Abu Dhabi showcases education initiatives at Sharjah Heritage Days

SHARJAH – On the sidelines of the Sharjah Heritage Days, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA - Abu Dhabi) highlighted its institutional efforts to safeguard the UAE’s cultural heritage and promote cultural education, during a seminar organised by the Cultural Cafe at the historic Al Naboodah House.

The session, titled “Institutional Efforts to Protect Heritage,” was moderated by Sheikha Shikha al-Mutairi and attended by Director of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage Abu Bakr al-Kindi, alongside officials from the organising committees and a selection of researchers and cultural specialists.

During the seminar, Mousa al-Houari, Head of Educational Content Development at TCA - Abu Dhabi, emphasised the authority’s pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s cultural landscape and developing educational and cultural initiatives. He pointed to the authority’s commitment to expanding cultural programmes and highlighted key institutions under its stewardship, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and several heritage sites in the Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions.

Houari explained that integrating the tourism and culture sectors has strengthened visitor experiences while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a dynamic cultural hub. He outlined the establishment of a specialised Cultural Education Division, which organises workshops and training programmes aimed at engaging young people, transferring knowledge and fostering community participation in heritage preservation.

Educational pathways at heritage sites have been developed and transformed into open learning environments, he said. Sites such as Qasr Al Hosn, Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, the Qasr Al Muwaiji Museum, and Al Ain Museum now provide students with direct engagement with historical narratives and prominent figures in the UAE’s history. Most of the teams running these projects are composed of Emirati professionals, reflecting a strategy to ensure sustainable heritage management and promote national cultural pride.

The UAE has successfully inscribed 14 elements of its cultural heritage on international lists, which are now integrated into national education programmes. The department has also developed digital content, interactive applications, and collaborative projects with the Ministry of Education to incorporate storytelling and heritage knowledge into school curricula.

Sheikha Salama bint Khalifa Al Nahyan emphasised the importance of cultivating student awareness of cultural heritage and linking curricula to national traditions. She added that empowering students to use museums as open educational spaces, combined with workshops for families and dedicated educational platforms, strengthens the connection between the UAE’s past and present.

The seminar concluded with Kindi honouring participants for their contributions to cultural dialogue and heritage preservation, accompanied by commemorative photographs. The session was part of the broader Sharjah Heritage Days programme, which continues to provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange between institutions dedicated to safeguarding heritage across the UAE and the region.

Sharjah Heritage Days is an annual cultural festival designed to celebrate the UAE’s diverse heritage, including architecture, traditional crafts, music and folklore. TCA - Abu Dhabi has made heritage preservation a strategic priority under the UAE’s Vision 2030, which seeks to integrate cultural education into national development, promote local talent and position the UAE as a global cultural hub.

The department’s efforts are also aligned with international heritage frameworks and aim to leverage technology and education to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of cultural knowledge for future generations.