Sharjah shows unalloyed joy with UAE Union Day events
- 24 Nov 2023
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is celebrating the United Arab Emirates' 52nd Union Day with free entry to all its museums and with an array of cultural events and activities at three of its museums from 27th November to 2nd December 2023.
Marking this occasion, SMA is offering the free entry to all its museums from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 1st December and from 8am to 8pm on Saturday 2nd December, coinciding with UAE Union Day and Commemoration Day.
The celebrations start on November 27 at the recently reopened Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum with traditional performances and heritage displays from 5pm to 10pm.
In addition to the activities, visitors will enjoy exploring the way of life in pre-oil times and the region's history through a collection of preserved relics at this landmark which was built in 1899 and served as a centre of governance and residence of the late Sheikh and his family at the time.
On 28th November, the 200-year old Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) hosts a bicentenary event from 10am to 1pm, featuring cultural events, traditional and military band shows, puppet theatre, and heritage competitions while also offering visitors a window into the emirate's rich history and significant cultural narratives.
A highlight of the festivities is the launch of an Augmented Reality (AR) experience at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), developed by American University of Sharjah (AUS) students under the guidance of Dr. Krzysztof Pietroszek from the Institute for IDEAS, American University in Washington D.C., and Dr. Suhail Dahdal from AUS.
This innovative project which adds a contemporary touch to the celebrations is part of broader efforts and various activities and workshops by SMA that demonstrate its commitment to sustainable community development through art and culture.
From 30th November to 2nd December, Sharjah Maritime Museum hosts events from 4pm to 10pm including a number of workshops such as pearl bracelet and necklace making and performances by the marine and military bands.
The museum’s celebrations conclude with the Maritime Parade, starting at 2.30pm from the Sharjah Maritime Museum, passing through Al Qasba Water Canal and Khalid Lagoon before returning to the museum.
Visitors can take advantage of the free entry to SMA's museums to explore current unique exhibitions including the 'Lasting Impressions' series latest edition at Sharjah Art Museum that runs until January 7, 2024, and features over 200 works by Palestinian-American artist Samia Halaby.
They can also explore the "7th Joint Exhibition on the Archaeology of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf" in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Youth hosted at Sharjah Archaeology Museum until February 22, 2024, and the 'Ziena Splendor of The Indian Courts' at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization which runs until April 14, 2024. The displays showcase artifacts for the first time in Sharjah, originating from the collection of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmed al-Sabah and Sheikh Hessa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah.
In addition, 'Reflections & Inspirations from Emirati Heritage' at Sharjah Heritage Museum, running until April 15, 2024, offers an exploration of Emirati heritage through art and design students' works. Lastly, the 'Sharjah Air Station: A Historical Glimpse of the First Landing' at Al Mahatta Museum, will be showcasing the story and progress of the aviation sector in the country and the region until July 31 next year.