Friday, Feb 21, 2025
The College of Business Administration – (University of Fujairah) faculty and students under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Gernal attended the Sharjah Heritage Days in Khorfakkan City Last February 21, 2025. The Sharjah Heritage Days is an annual cultural event organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, celebrating the rich traditions and customs of the UAE and other participating countries. Held across different cities in Sharjah, the festival aims to preserve and promote intangible cultural heritage through a diverse range of activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler’s Office in Kalba, inaugurated the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Heritage Days in Khorfakkan. The event was attended by His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Head of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, Dr. Khalid Al Shehhi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage – Khorfakkan Branch, along with several government officials, guests, and residents of the city.
Key Highlights of the 22nd Edition in Khorfakkan:
1. Traditional and Cultural Activities
•The event showcased traditional Emirati customs, crafts, and folklore, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic heritage.
•Live demonstrations of handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, and shipbuilding, which were vital to the UAE’s history.
•Traditional food stalls serving Emirati cuisine, allowing visitors to taste dishes passed down through generations.
2.Performances & Entertainment
•Traditional dances and music: Local folk groups performed well-known Emirati dances, such as Al-Ayyala and Al-Razfa.
•Puppet shows and storytelling: Designed especially for children, these sessions aimed to educate young generations about the importance of their heritage.
•Theatrical performances and poetry recitals that celebrated Emirati identity and history.
3.Heritage Market (Souq Al-Turath)
•A reconstruction of a traditional marketplace featuring artisans and merchants selling handmade goods, perfumes, spices, textiles, and jewelry.
•Visitors could witness how people in the past conducted trade and daily business.
4.Community Involvement & Cultural Exchange
•The participation of local communities, schools, and cultural groups helped strengthen the connection between modern generations and their ancestors’ way of life.
5.Educational & Interactive Workshops
•Workshops on calligraphy, pottery, embroidery, and pearl diving offered hands-on experiences in traditional Emirati skills.
•Lectures by historians and heritage experts emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world.
6.Significance of Khorfakkan as a Venue
•Khorfakkan, known for its deep historical and maritime heritage, was the perfect location for the event.
•The town has a rich legacy as a trading hub and fishing village, and many of the showcased activities reflected its historical importance.
Why is Sharjah Heritage Days Important?
•Preserving Cultural Identity: Helps younger generations appreciate and continue the traditions of their ancestors.
•Boosting Tourism: Attracts visitors and cultural enthusiasts, supporting local businesses.
•Promoting Sustainability: Encourages the revival of traditional crafts and sustainable practices from the past.
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