Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) has introduced a new visual identity for its 20 museums to mark two decades of cultural work. Inspired by the arches of historic buildings and Arabic calligraphy, the refreshed branding brings the authority’s museums under one visual system. The change also reflects Sharjah’s plans to strengthen heritage preservation, education and international cultural engagement.
- Location: Sharjah, UAE
- Organisation: Sharjah Museums Authority
- Status: New visual identity announced on October 19, 2026
- Who is affected: Museum visitors, students, families and cultural communities
- Cultural impact: A unified identity for 20 museums, supporting public engagement and cultural awareness
- What’s next: The authority aims to strengthen its cultural role and expand its international presence
Sharjah Museums Authority has unveiled a new identity for its 20 museums as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. Announced on October 19, 2026, the redesign draws inspiration from the emirate’s historic architecture and Arabic calligraphy, combining traditional elements with a contemporary visual style.
The updated identity brings the authority and its museums together through a consistent logo, graphics, icons and colour palette. According to SMA, the change reflects its commitment to preserving heritage, encouraging learning and making museums engaging spaces for visitors.
The announcement also marks a new phase for the authority as it looks towards its third decade of cultural work in Sharjah and beyond.
What has changed in Sharjah Museums Authority’s new identity?
The main change is a unified visual identity across Sharjah Museums Authority and its 20 museums. The design connects the institutions through common visual elements while drawing on the emirate’s cultural and architectural character.
The new look takes inspiration from the arches found in Sharjah’s historic buildings and museums. Flowing calligraphic elements represent creativity, movement, discovery and connection.
The visual system also includes a refreshed logo, graphics, icons and colour palette. The colours bring together traditional heritage and a contemporary approach, helping the identity reflect both Sharjah’s history and its future ambitions.
SMA has described the rebranding as more than a visual update. It reflects the authority’s wider mission to protect cultural heritage, enrich knowledge and encourage dialogue through museums.
Why has Sharjah Museums Authority introduced the rebranding?
The launch coincides with the authority’s 20th anniversary and signals its ambitions for the next stage of development.
SMA was established in 2006 and has spent two decades working to preserve collections, support education and make museums accessible to different audiences. The new identity provides a consistent visual framework for its institutions while reinforcing their shared cultural purpose.
Maissa Saif Alsuwaidi, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said the identity reflects the organisation’s mission and future ambitions. She highlighted its commitment to preserving heritage, enriching knowledge and keeping museums active spaces for learning, discovery and cultural dialogue.
The rebranding also aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed culture and knowledge at the centre of the emirate’s development.
How has Sharjah Museums Authority expanded its cultural reach?
The authority’s anniversary comes after years of work across exhibitions, education and community engagement. Figures reported by the Emirates News Agency highlight the scale of these efforts.
Over the past three years, SMA’s museum programmes have reached more than 400,000 beneficiaries, including over 340,000 students through educational initiatives. The authority also conducted 8,774 museum workshops during this period.
Between 2006 and 2026, it organised more than 130 temporary exhibitions and over 90 joint exhibitions with local and international cultural institutions, museums, embassies and academic organisations.
These figures show how museums contribute to education and cultural exchange beyond their permanent collections. Workshops and exhibitions also give students, families and other visitors opportunities to engage with history, art and heritage.
SMA has also used outreach programmes to connect with people beyond traditional museum settings. Its Museums on the Road initiative has reached 47,391 people, including school students and members of the public.
What recent developments have shaped Sharjah’s museum network?
The new identity follows further developments across Sharjah’s museum network.
In 2025, the authority added Al Qasimia School Museum of Education to its portfolio. In 2026, Al Feli Fort, the Heritage House and the Coffee Museum also came under its umbrella.
These additions reflect the range of cultural experiences available in Sharjah, from historical buildings and traditional homes to institutions that explore education and coffee culture.
For visitors, the variety offers different ways to explore the emirate’s history and traditions. For schools and educational groups, museums can provide practical learning opportunities outside the classroom.
A shared identity can help visitors recognise the institutions as part of the same museum network. However, SMA has not announced changes to individual museum opening hours, admission fees or visitor facilities as part of the rebranding.
Sharjah’s new museum identity matters to residents, families, students and tourists who want to explore the emirate’s cultural heritage.
A consistent visual identity can make the authority’s institutions easier to recognise as part of one network. The focus on learning and discovery also reinforces the role museums play in education and community engagement.
The wider programme of exhibitions, workshops and outreach activities shows that SMA’s work extends beyond preserving artefacts. Its museums also support knowledge-sharing and cultural dialogue.
For Sharjah’s tourism sector, museums offer visitors another way to understand the emirate’s history, architecture and traditions. The authority has stated its ambition to strengthen its international presence, although it has not provided a specific timeline or measurable target for that expansion.
The immediate change is the new branding. Any further developments in visitor services or museum operations will depend on announcements from the authority.
FAQs
How many museums are covered by Sharjah Museums Authority’s new identity?
The new visual identity covers Sharjah Museums Authority and its network of 20 museums.
When did Sharjah Museums Authority announce the new branding?
The authority announced its new identity on October 19, 2026, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
What inspired the new Sharjah Museums identity?
The design draws inspiration from the arches of Sharjah’s historic buildings and museums. It also features flowing calligraphic elements, a coordinated logo, graphics, icons and a refreshed colour palette.
Who announced Sharjah Museums Authority’s new identity?
Sharjah Museums Authority announced the rebranding. Its Director-General, Maissa Saif Alsuwaidi, said the identity reflects the organisation’s mission to preserve heritage, enrich knowledge and support learning and cultural dialogue.
Will the rebranding change museum entry fees or opening hours?
SMA has not announced changes to museum admission fees or opening hours as part of the new identity. Visitors should check individual museum information for current arrangements.
A new chapter for Sharjah’s museums
Sharjah Museums Authority’s new identity marks 20 years of cultural work while setting out its ambitions for the future. With a design rooted in local heritage and a consistent visual system across 20 museums, the authority aims to strengthen its connection with visitors and expand its cultural reach.
For residents and tourists, the rebranding reinforces Sharjah’s focus on making its history, collections and cultural experiences accessible to wider audiences.
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