The Lebanese Heritage Week was officially opened yesterday organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) as part of the World Heritage Weeks Programme, by His Excellency DrAbdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and ElieArab, Lebanese Consul in Dubai, at the Cultural Heritage Centre “Al Bait Al Gharbi”, in the heart of Sharjah. Also in attendance were Aisha Ghabsh, General Coordinator for World Heritage Weeks, and Saqr Muhammad, Director of external divisions department at SIH, in line with all precautionary measures set by the government, the event saw all attendees adhering to social distancing, and the wearing of masks and gloves.

The Lebanese Heritage Week will last for five days, running from 22^nd until 26^th February, opening daily at 5.30pm, and intends to take attendees on a trip around the whole of Lebanon. Event attendees can enjoy learning about the country’s rich culture and heritage, such as its history, civilization, folklore, music, and much more.

Lebanon culture and history

HEDrAbdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the SIH, said: “We are pleased to continue hosting Arab Heritage events as part of our ongoing World Heritage Weeks events. Today, we arrived in Lebanon. This distinguished country is renowned for its rich culture and history and is the cradle of the Phoenician civilization in the ancient world. We are glad to share with Sharjah residents, citizens, and visitors the history of Lebanon, sharing much of its culture, literature, music, and poetry.”

Five-day trip to all parts of Lebanon

Elie Arab, Lebanese Consul in Dubai, said “We are very happy to participate in the World Heritage Weeks program organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. On a five-day trip to all parts of Lebanon,history, civilization, original music, folklore, music, and many others will be showcased to visitors. We look forward to sharing our history and culture with the people of Sharjah.”

Activities at Lebanese Heritage Week

Activities at Lebanese Heritage Week include exhibitions of traditional costumes, traditional handicrafts such as silver and copper, soap-making, pottery, and traditional folk food. Eventgoers can also enjoy browsing a gallery showcasing Lebanon’s heritage through photographs, as well as visiting a popular café and enjoying the sounds of Oscar’s band playing traditional Lebanese songs such as Dabkeh Al AinTalat and Ataba (YaGhazil). A poetry segment will also be held, with Zajal poetry being read aloud.

The World Heritage Weeks program came under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and is in line with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage’s vision to introduce world culture to the people of Sharjah.