Board of Trustees Discusses Updates on the Fifth Edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage

The Board of Trustees of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage discussed, during its meeting held today, the latest developments related to the launch of the fifth edition of the Award. Chaired by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees, the meeting—held at the UNESCO Regional Hall at the Arab Heritage Center of the Institute—reviewed the items listed on the agenda. Board members commended the pioneering role of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in ensuring the continuity of the Award throughout its previous editions, as well as the prospective horizons of the new edition, including cultural and scientific programmes, awareness campaigns on the Award, promotional tours, and the timeline for announcing the launch of the new cycle. The Board agreed on a number of measures to further advance the Award and strengthen its global standing, particularly as it is regarded as the first Arab award to adopt an international orientation across all its fields. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam stated: “The meeting discussed the general policies underpinning the Award, its intended objectives, and the practical and technical aspects of nomination procedures, submission mechanisms, eligibility criteria, evaluation stages and their timelines, as well as other matters central to the Award. The timeline for the fifth edition and the proposed list of jury members were also reviewed.” He added that the Award aspires to create a supportive environment for the sustainability of cultural heritage, to promote awareness of human heritage, and to honor successful efforts while supporting inspiring initiatives at the local, regional, and international levels. It is worth noting that the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage is an international honorary award governed by codified scientific criteria, conferred by the Institute upon individuals, groups, or projects. Its principal aim is to recognize efforts devoted to safeguarding, protecting, studying, and ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage. The Award is structured around three fields: Best Safeguarding Practices of Cultural Heritage Elements; Best Narrators (Living Human Treasures); and Best Research and Studies in Cultural Heritage. These fields comprise nine categories across local, Arab, and international levels. The Sharjah Institute for Heritage established the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage in 2016 as an annual award. Since its first edition, it has attracted distinguished participation across its various branches and fields—local, Arab, and international—honoring a constellation of experts, specialists, and researchers who have devoted their lives to serving, preserving, and safeguarding cultural heritage, whose safeguarding practices have set notable benchmarks locally, regionally, and internationally.