the presence of high level delegations and country representatives, in addition to representatives from the media.

Dr Abdelaziz Al Musallam said: “This year, Sharjah Heritage Days is being held under exceptional circumstances.The festival’s theme ‘Cultural heritage gathers us'seeks to emphasise that heritage is a bridge between peoples and plays anespecially vital role in shaping the intellects and experiences of younger generations as they forge their way into the future.”

He added: “With each passing edition, we are reassured that Sharjah Heritage Days has realised its mission as we see families,visitors and residents flock to the eventto learn about both local and global cultures. Their eager participation in our events and lively discussions turn the festival grounds into a platform for creating lasting memories and discovering commonalities.”

“Along with celebrating the unique facets of global cultures, our key goal is to highlight Sharjah's cultural project led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.The event will alsoprovide an ideal opportunity to cultural institutions in the emirate and the country to connect with their regional and international counterparts and forge partnerships with artists, creatives, artisans and intellectuals, whose expertise can be beneficial to Sharjah'splethora of cultural events,” the Chairman concluded.

29 countries to showcase their heritage 

Other participating nations include Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Maldives, Yemen, Egypt, Italy, Spain, France, Sudan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria, Syria, Kenya, Tunisia, Netherlands, Mauritania, Iraq, and India, in addition to the Guest of Honour, Montenegro.

Eight local folklore arts and 22 traditional Arab heritage activities

Vibrant folk performances from Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Montenegro, will introduce visitors to new cultures while eight Emirati traditionalarts and dances –Ayyala, Nuban, Andima, Razif and Rawahh, Harbiya, Liwa, Habban, and Daan– willhighlight the heritage and rich culture of the country. 

Traditional Arab heritage will be showcased through 22 activities, including seminars and workshops.

UAE's diverse landscapes inspire creativity

The exciting cultural agenda will also feature 67 crafts inspired by the UAE's four diverse natural environments: the mountains, desert, coastal and agriculture.

Of the 80 stores on site, traditional products such as fragrances and incensesand Emirati costumes will be showcased. Cuisines represented at the festival include flavourful Emirati, regional and international dishes.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Handicrafts Centre will showcase 24 handicrafts by the participating women's associations, organise eleven 'Gharss' workshops, 22 local dishes, in addition to competitions on social media platforms titled Glimpses of the UAE heritage.

Sharjah Heritage Days in Khorfakkan (March 27 – April 3)

Residents and visitors in the eastern city of Khorfakkan can participate in a series of cultural programmes, lectures, art performances, workshops, handcraft displays, and competitions throughout the three-week event.

Precautionary Measures

The Higher Committee has announced that 28 precautionary measures are in place to safeguard the health and safety of visitors and participants. Amongst these are two entry and exit gates equipped with thermal detectors, social distancing signs and posters, availability of masks and sanitisers, and daily sterilisation of the various venues.

The World Heritage village will undergo 30-minute sterilisation after each activity. Visitor entry is limited to 3,000 on weekdays and 6,000 during the weekend.