In the context of strengthening cultural ties between the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Republic of Tanzania, a delegation from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage has visited Zanzibar. This visit aims to explore avenues for enhancing the preservation of cultural heritage, focusing on strategies for safeguarding non-material cultural heritage. By collaborating with local entities, the delegation seeks to promote cultural exchange and bolster tourism initiatives.
Strengthening Cultural and Tourism Cooperation
The official visit was led by Dr. Abdulaziz Muslim, President of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, accompanied by Mr. Saleh Ahmed Saif Al-Dhabi Al-Hamiri, the UAE Consul General in Tanzania, who were greeted by Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage in Zanzibar. During their discussions, multiple avenues for bilateral cooperation were explored, including cultural initiatives, training programs, and documentation projects aimed at showcasing Emirati and Zanzibari heritage on a global stage. The meeting also addressed the importance of supporting cultural tourism as a vital component of sustainable development.
International Partnerships for Heritage Preservation
Dr. Abdulaziz Muslim emphasized that this visit is part of the institute’s strategy to broaden regional and international partnerships, fostering knowledge exchange in the field of non-material cultural heritage preservation. He noted the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that cultural traditions are safeguarded and passed down to future generations. This commitment underlines the shared responsibility to maintain and promote cultural identities.
Moreover, Mr. Saleh Al-Hamiri highlighted the depth of the cultural partnership between the two parties, expressing the UAE’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations with Zanzibar. He identified sectors such as tourism, education, and creative industries as key areas for future collaboration, reinforcing the foundation for mutual growth and understanding.
Growing Relations and Future Initiatives
Dr. Aboud Jumbi stated that the visit signifies an extension of the growing bilateral relations, which received a significant boost following the visit of Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, to the UAE in January 2022. He affirmed that the upcoming phase would witness the launch of new initiatives designed to deepen cooperation in fields such as culture, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. This collaboration reflects a commitment to sustainable development through shared cultural heritage.