Sharjah Unveils Sixth Round of Cultural Heritage Award

Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage (SIACH) has officially commenced its sixth round. This announcement took place at a press conference on Monday at the International Cultural Heritage Organisations Centre Theatre, which was attended by researchers, heritage specialists, media members, and SIACH Board of Trustees.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and head of the award’s Board of Trustees, addressed attendees, emphasizing that the award embodies Sharjah's vision of utilizing heritage as a vital tool for bridging cultural divides. He stated that the initiative not only safeguards human memory but also preserves both tangible and intangible cultural assets for future generations.

Dr. Al Musallam noted the evolution of SIACH into a prestigious and recognized international accolade, acknowledging narrators, experts, and initiatives that significantly contribute to heritage conservation. He reiterated that Sharjah regards heritage as a substantial means to enhance cultural identity and deepen the younger generation's understanding of their history.

Moreover, he highlighted that the award transcends mere celebrations, evolving into a platform that showcases remarkable and inspiring heritage experiences, granting them global visibility. Dr. Al Musallam further stressed the necessity of collaboration with international organizations to confront the rapid challenges facing cultural preservation, underscoring the importance of protecting our shared humanity and memory.

Aisha Al Hossan Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of SIACH, also spoke at the event, sharing that the award has transformed into a prominent global platform for raising awareness about cultural heritage. She remarked that the initiative attracts a wide array of institutions, researchers, artisans, and narrators globally, who provide invaluable contributions reflecting the diversity of heritage traditions and their adaptation to contemporary expressions. Al Shamsi noted that the increasing number of submissions reflects the award’s growing significance in fostering heritage preservation.

During the press conference, Dr. Al Musallam officially announced the opening of submissions for the sixth round of the award. He urged universities, cultural organizations, artisans, research centers, narrators, and community groups to submit entries via the award’s official channels. He pointed out that this year’s criteria would be stringent, emphasizing quality, authenticity, originality, and contemporary relevance to ensure all entries align with the award’s prestigious international standing.

The Board of Trustees also provided updates from their recent meeting, where they ratified key decisions related to the sixth cycle, covering the complete timeline for submissions, judging, and the announcement of winners. They underlined the necessity of adhering to the timeline to maintain fair and transparent evaluations, reinforcing the award’s credibility and solidifying its status as an international leader in cultural heritage.

With an expected increase in international participation this year, the SIACH continues to emphasize the UAE’s contribution to the celebration and safeguarding of cultural heritage while supporting academic and community initiatives that offer innovative ways to keep heritage vibrant and relevant for future generations.