Sharjah Institute for Heritage Launches the Fifth Edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage has announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage under the theme “Cultural Heritage… Human Communication,” which aims to recognize and document efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage at the local, Arab, and international levels. This was announced during a press conference held by the Institute this morning at the Arab Heritage Center, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees; Ms. Aisha Al Hosani Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Center and Secretary-General of the Award; members of the Board of Trustees; and a number of Institute staff. The launch ceremony included a documentary video presentation on the Award and its objectives in preserving cultural heritage, the governing criteria, and the achievements realized since its establishment under Emiri Decree No. 19 of 2017, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Recognizing Distinguished Efforts in Safeguarding Cultural Heritage Elements and Fostering Fair Competition In his address on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam affirmed that the concept of preserving cultural heritage—as the memory of both the individual and society—has, over recent decades, evolved from a transient social need into an institutional responsibility grounded in sound administrative specialization and systematic collective work, through the launch of successful applied and academic experiences and practices in this direction. He noted that the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, organized by the Institute, has placed among its core objectives the recognition of distinguished efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage elements and the promotion of constructive competition among those engaged in scientific and field-based research in this domain, with the aim of valuing the best institutional and individual practices and experiences. This ultimately contributes to creating a supportive environment for the sustainability of cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations, and promoting awareness of human heritage in both its particular and shared dimensions. Heritage thus constitutes a vital bridge for civilizational dialogue and cultural exchange, in service of Sharjah’s cultural project, which engages the world through enlightened culture. Dr. Al Musallam expressed his confidence in delivering a new and distinguished edition of the Award that fulfills its objectives, meets aspirations, and attracts further pioneers in safeguarding cultural heritage, while highlighting their inspiring practices and successful qualitative experiences in this field. He extended his thanks to the working teams and the permanent and ad hoc committees responsible for organizing, promoting, and implementing the Award and its outreach campaigns, including the General Secretariat and the members of the jury evaluating nomination files and applications, as well as the support provided by Sharjah government entities to the noble cultural goals embodied in the Award’s mission. Three Main Fields at the Local, Arab, and International Levels For her part, Ms. Aisha Al Hosani Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Center and Secretary-General of the Award, outlined the Award’s timeline, noting that nominations and submission of participation files would open through the Award’s General Secretariat via email at [email protected] or P.O. Box 2258, Sharjah. She explained that the Award focuses on three principal fields: honoring best safeguarding practices of cultural heritage; honoring narrators and bearers of heritage as Living Human Treasures; and honoring distinguished researchers in cultural heritage. Each field comprises three categories distributed according to the scope of participation received—local, Arab, and international. In her remarks, Ms. Al Shamsi also reviewed the key practical and technical aspects of nomination, submission mechanisms, eligibility criteria, evaluation stages and timelines, and other aspects related to the Award, inviting interested participants to contact +971 6 501 4999 for inquiries regarding the Award and participation procedures. The First Arab Award with an International Orientation in Cultural Heritage The Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage is regarded as the first Arab award to adopt an international orientation in the field of cultural heritage, serving as a platform that nurtures, supports, and recognizes efforts by narrators, institutions, associations, and studies working to preserve heritage through its three fields. The Cultural Heritage Personality of the Year distinction represents a significant initiative and qualitative addition to the Award, aimed at honoring experts and researchers who have devoted their lives and left enduring legacies in the service and protection of heritage, in appreciation of their valuable efforts and celebration of their important contributions.