Sharjah Heritage Days 2025 Celebrates Emirati Culture Through February

The 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days is set to take place from February 12th to 23, 2025, under the theme ‘Roots’. Organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the festival will celebrate Emirati heritage while fostering cultural exchange. Events and activities will span seven cities, including Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba.

This year’s edition introduces new cultural venues and events, including the ‘Book Market’, bringing together 12 libraries and six publishing houses, and the ‘Library Centennial Celebration’, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sharjah’s first library with an exhibition dedicated to its literary legacy. The ‘Roots’ exhibit will explore Sharjah’s historical milestones, while ‘Scents Through the Ages’ traces the evolution of perfumery.

Sharjah Heritage Days has grown into an international platform, with participation from over 26 countries, including Morocco, China, Germany and the Netherlands. More than 30 governmental and cultural institutions, including UNESCO and ICCROM-Sharjah, will take part. Folk performances will feature prominently, with the largest-ever Al Ayyala show involving 300 artists. The artistic program includes the ‘Palm Symphony’ operetta, the play ‘Mawa’id Arqoub’ and the children’s theater production ‘Island of Wishes’. Live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world will also showcase traditional crafts.

The festival will also host the 8th GCC Dama Championship, a competition centered around the traditional strategy board game.