Sharjah Week, currently underway at the St Petersburg Museum, continues to introduce visiting Russians to the unique traditions and practices that make up the UAE’s rich cultural fabric. Organised by the Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR), the weeklong activations aim to strengthen the Emirati–Russian cultural dialogue.

Emirati calligrapher Khalid Al Jallaf is handing out Russian names and greeting elegantly inscribed in Arabic calligraphy to the event’s visitors. For the first time in St. Petersburg, the city’s locals are trying on elaborately-embroidered traditional Emirati dresses – men having their pictures taken in the ‘Gutra’ (Emirati headdress) and the ‘Kandura’ (Emirati men’s national dress). Women are leaving the event with beautiful henna deigns on their palms made by Emirati henna artists.

An exhibition has been curated to introduce the Russian community to the history and notable achievements of the Arab civilization, featuring a collection of antiques and artworks. A fascinating collection of historical photos and maps tracing the evolution of the UAE and reflecting the region’s cultural, political and economic formation are also on display at the exhibition.