Sultan opens old Zubarah neighbourhood and Shees heritage project in Khorfakkan

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Monday inaugurated the old Zubarah neighbourhood and Shees heritage project in Khorfakkan, which were restored to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of the two areas by selecting buildings of historical and social value. 

Sheikh Sultan inspected the old Zubarah neighbourhood, which incorporated the grand mosque, guesthouse and governor’s house in addition to four houses containing storerooms, halls and crane rooms with sloping roofs built to cope with heavy rainfall.

He also visited a number of houses used as centres for artisans, which represent the marine and agricultural environments, and the cultural heritage house, restoration house and honey house.

During his tour, Sheikh Sultan listened to an explanation of the activities organized in the neighborhood’s facilities, which revive traditional professions and crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, spinning, sewing, incense and perfume making, bridal preparation, grain grinding and yogurt making in addition to cultural activities such as drawing, reading and various workshops.

He was also briefed on the restoration work, the first phase of which began in 2023 and included the rehabilitation of all buildings.

Later, Sheikh Sultan listened to an explanation of the second phase of the project, which includes restoration work on an ancient settlement adjacent to the mountain and aims to study and revive the historical depth of the area, preserve 11 wells, provide aesthetic lighting and parking spaces to ensure the comfort of the area’s visitors.

Sheikh Sultan then moved to the Shees area, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque for the Shees heritage project, which includes a theatre with a stone backdrop, a stage and backstage in addition to a celebration square that can accommodate more than 200 visitors. It also includes specialised halls displaying the heritage of the Shees area, the belongings of its people and models of traditional homes and majales.

Sheikh Sultan also visited the Shees library and café, which features stories, tales, and books displayed in an innovative way within the café's interior design. The building also offers comfortable seating and a picturesque view of Wadi Shees and Shees mountains.

Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Eng. Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority; Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Department of Human Resources; Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of Protocol and Hospitality Department; and a number of officials and dignitaries.