Heritage days are back in Sharjah

Sharjah - On the inaugural day, visitors immersed in spectacular sights and sounds of the venue, adorned with the national flags of participating countries.

Twenty-nine countries will be part of the three-week Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) which opened curtains on Saturday at the heritage area at Heart of Sharjah.

On the inaugural day, visitors immersed in spectacular sights and sounds of the venue, adorned with the national flags of participating countries, while the main courtyards came alive with colourful performances of traditional Emirati Ayyala and Andima arts and dances, in addition to folk shows from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India and Lebanon.

“This year, Sharjah Heritage Days is being held under exceptional circumstances. The festival’s theme ‘Cultural heritage gathers us’ seeks to emphasise that heritage is a bridge between peoples and plays a vital role in shaping the intellects and experiences of younger generations,” said Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days.

“With each passing edition, we are reassured that Sharjah Heritage Days has realised its mission as we see families, visitors and residents flock to the event to learn about both local and global cultures. Their eager participation in our events and lively discussions turn the festival grounds into a platform for creating lasting memories and discovering commonalities,” he added.

Themed ‘Cultural heritage gathers us’, the 18th edition hosts the Republic of Montenegro as Guest of Honour, and the Republic of Kazakhstan as Distinguished Guest.

>29 countries to showcase their heritage

>8 local folklore arts

>22 traditional Arab heritage activities

>67 crafts inspired by the UAE’s four environments — mountains, desert, coastal and agriculture.

>80 stores will showcase traditional products such as fragrances and incenses and Emirati costumes

>24 handicrafts by the participating women’s associations

>Sharjah Heritage Days in Khorfakkan — March 27 to April 3

COVID COMPLIANCE

> 28 precautionary measures are in place to safeguard the health and safety of visitors and participants.

> 2 entry and exit gates equipped with thermal detectors, social distancing signs and posters, availability of masks and sanitisers etc.

> The World Heritage village will undergo 30-minute sterilisation after each activity

> Visitor entry is limited to 3,000 on weekdays and 6,000 during the weekend.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah