Sharjah Museums Authority celebrates UAE’s 52nd Union Day

SHARJAH/ WAM

Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is celebrating the UAE’s 52nd Union Day with free entry to all its museums and with an array of cultural events and activities from 27th November to 2nd December, 2023.
Marking this occasion, the SMA is offering free entry to all its museums from 16:00 to 20:00 on 1st December and from 8:00 to 20:00 on 2nd December, coinciding with UAE Union Day and Commemoration Day.
The celebrations start on 27th November at the recently reopened Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum with traditional performances and heritage displays from 17:00 to 22:00.
In addition to the activities, visitors will enjoy exploring the way of life in pre-oil times and the region’s history through a collection of preserved relics at this landmark, which was built in 1899 and served as a centre of governance and residence of the late Sheikh and his family at the time.
On 28th November, the 200-year-old Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) hosts a bicentenary event from 10:00 to 13:00, featuring cultural events, traditional and military band shows, puppet theatre, and heritage competitions while also offering visitors a window into the emirate’s rich history and significant cultural narratives.
A highlight of the festivities is the launch of an Augmented Reality (AR) experience at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), developed by American University of Sharjah (AUS) students under the guidance of Dr. Krzysztof Pietroszek from the Institute for IDEAS, American University in Washington D.C., and Dr. Suhail Dahdal from AUS.
This innovative project, which adds a contemporary touch to the celebrations, is part of the SMA’s broader efforts and various activities and workshops, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable community development through art and culture.
From 30th November to 2nd December, Sharjah Maritime Museum hosts events from 16:00 to 22:00 including workshops such as pearl bracelet and necklace making and performances by the marine and military bands.
The museum’s celebrations conclude with the Maritime Parade, starting at 14:30 from the Sharjah Maritime Museum, passing through Al Qasba Water Canal and Khalid Lagoon before returning to the museum.
Visitors can take advantage of the free entry to SMA’s museums to explore current unique exhibitions including the “Lasting Impressions” series, the latest edition at Sharjah Art Museum that runs until 7th January, 2024, and features over 200 works by Palestinian-American artist Samia Halaby.
They can also explore the 7th Joint Exhibition on the Archaeology of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Youth hosted at Sharjah Archaeology Museum until 22nd February, 2024, while the “Ziena Splendor of The Indian Courts” at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation which runs until 14th April, 2024, the displays showcase artifacts for the first time in Sharjah, originating from the collection of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah al Ahmed al-Sabah and Sheikh Hessa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah.
In addition, “Reflections and Inspirations from Emirati Heritage” at Sharjah Heritage Museum, running until 15th April, 2024, offers an exploration of Emirati heritage through art and design students’ works. Lastly, the “Sharjah Air Station: A Historical Glimpse of the First Landing” at Al Mahatta Museum will showcase the story and progress of the aviation sector in the country and the region until 31st July next year.