Sharjah
A new office has been established to follow up on Sharjah’s bid to include eight of its heritage and archaeological sites on the list of World Heritage Sites by Unesco.
The new operational office of the higher committee of ‘Sharjah: The Gateway to Trucial States’ project has been founded under the directives of Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
It is entrusted to highlight the heritage value of these sites globally. The new office will be responsible for coordinating and following up with local entities relevant to Sharjah’s eight nominated historical and archaeological sites. The bid to have the sites included reflects the role played by the emirate in many areas, such as the hosting of meetings of the Trucial States Council, which was established in Sharjah during British rule and which played an important part in the formation of the UAE.
Khuloud Al Houli, director of the ‘Sharjah: The Gateway to Trucial States Office’, said: “Sharjah’s heritage sites are invaluable and this is why we are striving to ensure the inclusion of eight of them on world heritage list. We aim to highlight the outstanding historical status of the emirate of Sharjah regionally and internationally and underline its role in implementing cultural communication between East and West, both in the past and the present. The eight sites are important platforms for researchers and experts studying developments in the greater Arabian Gulf region and we are working to transform them into important tourist destinations.”
Al Houli was commissioned as the director of the office in recognition of the various achievements she accomplished during her career. Al Houli joined Sharjah Museums Department in 2012 as the curator for the newly-renovated Sharjah fort of Hisn Museum. She also held the position of strategy project manager and Restructuring at Sharjah Business Women Council from 2010 to 2012.
Sharjah’s eight nominated sites include Heart of Sharjah, which is home to a number of historical buildings and traditional markets, and Al Khan Village, where traditional fishing activities were practiced. They also include Al Mahatta Airport, which served as a bridge linking the East and the West; Al Mirqab Military camp, which was once the symbol of security and safety in Sharjah and Al Dhaid Oasis, an important agricultural area that have been surrounded by strategic local crossroads.
Other sites include the Fili Fort, an important defensive point to protect water sources on the trade routes that sprung from Al Buraimi Oasis and Al Ain northwards; Wadi Al Helo, a significant example of a naturally protected agricultural valley within the Hajar mountains and the old Khorfakkan fort, along with its village and surrounding areas, which formed a marine gate for the east coast of the emirate.
Since the 18th century, Sharjah has established itself as an example of a Gulf city committed to sharing human values and bringing together different cultures.
