Sharjah: The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) inaugurated the activities of the second Heritage Conference under the theme ‘Folk Heritage Through the Eyes of Others.’ The event is taking place at the Arabian Heritage Centre affiliated with the Institute at University City in Sharjah, in the presence of Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute and Head of the Conference, and Abubakar Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, along with a distinguished group of researchers, experts, and academics from within the UAE and abroad, representing more than 20 Arab and foreign countries, in addition to representatives of local and international media.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day conference features more than 40 academic contributions from experts and scholars, who will explore how folk heritage has been perceived by others through research papers, panel discussions, and specialized workshops. In his speech during the opening session, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam stated that the conference’s theme places a responsibility to reflect on the historical perspectives of their heritage, whether seen through the writings of travelers, studies of orientalists, or various foreign documents. The conference aims to deconstruct, analyze, and reinterpret these perspectives through a critical academic lens, examining contexts in which such mental images were formed.
Dr. Al Musallam emphasized that folk heritage acts as a bridge for human dialogue and cultural intersection. He highlighted that heritage is not a static past but a living force in the consciousness of people, serving as a source for understanding both self and other. He also extended his appreciation for the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding collective memory and promoting cultural dialogue.
Abubakar Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, reiterated that the conference aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage to enhance cultural and intellectual engagement around Arab folk heritage and develop preservation tools. He noted the Institute’s commitment to supporting scientific research and international partnerships that protect heritage for future generations.
Dr. Saif Al Badwawi, this year’s conference personality, highlighted the role of heritage in strengthening national identity and the importance of youth engagement in heritage preservation. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam for his efforts in preserving UAE heritage.
Dr. Muna Bounama, Director of the Content and Publishing Department at the Institute and Conference Coordinator, emphasized the conference’s role in enhancing cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. She discussed this year’s focus on examining Western perceptions of Eastern heritage to correct stereotypes and promote scientific approaches to intercultural dialogue.