The UAE’s longest-running heritage festival, Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD), will be making its debut next month, offering numerous cultural experiences to explore. The festival is set to run from February 12 to 23, 2025, and will delve into the rich traditions of the UAE and wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Visitors can step into the past with a unique showcase featuring a 400-year-old perfumery, an immersive book market, and even a heritage train that can transport guests through the festival grounds.
Deep dive into Sharjah’s pivotal historical moments
The first exhibition, ‘Roots,’ will take a deep dive into Sharjah’s pivotal historical moments, spotlighting its educational achievements, traditional markets, and the ancient medical practices of the region. ‘Scents Through Time,’ a fascinating exploration of perfume-making, will trace the history of fragrances from ancient civilizations, while ‘A Century of Libraries’ will honor the rich literary heritage of Sharjah, particularly focusing on the emirate’s first library established in 1925.
Al Soor Square, Another New Addition
A new addition to this year’s festival is Al Soor Square, a dedicated venue for cultural programs, which will also play host to events marking the centenary of Sharjah’s first public library. The festival will also introduce a new “book market,” featuring over 12 libraries and six publishing houses, creating a vibrant space for literary enthusiasts to gather and celebrate the written word.
Heritage Days Train
One of the most exciting new attractions is the Heritage Days Train, which will offer visitors a nostalgic ride across the festival site. Admission remains free, with the aim of making the event accessible to all, especially families.
The sensory-rich exhibitions will allow attendees to engage with history on multiple levels—through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, emphasized that the theme for this year’s festival, ‘Roots,’ is meant to reconnect visitors with the rich cultural origins of the Emirati and broader GCC heritage. “We’re excited to expand the festival area this year with the new Sharjah Old Wall Square. And of course, the French perfumery exhibit will be one of the main highlights, where guests can view perfumes and bottles that date back 400 years,” he explained.
In an innovative twist, the festival will also incorporate modern technologies like the Metaverse to appeal to younger generations while keeping the traditional focus intact.
Through this event, we want to bring our heritage to life, especially for the youth of the UAE. In addition to local exhibits, we’ll have 124 countries participating, showcasing their folk music, with expats in the UAE bringing their own musical traditions to the event.
Dr. Al MusallamAfter its debut in Sharjah, the festival will travel to six other cities across the emirate, including Khorfakkan, Mleiha, Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Dibba Al-Hisn, spreading its cultural message far and wide.
With its unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair, Sharjah Heritage Days is set to be a celebration that brings people closer to the deep cultural roots of the UAE and the GCC.
