Sharjah Institute for Heritage Concludes Second Heritage Conference with International Participation
Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) successfully concluded its Second Heritage Conference, held at the Arab Heritage Center in Sharjah University City, bringing together researchers, academics, and heritage experts from over 20 countries across the Arab world and beyond.
The two-day conference featured engaging discussions, research presentations, and workshops exploring various dimensions of popular heritage, cultural studies, and documentation practices.
During the closing ceremony, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, honored Dr Saif Al Badwawi with the prestigious “Personality of the Year” award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to preserving folklore and documenting the cultural identity of the UAE and the wider region.
Key speakers, distinguished guests, and strategic partners were also acknowledged for their significant contributions, which played a vital role in the success of the event.
In his closing remarks, Dr Al Musallam stated, “The Second Heritage Conference, held under the theme ‘Folklore in the Eyes of the Other,’ marked a milestone in advancing heritage knowledge. It opened new perspectives on travel literature and revealed nuanced aspects of how others perceive our folklore. These scholarly sessions represent a critical step in re-examining Western texts through an Arab lens, restoring cultural balance, and empowering our authentic cultural voice.”
He further emphasized the importance of engaging with global heritage narratives, adding, “Openness to external perspectives is a cultural necessity. Engaging with these narratives requires rigorous scientific tools and critical awareness. The dialogue, diversity, and intellectual exchange witnessed over the past two days form a foundation for future conferences, publications, and research that will embed our heritage at the core of global cultural discourse.”
Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of SIH, expressed pride in the scholarly momentum generated by the conference, stating, “The high level of participation and rich discussions reaffirm that popular heritage remains vibrant and central to fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.”
Expressing gratitude upon receiving the Personality of the Year award, Dr Saif Al Badwawi said, “This recognition is not only a personal honor but also a tribute to everyone committed to preserving and documenting heritage. It serves as motivation for continued contributions to research and knowledge in this vital field.”
Dr Mona Bounaama, Content Director at SIH and conference coordinator, lauded the event’s success and highlighted the collective awareness of the importance of exploring folklore from external perspectives. She emphasized that the conference promotes documentation and critical analysis, paving the way for broader opportunities for researchers and specialists in the heritage sector.
The event reaffirmed Sharjah’s position as a regional hub for cultural dialogue and academic exchange on heritage preservation and documentation.
