Sharjah Heritage Days Opens Its 23rd Edition As Ruler Witnesses Launch And Cultural Displays

Sharjah is hosting the 23rd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days under the theme "Glow of Authenticity", with activities underway in the Heritage Area at the Heart of Sharjah until 15 February. The event brings together local and international participants to highlight cultural traditions and their role in identity and community life.

This year’s programme includes participation from 27 countries, more than 265 artisans, and a wide range of heritage activities. Organisers present 40 traditional crafts and 20 types of folk chants, supported by 41 Arab and international folk groups delivering 1,173 artistic performances across the schedule.

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H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attends the launch and follows several key activities. The opening ceremony is also attended by Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, His Excellency Alberto Fernando Santos, and a number of officials, diplomats, media representatives and heritage experts.

Upon H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan’s arrival at the Heritage Area, the motorcade of the Ruler of Sharjah is received by folk ensembles. These groups perform traditional chants and displays that convey pride and loyalty, while also demonstrating the strong link between popular heritage, community sentiment and the leadership.

The cultural programme covers artistic shows, training and educational content, and interactive events for visitors. More than 307 workshops, 57 educational programmes, 44 live shows, five training courses and 19 awareness programmes are scheduled, together with 70 heritage competitions and 21 new activities presented for the first time.

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Folk traditions form a central part of the opening events watched by H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan, with performances from Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, Al Razha and Al Nadba groups. The ceremony also includes heritage displays featuring a Bedouin camel caravan and a falconry presentation, underlining the close relation between Emirati folk practices and national identity.

Sharjah Heritage Days cultural programmes and Portugal focus

Portugal is the Guest of Honour for the 23rd edition, presented through a dedicated pavilion titled "Dialogues between Memory and the Future". H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan visits the pavilion, viewing artworks and decorations that trace Portuguese arts from the 16th century to the contemporary period, while listening to explanations from participating artists about their handmade pieces.

The Ruler then moves to the Portuguese folk arts platform, where an interactive performance is staged. The show presents musical and performance pieces that reflect Portuguese cultural identity and the variety of its folk arts. The programme illustrates cultural openness and dialogue, themes that Sharjah Heritage Days adopts across its international components.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan also tours the "Flavours of Portuguese Heritage" corner. There, chefs and specialists introduce traditional Portuguese dishes, methods of preparation and the cultural meanings attached to each recipe. The presentation links culinary practices with heritage expression, giving visitors another entry point into Portugal’s historical and social traditions.

As part of the opening, H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah signs the first commemorative postage stamp issued by Emirates Post for Sharjah Heritage Days. The stamp records the event and highlights the cultural and human values associated with it, while also representing the depth of the UAE’s folk heritage and Sharjah’s role in its preservation and transmission.

Sharjah Heritage Days extends beyond the Heart of Sharjah, with events spread across seven locations in the emirate. Activities are held in Sharjah City, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Al Dhaid, Wadi Al Helo and Al Hamriyah, reflecting both the geographic reach of the programme and its embedded presence within local communities.

Through its exhibitions, performances and knowledge-focused activities, the 23rd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days presents a detailed picture of Emirati and global folk traditions. The event underlines Sharjah’s continuing cultural policy, supports heritage-related sectors and offers a structured platform for regional and international cultural exchange.

With inputs from WAM