The “Sharjah Heritage” initiative is making significant strides in promoting awareness of living cultural heritage. By organizing specialized workshops and training sessions, it aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of cultural traditions that shape community identities and values. This article delves into the latest activities spearheaded by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighting how they are reinforcing the importance of safeguarding cultural practices and ensuring their continuity for future generations.
On June 9, 2026, a specialized training workshop launched at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, focusing on the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This workshop runs until June 11, featuring participation from researchers, experts, and representatives from government entities, aiming to enhance awareness of living cultural heritage by developing capabilities in inventorying, documentation, and preservation. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, the head of the institute, emphasized that training is a fundamental pillar in developing the competencies necessary for working in the field of cultural heritage.
Enhancing Knowledge and Practical Skills
Dr. Al-Musallam affirmed that academic education must align with practical experience to prepare researchers in the field of heritage. “Working in heritage requires a researcher who possesses a spirit of discovery and scientific objectivity,” he added, stressing the importance of engaging with cultural heritage through a balanced scientific understanding, free from extremism or closed-mindedness. It is vital that the process of protecting heritage occurs through documentation and preservation, ensuring its cultural value is preserved for future generations.
The Importance of the 2003 UNESCO Workshop
Aisha Rashid Al-Hossan Al-Shamsi, director of the Arab Heritage Center, explained that this workshop focuses on enhancing knowledge related to the 2003 UNESCO Convention, noting that it targets researchers from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and employees from government departments. “We will combine theoretical and practical aspects to allow participants to acquire the necessary skills to understand and correctly apply the convention,” said Al-Shamsi.
Topics of the Training Process
The workshop includes sessions covering theoretical and practical topics, such as an introduction to the 2003 UNESCO Convention and its fundamental concepts, as well as mechanisms for international cooperation to protect cultural heritage. The training program prepares participants to document cultural heritage according to international standards, ensuring the sustainability of living cultural heritage.
This ongoing effort by “Sharjah Heritage” paves the way for raising awareness of living cultural heritage and reflects the importance of protecting cultural heritage as an integral part of national identity. By focusing on education and training, we are building a future characterized by a deep understanding and appreciation of the heritage that enriches community life and strengthens intergenerational connections.