After a weeklong celebration of Arabic literature and Emirati heritage in St. Petersburg, curtains have closed on ‘Sharjah Week’. The objective of event, organised by Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR), was to introduce Russian communities to the UAE’s rich cultural identity.

Over the course of the event, participating Sharjah entities showcased their latest efforts and achievements in culture, economy and tourism, and highlighted the unique aspects that make the emirate’s sociocultural fabric. Sharjah Week is part of ‘Sharjah Cultural Days in the World’ – a global cultural activation launched by Sharjah in 2002 to promote knowledge and expertise exchange with cities worldwide.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, reiterated that cultural exchange is the cornerstone of Sharjah’s diplomatic efforts. “We arrived in St. Petersburg carrying our language, literature and unique identity, which are the foundation of Sharjah’s cultural project. It started 40 years ago from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to be a bridge between civilisations and a gateway into the region. This special event is to affirm that cultures is a bridge that connects people and nations”, he said.

“Sharjah Week symbolises the openness we want to share with our cultural counterparts, enabling both parties a chance to learn about each other and appreciate the unique qualities and accomplishments each one possesses. This spectacular event was aligned with Sharjah’s overarching goal to strengthen our friendships with cities around the world,” added Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi.

HE Maadhad Hareb Alkhyeli, Ambassador of the UAE to Russia, lauded organisers of Sharjah Week, saying the event was seamlessly executed and has left a lasting impact on St. Petersburg’s residents and tourists. He said the city received a first-hand taste of Emirati heritage in a way never done before. The ambassador stressed on the importance of Sharjah’s efforts in bringing together cultures and civilisations on such unique platforms to learn more about each other.

The Sharjah delegation, led by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR), comprised Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Airport; Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ali Al Marri, Director of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies; and other senior officials.

The event was organised by DGR in cooperation with Sharjah Culture Department, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah Museums Authority, and Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies.