In a bid to strengthen cultural awareness and promote historical education among students, the Sharjah Public Library (SPL) welcomed 45 Arabist students for an extensive exploration of the emirate’s heritage. The initiative, designed to immerse participants in Sharjah’s historical and cultural legacy, provided them with firsthand experiences of traditional Emirati customs, architecture, and knowledge-sharing practices.
Table of Contents
This educational tour is part of Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting its identity, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to the region’s rich history. Over the years, Sharjah has been recognized for its cultural initiatives, often hailed as the “Cultural Capital of the UAE.” By engaging students in such interactive experiences, the emirate continues to bridge the past and the future, maintaining its status as a global center for knowledge and heritage.
An In-Depth Cultural and Educational Journey
The 45 Arabist students embarked on a carefully curated tour designed to highlight Sharjah’s role as a guardian of Arab heritage. This program focused on a combination of historical, artistic, and scientific insights, taking students across key cultural sites that reflect the emirate’s unwavering dedication to education and preservation.
Some of the main attractions included in the visit were:
1. Sharjah Heritage Museum
One of the main stops on the tour was the Sharjah Heritage Museum, an institution that was established in 2003 and expanded in 2021. The museum houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, traditional crafts, and exhibits showcasing Emirati customs and lifestyles from the past centuries.
Students explored sections covering:
- Traditional Emirati clothing and accessories, highlighting how fashion and jewelry played a role in the region’s history.
- Oral traditions and folklore, demonstrating how poetry and storytelling shaped the culture.
- A section dedicated to daily life in old Sharjah, offering insights into how families lived, worked, and interacted.
By visiting this museum, students were able to step back in time and experience the essence of Emirati traditions through well-preserved relics and interactive displays.
2. The Heart of Sharjah – A Living Time Capsule
Another major highlight of the visit was The Heart of Sharjah, an ambitious heritage preservation project managed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This historical district stands as a time capsule, featuring restored souks, traditional homes, and ancient landmarks that date back to the early days of the emirate.
Students explored:
- Reconstructed traditional Emirati homes, learning about architectural methods that helped people withstand the extreme desert climate.
- The historic souks and trading routes, emphasizing Sharjah’s role as a major trade hub in the region for centuries.
- Old watchtowers and fortresses, symbolizing Sharjah’s strategic importance in the past.
Through their experience at the Heart of Sharjah, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the city’s past and its connection to modern Emirati identity.
3. Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS)
In addition to history, the students were also introduced to Sharjah’s contributions to science and innovation. The Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS), established in 2015, is one of the most advanced space research centers in the region.
At SCASS, students explored:
- Astronomical research exhibits, learning about the contributions of Arab scholars to early space science.
- Interactive space models, demonstrating the UAE’s growing role in space exploration.
- Workshops on celestial navigation, a skill that was once essential for early Arab traders and sailors.
This part of the journey helped students understand that Sharjah is not just about preserving history—it is also deeply invested in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and education.
Sharjah’s Ongoing Commitment to Heritage and Education
The Sharjah Public Library’s initiative to host Arabist students is part of a larger effort by the emirate to foster multicultural education and heritage conservation. Over the years, Sharjah has built a reputation as a leading center for education, art, and historical preservation.
Sharjah has taken multiple steps to ensure that cultural learning remains accessible, such as:
- Expanding libraries and knowledge centers across the UAE.
- Hosting annual heritage festivals that bring together scholars and artists from around the world.
- Investing in cultural exchange programs, like this initiative, to introduce more people to Sharjah’s historic significance.
A key component of Sharjah’s heritage policy is the inclusion of non-nationals in cultural experiences. By involving foreign students, the emirate is expanding the definition of national identity beyond citizenship, making history and tradition something that all visitors can connect with and appreciate.
Impact on Students and the Future of Cultural Education
The response from students who participated in this program was overwhelmingly positive. Many of them expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experience Sharjah’s history firsthand rather than just reading about it in textbooks.
One of the participating students, Ahmed Al-Rawi, shared his experience:
“I have always been interested in Arab history, but this visit made me realize how much of it is still alive today. Seeing these historical places and learning from experts has made me more connected to my own culture.”
Several students also mentioned that they were inspired to pursue further studies in areas such as history, archaeology, and cultural studies after their visit.
Sharjah Public Library and other educational institutions are expected to continue offering similar programs, welcoming more students and scholars in the coming months.
Why Sharjah Stands Out as a Cultural Capital
Sharjah’s approach to cultural education is unique compared to other cities in the UAE. While places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi focus on modernity and innovation, Sharjah prioritizes cultural preservation alongside progress.
A few factors that make Sharjah a standout hub for heritage and knowledge include:
- Its dedication to literature and the arts (Sharjah was named the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019).
- The presence of numerous museums, galleries, and research institutions.
- Its status as a bridge between the past and the future, balancing tradition with modern developments.
Conclusion: Sharjah’s Vision for the Future
As Sharjah continues to evolve, its commitment to heritage preservation remains stronger than ever. Programs like the Arabist student visit play a vital role in ensuring that the next generation values the historical foundations upon which the modern UAE was built.
By hosting initiatives like this, Sharjah Public Library and other cultural institutions are actively contributing to the growth of knowledge, education, and identity formation.
As the world becomes more digital, Sharjah’s dedication to preserving its past serves as a model for other cities looking to find a balance between innovation and tradition. The legacy of Sharjah’s culture and history is not just something to be remembered; it is something to be experienced, shared, and carried forward into the future.