Sharjah: Local communities at five of the proposed Unesco heritage sites in Sharjah emirate are being encouraged to highlight their role in preserving these cultural and natural spots.
Meetings with them were conducted by the Gateway to Trucial States (SGTS), the management office of Sharjah’s bid, to include eight of its historic sites on the prestigious list of Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The delegates met local communities in Sharjah Historic Town, Khorfakkan, Wadi Al Helo, Fili and Al Dhaid, exploring their day-to-day practices that aim to preserve oral, urban and architectural heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Those community tours were conducted in collaboration with municipal councils, in line with SGTS’s dedication to promote Emirati cultural heritage identity and Sharjah’s role in preserving it.
“These meetings were aimed at interacting with the local communities of the nominated property, and discuss how we can all work together and participate effectively in preserving Sharjah’s rich heritage and share it with the world,” said Khuloud Al Houli, director of SGTS Management Office.
The local community is an integral part of the heritage and history of these sites, and has always played a crucial role in preserving and highlighting Sharjah’s unique stature, locally and regionally.
“This national project is a great source of pride for every UAE citizen. Sharjah continues to play a pioneering role in preserving the heritage and culture of the UAE and the region. Our history and culture deserve to be showcased globally, through Unesco,” she said.
