Sharjah Museums Authority Highlights Cultural Heritage At ICOM 2025 In Dubai

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) took part in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference 2025, held in Dubai from 11th to 17th November. This event provided a platform to showcase Sharjah's vibrant arts and culture scene, emphasising its leadership in preserving history, heritage, and museum education.

During the ICOM Museum Fair at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sharjah's stand offered a captivating experience under the theme "Authentic. Timeless. Rich." This display highlighted the emirate’s museums, heritage sites, and art spaces, reflecting its cultural identity and Emirati character.

The "Discover Sharjah" section focused on the emirate’s connection to the sea and traditional life. Visitors experienced Emirati sea chants and viewed Abdulqader Al Rais’s painting "Khorfakkan." They also explored elements of old Sharjah like coral stones, spices, herbs once traded through local markets, and dates symbolising Emirati hospitality.

The joint Sharjah stand was a collaboration between SMA, the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF), and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). It embodied collective cultural work that distinguishes the emirate.

The stand highlighted significant milestones such as the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Art Museum, and Sharjah Calligraphy Museum. These were noted as being the first of their kind in the country or region. The role of the Sharjah Biennial as a major contemporary art event in the Global South was also emphasised.

SMA hosted ICOM committee meetings on 15th November. Discussions covered leadership, community engagement, collections care, documentation, and art development in Sharjah. The programme included tours of key museums like the Sharjah Archaeology Museum and Sharjah Art Museum.

Engagement with ICOM Delegations

On 16th November, SMA welcomed ICOM delegations for field visits to key sites across the emirate. These visits showcased major museums and heritage landmarks, highlighting their historical significance and diversity.

SMA partnered with SAF to organise two curated tours for conference delegates. These tours further illustrated Sharjah's commitment to cultural preservation and education.

The presentation outlined ten years of progress in the SAWA Museum Studies Program. It also highlighted efforts to restore historic buildings into museums and exhibition spaces. Emphasis was placed on museums as centres for learning and community engagement.

This participation underscored Sharjah's dedication to cultural preservation while fostering international collaboration through events like ICOM 2025.

With inputs from WAM