It's heritage days in Sharjah

Egyptian artists performing Tandora Dance at the heritage area in Sharjah during the heritage days.

Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on Thursday inaugurated the Sharjah Heritage Days, which runs until April 23 in the heritage area.
The fourteenth edition of Sharjah Heritage Days is being held under the slogan, "Heritage for Nature Conservation" and will take place throughout the emirate, including Sharjah city, Hamriya, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Wadi El Helou and Maleha. The event also coincides with the celebration of the World Heritage Day on April 18.
The Republic of Macedonia is the Guest of Honour this year. The annual culture event is organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage to display the local heritage, folklore and spread Emirati culture.
People who flocked to the Heritage Village on the first day explored ancient historical landmarks, handicrafts, folklore stories, a new children's village and a replica of the old hospital, which used to serve as the first maternity unit for Sharjah. The child-friendly design of the Heritage Village has been specifically designed to accommodate and entertain visitors who accompanied their children
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the opening event, Abdul-Aziz Al Mussalam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute of Heritage said: "Our aim is not only just linking all sectors of society with the heritage of our ancestors, but also to study the foundations where our society was built up on. It is important that we all incorporate our heritage in our modern lives. A nation with no past is a nation with no present, and we aim to instill Heritage Days as a leading culture event."
The event, according to Al Mussalam, promotes heritage as a platform in a family-oriented atmosphere to the UAE nationals and expatriates alike.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah