Sharjah Institute for Heritage, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah Institute for Heritage, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
+97165092606
The Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage seeks to recognize outstanding and high-quality efforts at the local, Arab, and international levels in the safeguarding and documentation of cultural heritage, as well as successful practices aimed at ensuring its sustainability. It also promotes a spirit of scientific competition, both theoretical and applied, among researchers and practitioners engaged in academic and fieldwork related to heritage preservation and documentation. In addition, the Award honors Living Human Treasures, highlighting the vital role of narrators who transmit oral literary masterpieces, heritage knowledge, and traditional craftsmanship skills in preserving humanity’s cultural heritage and ensuring its continuity.
The Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage is the first Arab international honorary award based on standardized scientific criteria. It was established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, under Emiri Decree No. (19) of 2017 as a legal entity with full legal capacity to act within the scope of its objectives. The Award is granted to individuals, groups, or projects, and its main purpose is to recognize and honor outstanding efforts in the safeguarding, protection, study, and sustainability of cultural heritage. It is organized around three main fields: Best Practices in Safeguarding Elements of Cultural Heritage; Best Narrators and Heritage Bearers (Living Human Treasures); and Best Research and Studies in Cultural Heritage. These fields comprise nine categories, with three categories under each field: Local, Arab, and International.
To recognize outstanding efforts made at the local, Arab, and international levels in the field of safeguarding and document cultural heritage, and in ensuring its continuity and sustainability.
To foster a spirit of fair competition among scholars and practitioners engaged in academic and field research in the field of cultural heritage.
To recognize safeguarding practices of cultural heritage and to award the most outstanding ones, in accordance with internationally recognized standards in this field.
To honor Living Human Treasures and to highlight their role in transmitting knowledge and expertise, as well as in promoting oral storytelling techniques and the role of narrators.
H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam
For many years, cultural heritage in various parts of the world has suffered from neglect, exclusion, and marginalization due to stereotypical perceptions of folklore, resulting in challenges to its preservation. In response, UNESCO urged nations and communities to take action to protect their cultural heritage, shield it from loss or extinction, and commit significant efforts toward achieving this vital objective.
Sharjah exemplifies unwavering dedication, driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. A devoted custodian of heritage, he took early steps to protect the emirate's historical and cultural landmarks. Through a range of projects and initiatives, these efforts have successfully safeguarded spatial memory and oral traditions. The results are extraordinary, yielding a vibrant cultural legacy that continues to inspire and captivate many. Sharjah’s influence transcends its own borders, as its commitment to cultural preservation extends globally, supporting and advocating for heritage conservation in other regions around the world.
Sharjah has achieved a remarkable milestone by launching the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, a pioneering Arab initiative with a global outlook. This award serves as a dynamic platform to support, encourage, and sponsor storytellers, institutions, associations, and researchers committed to preserving cultural heritage. It focuses on three main areas: Best Storytellers (Living Human Treasures), Best Practices in Preserving Cultural Heritage, and Best Research and Studies. Each area is further categorized into three levels—local, Arab, and international—resulting in a total of nine distinct categories.
A key highlight of this initiative is the Cultural Heritage Personality of the Year award, which is dedicated to celebrating individuals whose expertise and lifelong dedication have enriched the field of cultural heritage. By recognizing their invaluable efforts and lasting contributions, the award honors those who have profoundly influenced the preservation and advancement of cultural traditions, making them worthy of this esteemed tribute.
After five successful editions, the Award has firmly established itself on the Emirati, Arab, and international cultural scene. It has achieved leadership, recognised prominent figures across regions, and become a sought-after platform for experts, practitioners, and scholars. Now a distinctive mark among specialised awards, it serves as a vital bridge for cultural exchange and civilisational dialogue, advancing Sharjah's mission to share enlightened thought and unifying heritage with the global community.
H.E. Aisha Rashid Alhesan Alshamsi
The Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage embodies a firmly established cultural vision laid down by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Union and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, who believed that cultural heritage is not merely a memory of the past, but rather a fundamental pillar in building the human being, enhancing cultural awareness, and a constant source of inspiration for human creativity in its various manifestations.
This Award was established as a practical translation of this noble vision, to serve as an international platform dedicated to honoring outstanding efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, promoting it, and transmitting it to younger generations, within a framework of responsible awareness and ethical commitment. It stems from a deep belief that cultural diversity is a shared human wealth, and that its protection and activation contribute to strengthening identity, enhancing mutual understanding among peoples, and supporting pathways of sustainable development.
Since its inception, the Award has been keen to establish precise standards based on integrity, transparency, and objectivity, ensuring the recognition of initiatives and projects that create a real impact in their communities, contribute to the development of research and documentation tools, empower artisans and practitioners, and enhance the presence of heritage in contemporary life.
We view cultural heritage as a living field that interacts with social and economic transformations, and responds to current challenges without losing its authenticity. From this perspective, the Award seeks to support initiatives that improve the understanding of this heritage within its historical and cultural contexts, and employ it in ways that serve humanity, preserve its dignity, and enhance its capacity for creativity and innovation.
As we extend our invitation to researchers, institutions, and practitioners from around the world to participate in this Award, we affirm our firm commitment to its cultural mission and our dedication to ensuring that it remains an international platform that celebrates qualitative achievements and elevates serious efforts in the service of human heritage.
