Every year, Sharjah turns into a lively and colorful place during Sharjah Heritage Days, an event that brings people together to celebrate the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates. This year’s edition, held in the heart of the Heart of Sharjah district, has been nothing short of magical, with traditions, crafts, music, and food taking center stage.
Sharjah Heritage Days is more than just an event. It’s a journey back in time—a time when Emiratis lived simpler lives, closely connected to the land, the sea, and their families. The event gives visitors a chance to experience how life was in the past, and to understand the customs that shaped today’s UAE.
Celebrating the Old Ways in a Modern World
Organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the event aims to preserve and promote the culture and identity of the UAE. It includes everything from traditional handicrafts, folk performances, and storytelling sessions, to camel rides and Emirati cuisine.
The theme this year is about unity and connection—how heritage links generations. With more than 500 activities spread across different areas of Sharjah, the event has become one of the largest cultural festivals in the region.
Different sections of the event focus on various parts of traditional life:
- The “Crafts Village” features artisans demonstrating skills like weaving palm fronds, pottery-making, and boat building. Visitors can watch and even try these age-old techniques.
- The “Folklore Theatre” hosts daily performances of Emirati dance, music, and poetry, showcasing the UAE’s deep-rooted oral traditions.
- The “Children’s Heritage Area” introduces kids to cultural games, storytelling, and crafts, helping the next generation learn through play.
A Window into Emirati Life
One of the highlights this year is the “Live Museum”, where actors dressed in traditional clothing recreate scenes from old Emirati life—fishing by the sea, cooking over an open fire, or trading at the souq. The museum helps both locals and tourists better understand what daily life looked like decades ago.
Food is another big part of the celebration. Stalls selling Luqaimat (sweet dumplings), regag bread, machboos, and grilled seafood fill the air with irresistible smells. Visitors can sample these dishes while sitting under traditional tents, sipping Arabic coffee served with dates.
Local and Global Participation
While Sharjah Heritage Days is focused on Emirati culture, it also welcomes other cultures from around the world. This year, more than 30 countries are participating, each with their own cultural pavilion. These pavilions showcase traditional clothing, dance, crafts, and food from different parts of the world—creating a beautiful blend of global heritage.
This international participation reflects Sharjah’s commitment to being a cultural bridge between the East and the West. It also reminds us that while every culture is unique, we all share common values of family, community, and tradition.
A Family-Friendly Festival
Families are especially welcome at Sharjah Heritage Days. With open spaces, live music, and plenty of activities for kids, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. Children can join heritage treasure hunts, learn to write their names in Arabic calligraphy, or ride ponies through the venue.
There are also workshops for adults, including sessions on making traditional perfumes, knitting Emirati garments, and learning Gulf dialect poetry. Visitors can even get their hands painted with henna by local artists.
For photography lovers, there are countless moments to capture—from falcons resting on their handler’s arm to dancers twirling in colorful robes.
Keeping Culture Alive
One of the main goals of Sharjah Heritage Days is to make sure younger generations understand and value their roots. In a fast-changing world, it’s easy to forget the past. Events like this help keep traditions alive and encourage young Emiratis to be proud of their heritage.
According to Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, “Our identity is our most precious treasure. Through this event, we pass our stories, values, and knowledge to the next generation.”
He added that culture is not something static. It evolves with time, and the best way to preserve it is to keep practicing it—through songs, crafts, rituals, and community gatherings.
Visiting the Event
Sharjah Heritage Days runs for several weeks, with entry open to all and most events being free. The venue is beautifully decorated with traditional architecture, lights, and flags. Friendly guides are available throughout the venue to help visitors learn more about each exhibit.
Whether you are a long-time resident, a tourist, or simply someone curious about the Emirati way of life, the festival promises something for everyone. It’s a place to connect with culture, enjoy good food, and make lasting memories.
Why It Matters
In a world where people are moving fast and getting more connected online than in real life, events like Sharjah Heritage Days remind us of what truly matters—our roots, our communities, and the stories that brought us here.
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