Sharjah Heritage Days 2026 Opens Under ‘Glow of Authenticity’ Theme

Sharjah has once again placed heritage at the centre of community life. On Wednesday evening, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the official opening of the 23rd Sharjah Heritage Days, held under the theme “Glow of Authenticity.”

The annual cultural festival runs until February 15 and takes place across the Heritage Area at the Heart of Sharjah, along with several other cities and regions in the emirate. Known for blending tradition with public participation, the event continues to grow in scale, reach, and international presence.

Sharjah Heritage Days 2026 brings together local traditions, global cultures, artisans, performers, and families, making it one of the UAE’s most immersive heritage festivals.

A traditional welcome rooted in Emirati identity

Sheikh Sultan was welcomed with traditional chants and performances by local folk groups as his motorcade arrived at the venue. The reception reflected deep cultural pride and the strong connection between the community and leadership.

The opening programme featured several Emirati folk performances, including Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, Al Razha, and Al Nadba. These were accompanied by heritage displays such as a Bedouin camel caravan and a falconry showcase, creating a living snapshot of Emirati life from generations past.

For visitors, the experience felt less like a staged performance and more like stepping into a shared memory—one that still holds meaning today.

Global cultures join Sharjah’s heritage celebrations

This year’s Sharjah Heritage Days sees participation from 27 countries, highlighting Sharjah’s long-standing role as a bridge between cultures. More than 265 artisans are showcasing 40 traditional crafts, while 20 forms of folk chants echo across the festival grounds.

Adding to the atmosphere are 41 Arab and international folk groups, delivering over 1,100 live performances throughout the event. The programme also includes:

• More than 300 interactive workshops
• Educational and awareness programmes for families and students
• Live heritage demonstrations
• Training courses and competitions
• New activities were introduced for the first time

This strong mix of learning, entertainment, and participation makes the festival accessible to all age groups, from schoolchildren to heritage enthusiasts.

Portugal named Guest of Honour

One of the key highlights of Sharjah Heritage Days 2026 is the participation of Portugal as the Guest of Honour. Sheikh Sultan visited the Portuguese pavilion titled “Dialogues Between Memory and the Future,” which explores the country’s artistic journey from the 16th century to modern times.

The pavilion features traditional decorations, handcrafted artworks, and live explanations by Portuguese artisans. Visitors are offered a deeper look into how heritage continues to shape Portugal’s cultural identity today.

Sheikh Sultan also attended a live folk performance on the Portuguese heritage platform, where music and movement reflected the country’s regional traditions. The experience captured the festival’s broader message—heritage as a living dialogue rather than a static display.

The visit concluded at the “Flavours of Portuguese Heritage” corner, where traditional dishes were introduced along with their cultural stories and preparation methods.

A cultural footprint across seven Sharjah locations

Unlike many single-venue festivals, Sharjah Heritage Days extends across seven cities and regions, including:

• Sharjah City
• Khorfakkan
• Kalba
• Dibba Al Hisn
• Al Dhaid
• Wadi Al Helo
• Al Hamriyah

This wide geographical spread allows communities across the emirate to take part, reinforcing Sharjah’s focus on inclusive cultural engagement.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, diplomats, heritage specialists, and cultural figures, including Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi and Alberto Fernando Santos, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Culture.

Sheikh Sultan also signed a commemorative postage stamp issued by Emirates Post, marking the launch of the event and its cultural significance.

Preserving heritage in a fast-changing region

At a time when cities across the region are rapidly evolving, Sharjah Heritage Days stands out by placing tradition at the heart of progress. The festival does more than display history. It invites people to engage with it, question it, and carry it forward.

For residents and visitors alike, it remains one of the most meaningful things to do in the UAE during the winter season—especially for those looking to explore culture beyond malls and beaches.

Sharjah Heritage Days 2026 is not just a festival. It is a reminder of how heritage, when preserved thoughtfully, continues to shape identity, creativity, and community life in the UAE.

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