The long-awaited Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) kicked off today (Saturday, March 20), offering a rich and lively showcase of the diverse customs and traditions of 29 countries from around the world to the UAE public. The 18th edition of SHD will take place in the heart of Sharjah over the next three weeks, introducing UAE residents and tourists of all ages to the specific historical, cultural, literary, artistic, and customary elements that characterize the sociocultural structure of the UAE.

This edition of SHD, with the theme "Cultural heritage gathers us," welcomes the Republic of Montenegro as Guest of Honour and the Republic of Kazakhstan as Distinguished Guest. The venue was decorated with the national flags of participating countries on an opening day, and the main courtyards at Heart of Sharjah came alive with vibrant performances of traditional Emirati Ayyala and Andima arts and dances and folk shows from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India, and Lebanon.

In the presence of high-level delegations and country leaders, as well as media representatives, HE Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, will conduct an introductory tour of the festival, during which he will highlight various activities and offerings of SHD 2021.

“This year, Sharjah Heritage Days is being conducted in unusual circumstances,” said Dr. Abdelaziz Al Musallam. The festival's theme, "Cultural heritage gathers us," emphasizes the importance of heritage as a bridge between cultures, shaping the minds of younger generations as they forge their way into the future. We are reassured that Sharjah Heritage Days have achieved its goal with each passing edition, as families, tourists, and residents flock to the event to learn about both local and global cultures."

“We aim to highlight Sharjah's cultural mission, which is headed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. In addition to celebrating the special aspects of global cultures, this event will provide an excellent opportunity for cultural institutions in the emirate and country to network with regional and international counterparts and form partnerships with artists, creatives, artisans, and intellectuals whose expertise can benefit Sharjah's plethora of cultural events,” concluded the Chairman. The heritage of 29 countries will be showcased in SHD 2021.

Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Maldives, Yemen, Egypt, Italy, Spain, France, Sudan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria, Syria, Kenya, Tunisia, Netherlands, Mauritania, Iraq, and India, and also the Guest of Honor, Montenegro, are among the other countries participating. There are eight traditional folklore arts in the region, and 22 traditional Arab heritage activities.

Visitors will be introduced to new cultures through vibrant folk performances from Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Montenegro, while eight Emirati traditional arts and dances – Ayyala, Nuban, Andima, Razif and Rawahh, Harbiya, Liwa, Habban, and Daan will highlight country's cultural heritage.

There will be 67 crafts influenced by the UAE's four distinct natural environments: mountains, desert, marine, and agriculture. Traditional items such as fragrances and incenses and Emirati costumes will be on display. Flavorful Emirati’s 22 local dishes, regional, and foreign cuisines will be portrayed at the festival. The Emirates Handicrafts Centre will show 24 handicrafts produced by participating women's organizations, will host eleven 'Gharss' workshops, and will host Glimpses of the event’s competitions on social media sites.

The Higher Committee has ensured that 28 precautionary measures will be followed. Two entry and exit gates with thermal detectors, social distancing signs and posters, masks and sanitizers on hand, and regular sterilization of various venues. After each operation, sterilization will be done for 30 minutes. On weekdays, 3,000 visitors are allowed in, and 6,000 on weekends.