Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is marking World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, by highlighting its exceptional and groundbreaking achievements and reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe, educational, and entertaining environment for children, supporting their intellectual, social, and cultural development.

The celebration reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who emphasized the vital role of museums, to“educate our children and future generations” and bring history and heritage to life through engaging and interactive methods.

It also aligns with the guidance and efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Consort of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Leaders and Innovators.

As Her Highness stated, “The most important foundation for building the future of nations is empowering children’s talents, energies, and skills.” She further noted that Sharjah has successfully invested in children’s curiosity, fostering critical and innovative thinkers who actively contribute to the progress of their society and country.

Driven by this forward-looking vision, SMA has prioritized engaging children through innovative educational initiatives and programs. These initiatives enhance cultural and social awareness, enabling children to explore history and heritage in engaging and interactive ways.

SMA’s offerings include museum programs, educational workshops, camps, and interactive exhibitions designed to nurture skills like observation, critical thinking, and documentation.

Among its key child-friendly destinations, the Sharjah Art Museum and Bait Al Naboodah Museum have been recognized as family-friendly venues by the Sharjah Child and Family-Friendly Office. This recognition followed rigorous evaluations of the museums’ facilities and services, reinforcing SMA’s role as a leader in creating child-friendly cultural environments.

Commenting on the occasion, Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the SMA, said: “At the Sharjah Museums Authority, we believe that museums are not just exhibition spaces but are educational and entertainment venues that nurture generations to be deeply aware of their history and culture. To celebrate this global day, the Authority offers a diverse range of programs and activities tailored to meet children’s needs and encourage their curiosity and exploration.”

“This highlights our commitment to creating a safe, stimulating learning environment where children can learn, play, and interact with history and culture in innovative, enjoyable ways.”

Deemas highlighted SMA’s significant achievements in children’s programming, including interactive workshops, Happy Holiday Camps, guided tours, and educational lectures. She emphasized the balance between educational and entertaining elements in SMA’s programs, supported by advanced technologies to make them even more appealing to children.

The Sharjah Archaeology Museum, the first of its kind in the UAE, stands as a premier institution showcasing archaeological discoveries from across Sharjah. Its “Little Archaeologist” hall, dedicated to children aged 5–12, offers interactive and hands-on learning experiences. Children can explore Sharjah’s historical timeline, from the Stone Age to the advent of Islam in the 7th century, while participating in activities that stimulate their imagination and critical thinking skills.

Alya Al Khayyal, Curator of the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, expressed pride in the museum’s role as an educational and entertainment hub that deepens children’s understanding of their heritage. She emphasized the museum’s interactive offerings, such as the ongoing “Journey of Discoveries” exhibit, which allows children to simulate the work of archaeologists through excavation, discovery, and documentation activities.

Al Khayal noted that the annual events at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, especially on International Children’s Day, align with Sharjah Museums Authority’s goal to raise children’s awareness of cultural heritage. She highlighted that these activities celebrate children’s rights to learn, explore, and connect with their heritage, fostering pride in their identity and ancestors.

Marking World Children’s Day, the SMA will host a special event titled “A Child’s Right to Know Sharjah’s History” on November 20 at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. The program includes interactive museum tours, storytelling sessions, and workshops aimed at enriching children’s understanding of cultural heritage while highlighting the link between children’s rights and their historical and cultural heritage.

In addition, the SMA continues to promote awareness of cultural heritage through initiatives like the “I am at Sharjah Museums” photography exhibition, which showcases the creative works of students from private and public schools across the UAE. The exhibition, running until April 2025 at Bait Al Naboodah Museum, celebrates the beauty and architectural uniqueness of Sharjah’s museums while fostering children’s creativity and connection to heritage.