Sharjah has long been the cultural capital of the Middle East thanks to the Emirate’s support and celebration of talent in the arts, music, literature and education sectors.
Aisha Rashid Deemas
The Sharjah Museums Authority was established in 2006 under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as an autonomous government authority. Today it oversees 16 museums across Sharjah in various categories, including Islamic art and culture, archaeology, heritage, science, marine life, as well as the history of Sharjah and the region. This blanket governing authority is helping to elevate the profile of each of Sharjah’s museums and help the Emirate to further its position as a cultural beacon, as well as educate the local and international communities on Sharjah’s diverse offerings. Leading SMA’s vision is Director General Aisha Rashid Deemas, whose guidance is allowing the authority to further establish the work of Sharjah’s museums as well as diversify and attract wider audiences to the Emirate. Here we find out more.
Tell us about the current vision and direction of the Sharjah Museums Authority.
The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) aims to be a cultural beacon that enhances Sharjah’s identity locally and internationally and contributes to nurturing a community aware of museums’ importance as cultural, educational, and enjoyable destinations. We are deeply committed to safeguarding and celebrating Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage while fostering sustainable community engagement. Museums serve as important custodians of history and heritage, but they are also dynamic educational platforms that inspire learning, disseminate knowledge, and provide enriching entertainment. Moreover, SMA envisions its museums as vibrant social hubs that strengthen connections within the community while showcasing the enduring cultural legacy of Sharjah.
How does SMA support and encourage tourism in Sharjah?
SMA plays a pivotal role in boosting Sharjah’s tourism by offering diverse and engaging museum experiences that appeal to both local and international visitors. Through carefully curated exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs, SMA highlights the emirate’s rich history and heritage. Its broad initiatives and regular exhibitions, hosted across its various museums, provide immersive and interactive experiences that inspire tourists to delve deeper into Sharjah’s unique cultural landscape.
The rich collections of Sharjah’s museums hold immense potential to foster intercultural dialogue and promote cultural understanding and exchange. We are dedicated to making our 16 museums accessible to all visitors, including tourists, ensuring access on physical, intellectual, and even virtual levels. SMA consistently explores innovative approaches to enhance the visitor experience. Beyond considerations for physical access, SMA works to boost intellectual accessibility to its collections. Our museums offer exhibitions, events, and activities catering to our audiences’ diversity and providing meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities for all.
What can you tell us about the overall vision looking ahead?
Looking ahead, the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is committed to cultural heritage preservation while ensuring museums continue to serve as dynamic spaces for learning, engagement, and discovery. The authority aims to broaden its reach through enhanced digital platforms, introduce more interactive and immersive exhibits, and strengthen international collaborations. With a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, SMA works tirelessly to make its rich cultural offerings accessible to all segments of the community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with and benefit from Sharjah’s vibrant cultural scene.
What are the current projects you’re working on?
Recently, SMA participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair, where we proudly launched a new book that delves into the rich history and unique collections of Sharjah’s museums. The publication “titled “Sharjah Museums” serves as a valuable resource, offering insights into the emirate’s cultural heritage and its vibrant museum landscape.
SMA recently hosted the SAWA Conference, celebrating the 10th anniversary of this groundbreaking intercultural museum studies program. Organised in collaboration with Berlin State Museums, Goethe-Institute Gulf Region, and the University of Applied Sciences Berlin, the conference emphasized the importance of cross-cultural exchange and highlighted the program’s decade-long achievements in fostering mutual understanding within the museum field.
And in celebration of the UAE’s 53rd National Day, SMA has curated a vibrant lineup of events and activities across its museums. These events aim to honour the nation’s heritage and bring communities together in a spirit of unity and pride. We also continue to strengthen our partnerships with academic institutions, such as those with students from the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah. These collaborations allow students to work on real-world projects, gaining practical experience in exhibition design and curation. In turn, the museums benefit from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas young talent, enriching our exhibitions and programs.
Looking ahead, SMA is preparing an exciting lineup of exhibitions for 2025, which will be announced in the new year.
How do you differentiate between Sharjah’s key museums and ensure there is a diverse offering for visitors?
Each museum under the Sharjah Museums Authority has a distinct thematic focus, offering a unique perspective on Sharjah’s rich heritage. For example, the Sharjah Heritage Museum is dedicated to Emirati culture, while the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum celebrates the artistry of Arabic calligraphy. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization highlights Islamic art and culture, bridging the past and present.
This thematic diversity ensures that each museum contributes to Sharjah’s broader cultural narrative while preserving its specialised focus. At SMA, we also prioritise community involvement and education, positioning our museums as active centres of learning and cultural exchange. Through exhibitions, workshops, and public programs, SMA’s museums engage with the local community and cultivate an appreciation of Sharjah’s heritage among younger generations.
Furthermore, SMA plays an active role in international cultural diplomacy by promoting Sharjah’s cultural heritage on a global scale through exhibitions and collaborations. These efforts ensure that each museum retains its individuality while contributing to a cohesive and dynamic cultural narrative that not only reflects Sharjah’s rich history but also highlights its role within the broader UAE cultural landscape.
