Sharjah Heritage Days festival begins

Our Correspondent
The 18th edition of the Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) cultural festival began on March 20, in the heritage area at the Heart of Sharjah. The UAE as well as 29 countries are participating in SHD 2021.The three-week event showcases the unique customs and traditions of 29 nations around the world.
Themed ‘Cultural heritage gathers us’, this edition of SHD will introduce UAE residents and visitors of all age groups to the unique historical, cultural, literary, artistic and customary elements that define the socio-cultural fabric of the countries.
This season of the SHD will have the Republic of Montenegro as Guest of Honour, and the Republic of Kazakhstan as Distinguished Guest.
On the inaugural day, visitors were treated to performances of the traditional Emirati Ayyala and Andima arts and dances, in addition to folk shows from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India and Lebanon. The venue was adorned with the national flags of participating countries.
Dr Abdelaziz Al Musallam , Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, noted that heritage is “a bridge between peoples and plays a vital role in shaping the intellects and experiences of younger generations”.
Other participating nations include Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Maldives, Yemen, Egypt, Italy, Spain, France, Sudan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Algeria, Syria, Kenya, Tunisia, Netherlands, Mauritania, Iraq, and India, in addition to the Guest of Honour, Montenegro.
There will be folk performances from Belarus, Macedonia, Bashkortostan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Montenegro. Eight Emirati traditional arts and dances – Ayyala, Nuban, Andima, Razif and Rawahh, Harbiya, Liwa, Habban, and Daan – will highlight the heritage and rich culture of the country.
Traditional Arab heritage will be showcased through 22 activities, including seminars and workshops.
The exciting cultural agenda will also feature 67 crafts inspired by the UAE’s four diverse natural environments: the mountains, desert, coastal and agriculture.
There are 80 stores on site, where traditional perfumes and incenses as well as Emirati costumes will be on display. Emirati, regional and international dishes will be available at the food stalls.
The Emirates Handicrafts Centre will showcase 24 handicrafts and 22 local dishes by the participating women’s associations. It will also organise eleven ‘Gharss’ workshops. Competitions will be held on the social media platforms titled Glimpses of the UAE heritage.
Residents and visitors in the eastern city of Khorfakkan can participate in a series of cultural programmes, lectures, art performances, workshops, handcraft displays, and competitions throughout the event.
The Higher Committee has announced that 28 precautionary measures are in place to safeguard the health and safety of visitors and participants. There are two entry and exit gates equipped with thermal detectors, social distancing signs and posters, availability of masks and sanitisers, and daily sterilisation of the various venues.
The World Heritage village will undergo a 30-minute sterilisation after each activity. Visitor entry is limited to 3,000 on weekdays and 6,000 during the weekend.