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Maritime Treasure Trove Opens in Sharjah

SHARJAH - Traditional wooden seafaring dhows used for fishing, trading and pearling, boat building, diving tools, and photographs of famous sailors and captains are on display at the Sharjah Maritime Museum.

The museum, located in the Al Khan area, was inaugurated on Sunday by Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The new facility is part of an expansion of the old museum, which earlier existed in the heritage area.

The Sharjah Maritime Museum includes new traditional ships such as “Al Samaa”, the biggest diving ship, displayed in the centre of the museum hall. Interactive touch screens offer a preview of the history of maritime life in both Arabic and English, and include interviews with boat builders, pearl traders and merchants. Many other features have also been added that allow visitors to experience Sharjah’s maritime heritage.

Manal Al Attayah, director-general of Sharjah Museums, said that Dr. Shaikh Sultan is keen that the maritime heritage of the region should have a distinguished position among the museums of Sharjah and serve as an important attraction for visitors. The museum reflects the lifestyle related to diving and fishing, and aims to preserve the UAE marine heritage to educate the public and highlight the rich national heritage.

Sharjah Maritime Museum has a spacious hall meant for the presentation of models and photographs of various ships and sailing boats, fishing and diving gear, ship-building tools and photographs. The museum will also have a gift shop that will stock souvenirs related to maritime life.