2nd edition of ‘I am at Sharjah Museums’ exhibition launched

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) inaugurated on Saturday the second edition of the “I am at Sharjah Museums” photography exhibition at Al Qasimiya School – Museum of Education in Sharjah, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Sharjah Private Education Authority.

Showcasing winning entries from the photography competition for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students in public and private schools, the exhibition which continues until 22 April 2026, aims to strengthen young people’s engagement with museums and encourage them to express their perspectives on heritage and culture as a tool for interpretation and observation.

The opening was attended by esteemed representatives from SMA, in addition to teachers, students, and parents.

During the ceremony, winners were honoured alongside and the schools with the highest participation rates, followed by a guided tour of the exhibition, during which the winning students had the opportunity to present and explain their photographs.

Sharjah Museums Authority received more than 547 submissions from public and private schools across the UAE, following the announcement of the competition last September for the targeted grade cycles.

This edition honoured 10 winners from Cycle 2 and 10 winners from Cycle 3.

Al Ansar International School in Sharjah, GEMS Our Own English High School – Sharjah, and the Secondary Model School for Boys – Sharjah, achieved the highest participation rates in the competition.

The showcased works, captured by students from visits to 16 museums under the SMA, highlight the aesthetics of the architecture, unique artefacts and objects that reflect the cultural memory of Sharjah. Through their lenses, students presented personal narratives and a growing awareness of the significance of their heritage.

Among the standout images is the “Emirati craftsman” portrait at the Sharjah Maritime Museum documenting the traditional skill of net-making; “Emirati Elegance” from the Sharjah Heritage Museum portraying the beauty and symbolism of traditional attire; “Marine Compass” from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization illustrating the evolution of science in Islamic history; and “Wooden Wonders” from Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi capturing the creativity of traditional wood-carving. Together, these photographs blend art and identity, offering vibrant glimpses into the UAE’s rich heritage.

During the celebration, Veda Abhilash Narayanan from GEMS Millennium School – Sharjah, one of the winners of the competition, said; “I am honoured to be one of the winners in this year’s competition. Participating felt like a meaningful way to communicate and share knowledge. I have always had a passion for photography, and when my school shared the circular, it motivated me to visit Sharjah Museums in search of the perfect angle for my entry.”

She continued: “My photograph, titled ‘Voices Across Time,’ shows a traditional Emirati woman appearing to look over figurines that portray Emirati folklore. Through this image, I wanted to blend traditional elements with folkloric stories to create a rich and visually expressive reflection of our cultural heritage.”

The Authority noted that the exhibition aligns with its vision of positioning museums as dynamic educational institutions that support communities, foster belonging and promote knowledge among younger generations. Sharjah’s extensive museum ecosystem spanning Sharjah, Khorfakkan and Kalba, serves as a living testament to the emirate’s cultural, artistic and historical richness, and continues to inspire future generations.

SMA affirmed that the continuation of the exhibition seeks to further cultivate cultural awareness among students and provide them with exploratory learning opportunities that nurture creativity and instill national pride. The Authority added that the students’ images reflect meaningful engagement with the museums and the inspiring stories they contain.

Recently, the SMA commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a renewed commitment to its mission of creating inclusive cultural spaces.

For over a decade, the Authority has embedded accessibility into its core values, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can meaningfully engage with its museums. Its efforts span accessible infrastructure, inclusive programmes, and strategic collaborations with community organisations.