Sharjah 24:
In a bid to enhance scientific and academic partnerships, as well as develop mechanisms for preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam, engaged in a series of meetings with various scientific and academic institutions in the Arab Republic of Egypt. A focal point of these discussions was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, where the potential for future collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives was thoroughly explored.
Strengthening Knowledge Partnerships
During the visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam met with Dr. Ahmed Zayed, the library’s Director. They were accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Suleiman, Deputy Director, Dr. Ahmed Samir, Head of Information Technology and Communications, Dr. Amin Suleiman, Director of the Centre for Documentation of the Cultural and Natural Heritage, and heritage expert Dr. Mostafa Jad. The meeting focused on three main areas of collaboration: the development of the electronic portal for the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in the Arab world, the enhancement of joint publishing programmes, and the advancement of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage libraries, drawing on the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s expertise in knowledge management, digitisation, and archiving.
Advancing the Electronic Portal for Intangible Cultural Heritage
Dr. Almusallam reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to expanding its partnerships with Egyptian academic and scientific institutions, emphasising the importance of knowledge sharing and collective efforts to preserve and document cultural heritage. He highlighted that collaboration with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina presents opportunities to leverage its scientific and technological experience in heritage preservation, allowing the institute to keep pace with rapid digital transformations in knowledge management.
During this collaboration, both institutions expressed their intent to accelerate efforts towards the completion of the electronic portal for the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in the Arab world. This initiative aims to provide valuable content to researchers and specialists, while systematically organising and documenting heritage terms and concepts through scientific and methodical principles.
Exchanging Expertise for Joint Scientific Projects
Dr. Ahmed Zayed welcomed the Sharjah Institute for Heritage delegation, praising the fruitful cooperation between the two institutions. He underscored the opportunities this partnership presents for exchanging expertise and developing joint scientific and knowledge-based projects. He expressed optimism regarding the prompt implementation of agreed-upon programmes and plans, which can significantly support cultural heritage preservation efforts and enhance mutual research objectives.
Developing Tools for Documenting and Preserving Arabic Cultural Memory
This visit aligns with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage’s strategy to establish effective partnerships with cultural and scientific organisations across the Arab region while promoting tools for documenting and preserving heritage. The aim is to enhance the integration of scientific expertise with modern technologies, thereby advancing research efforts and safeguarding Arab cultural memory for future generations.
The delegation from the institute included Khalid Al-Matrooshi, Director of Government Communication, Dr. Meni Bouniama, Director of Content and Publishing, and Khadija Al-Balushi, Head of the Libraries Department.