SMA announces free entry to Sharjah museums on May 18

Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) announced free entry to all its museums on Sunday, May 18, in celebration of International Museum Day.

The Authority will mark the occasion with a series of interactive experiences running from May 15 to 22, highlighting the evolving role of museums in serving communities and responding to cultural and societal transformations.

This year’s International Museum Day carries the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies,” underscoring the importance of equipping museums to meet the expectations of future generations and navigate ongoing digital and societal shifts.

It also highlights the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth within communities, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the role of museums in a changing world.

The theme also aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who views museums as vital centres for knowledge, identity, and cultural awareness across all segments of society.

Emphasising the significance of this global occasion, Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: “This occasion reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality museum experiences that promote lifelong learning and strengthen the connection between museums and their communities.”

She added that the Authority continues to position its museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue, discovery, and education, while reimagining the visitor experience to be more inclusive and aligned with evolving cultural and digital trends.

“Sharjah Museums remain open and accessible to all,” she concluded.

This year’s celebration unfolds through four main activations that promise engaging and memorable experiences for all age groups.

The first takes place across Sharjah’s museums from May 15 to 22, inviting visitors to explore themed, self-guided museum workshops.

These creative and interactive walk-in activities-such as designing future museums, building traditional boats, and digitally illustrating marine life-combine fun and learning to spark curiosity and imagination.

The second is an immersive sensory experience titled “Experience Museums with All Your Senses” at City Centre Al Zahia from May 15 to 18.

This dynamic platform activates sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, through interactive exhibits drawn from Sharjah’s rich museum collections, offering visitors a vivid encounter with heritage through innovative engagement.

The third activation features a guided tour titled “A Walk Through Living Heritage,” led by Emirati storyteller and heritage expert Mouza Binhdhaiba, also known as Umm Azan at the Sharjah Heritage Museum on May 16 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

Her engaging narrative brings to life the customs and traditions of Emirati society, offering participants a personal connection to the past.

Finally, the fourth activation is an invitation-only Focus Group Session titled “Innovation in Action: Technology’s Role in Shaping Museum Experiences,” hosted at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on May 17.

Gathering a select group of professionals from various disciplines, this session encourages the exchange of ideas on integrating technology to elevate museum experiences and support digital transformation efforts.

These initiatives reflect Sharjah Museums Authority’s ongoing investment in enhancing visitor engagement and delivering inclusive, high-quality programmes that showcase the emirate’s cultural and intellectual richness.

They reaffirm Sharjah’s status as a regional and international hub for cultural dialogue and discovery.

As part of its celebration of International Museum Day, Sharjah Museums Authority will illuminate a selection of its landmark buildings for three consecutive nights, from May 18 to 20, 2025.

This symbolic gesture includes SMA’s Headquarters, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Art Museum, and the Resistance Monument, transforming each site into a radiant beacon of cultural pride.

Through this visual expression, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and cultural visibility.

WAM