Sharjah And UNESCO Sign Agreement For Beirut Grand Theatre Rehabilitation

The agreement to restore Beirut's Grand Theatre was signed on Tuesday at UNESCO's Paris headquarters. This collaboration involves the Government of Sharjah and UNESCO, under the continued patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative aims to support cultural institutions across the Arab world.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, attended the ceremony. He highlighted how cultural cooperation between nations and organisations positively impacts societies. Al Owais stated that this agreement strengthens efforts to enrich life with culture and arts, a mission led by the UAE’s leadership through various initiatives globally.

Ernesto Ottone Ramirez from UNESCO praised Sharjah's ongoing support for cultural projects. He noted that Sharjah's involvement in restoring Beirut's Grand Theatre underscores its leading role in cultural preservation. This partnership exemplifies effective collaboration in safeguarding global cultural heritage and preserving historical sites.

Hind Darwish, Lebanon's Ambassador to UNESCO, expressed gratitude for H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s contributions. She emphasised that his support for the theatre’s rehabilitation will boost Lebanon's artistic and cultural scene. Darwish remarked on Sharjah's significant role in advancing Arab culture through continuous projects supporting creativity.

The theatre, designed by Youssef Aftimos and constructed by Jacques Tabet in the 1920s, opened in 1929. It has hosted numerous international productions over the years. The restoration is part of an international campaign launched by UNESCO to revive this historic building in Beirut.

UNESCO and Sharjah Partnership

Al Owais reiterated that this event continues H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s efforts to establish cultural centres worldwide. These endeavours aim to provide knowledge and culture globally. The Emirate of Sharjah announced its contribution to rehabilitate Beirut Grand Theatre during the ceremony.

Ramirez acknowledged the fruitful cooperation between UNESCO and Sharjah’s government as a model for protecting cultural heritage worldwide. This partnership seeks to preserve historical monuments integral to human memory, demonstrating a commitment to global cultural preservation.

The signing ceremony included several dignitaries such as Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer from the Sharjah Department of Culture and George Kreidi from UNESCO’s Beirut Office. Various diplomatic missions, officials, and Arab intellectuals were also present at this significant event.

Sharjah continues to play a vital role in promoting culture and arts as essential aspects of life through its noble actions worldwide. This initiative reflects its dedication to fostering humanitarian discourse on a global scale while supporting creative individuals and projects across regions.

With inputs from WAM