On Tuesday, 13 February 2024, we had the privilege of hosting His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, at ICCROM headquarters in Rome. Leveraging heritage for good, including initiatives to enhance well-being and use innovative technologies for its advancement, became the focal point of discussions.
ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral warmly received His Excellency and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the role and achievements of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, UAE, established in 2012. This strategic initiative has been instrumental in advancing the Organization's mission in the Middle East and North Africa, helping to create a new generation of heritage leaders, raising the profile of heritage conservation at a policy level and advocating for heritage having a vital impact on communities. The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah has become an important force for cultural heritage advocacy, providing substantive logistical and operational support to ICCROM’s work in the region. It serves as a powerhouse of knowledge, providing resources and expertise on cultural heritage for English and Arabic speakers. Recent publications underscore our dedication to advancing best practices in heritage conservation.
Following their meeting, HE Sheikh Fahim received a specially curated tour of the ICCROM Archives' Mora Samples Collection, which gives a tactile dimension to ICCROM's history and efforts to provide the research community with access to this irreplaceable resource.
In the afternoon, ICCROM Staff provided a comprehensive presentation of ICCROM-Sharjah's ongoing initiatives and impact and discussed further areas of collaboration with the Government of Sharjah with the common goal of identifying needs in the sector and amplifying our shared commitment to protecting heritage for the future.
His Excellency was accompanied by a delegation composed of Amjaad AlQaseer, Senior Executive of International Relations and Research Department of Government Relations, Aisha Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Antiquities Authority, Dr Saeed Abdullah bin Yarouf Al Naqbi, Director of the Support Services Department of the Sharjah Antiquities Authority, and Nasir AlDarmaki, Deputy Director of the ICCROM Sharjah Regional Office.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi for visiting ICCROM HQ and for the Government of Sharjah's unwavering commitment to our shared vision for the preservation and promotion of heritage. We are also deeply thankful for the generous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, whose steadfast backing continues to fuel ICCROM-Sharjah's ability to fulfil its mission. This collaborative endeavour is a testament to the Emirate of Sharjah's world-renowned dedication to valorizing cultural heritage for a better future – in the UAE and beyond.