Can you share a little about your personal journey so far and how you progressed to your current role?
My journey in the cultural and museum sectors has been both rewarding and transformative. I began my career with the Sharjah Museums Authority in 2006 as a Curator at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, where I managed collections, organised exhibitions, and fostered national and international collaborations. This role provided me with the invaluable opportunity to engage deeply with the cultural heritage of our region.
In 2012, I was promoted to Director of Executive Affairs at the Sharjah Museums Authority, where I focused on long-term planning and overseeing services across all our museums. This position further strengthened my commitment to delivering diverse, inclusive, and enriching experiences for all visitors, ensuring that our museums continue to inspire and connect with a wide range of audiences.
In June 2023, I was appointed Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority. My focus remains on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement. I believe museums are crucial not only in preserving our heritage but also in fostering social connections and engaging the community.
Can you tell us a little about how SMA is working to promote historical and heritage sites within the Emirate?
SMA actively promotes the emirate’s historical and heritage sites through a multifaceted approach that includes partnerships, participation in cultural events, outreach programs, educational services, and tailored community events.
We collaborate with a wide range of local entities, from the Sharjah Art Foundation to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority and RUWAD, to enhance cultural initiatives. For instance, SMA worked with RUWAD to organise the “Suppliers Forum: Entrepreneurs’ Projects Exhibition,” providing a platform for Emirati entrepreneurs and fostering partnerships across its 16 museums.
To increase accessibility, SMA introduced the “Museums Express,” a mobile museum program that has reached over 12,000 students, bringing cultural and historical exhibits directly to diverse audiences. This initiative complements SMA’s broader educational services, which include interactive workshops, guided tours, and programs tailored for schools and universities to enhance students’ engagement in museums.
SMA also organizes community-focused events to foster a deeper appreciation for the emirate’s culture. One such event, the “I am at Sharjah Museums” photography competition for school students, highlighted the creativity of young talents capturing the emirate’s heritage through their lenses.
Through these diverse initiatives, SMA continues to promote Sharjah’s historical and heritage sites, fostering stronger connections between the community and its rich cultural legacy.
How do you think SMA has supported Sharjah to grow into the cultural capital of the region?
SMA operates as a vital part of a broader vision set forth by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to position the emirate as a global cultural hub. Guided by this vision, SMA, through its diverse museums, cultural events, and educational programs, has significantly contributed to enhancing Sharjah’s cultural stature. By preserving and showcasing the emirate’s rich heritage, fostering meaningful international collaborations, and actively engaging the community, SMA plays a vital role in advancing Sharjah’s reputation as a beacon of culture and knowledge in the region and beyond.
What’s something you would still like to do in your position?
In my current position, I aim to foster the role of museums as dynamic platforms for knowledge exchange and promote the sustainable development of museums.
It is essential for museums to provide visitors with a holistic experience. To achieve this, we continue to explore engaging and immersive display techniques, including but not limited to, advanced digital technologies, to make Sharjah’s cultural heritage more accessible and appealing, particularly to younger generations. Furthermore, I envision SMA continuing to play a pivotal role in fostering intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, ensuring our museums remain spaces for learning, connection, and community building.
One initiative I am particularly proud of is the SAWA Museum Studies program, which exemplifies the power of collaboration. This program brings together museum professionals and students from around the globe, fostering mutual learning and building bridges between cultures. By supporting and expanding these efforts, we aim to ensure that Sharjah’s museums not only preserve and celebrate our rich heritage but also play a pivotal role in the global cultural landscape, sharing our stories and learning from others to create a truly interconnected cultural experience.
What is the biggest challenge?
One challenge is creating the right balance between traditional museum display methods and embracing modern technologies and innovative approaches. This delicate balance is essential to ensure that our museums remain authentic yet relevant to diverse audiences.
By continuously adapting to technological advancements and evolving audience expectations while remaining true to the authenticity of our heritage, we ensure that our museums continue to inspire, educate, and connect diverse communities, fostering a deep appreciation for Sharjah’s cultural legacy among all generations. Strategic planning and ongoing dialogue with the community are key to achieving this goal.
What are some of the upcoming events visitors can look forward to?
Visitors can look forward to a vibrant lineup of exhibitions and events organised by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), showcasing the emirate’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Among the current highlights is the “Eternal Letters: Qur’an Manuscripts from the Abdul Rahman Al Owais Collection.” This exhibition at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization showcases 81 previously unseen Quranic manuscripts, offering a rare glimpse into the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy in the writing of the Holy Qur’an.
At the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, the “Journey of Discoveries” exhibition offers children an interactive experience, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s archaeological heritage in an immersive and educational setting.
SMA’s much-anticipated “Lamma” event, traditionally held in December, will again bring the community together to celebrate Emirati heritage. This cultural gathering features traditional performances and crafts, providing visitors with an authentic and engaging experience of Sharjah’s heritage.
In conjunction with this, SMA has planned a series of National Day celebrations to mark the UAE’s 53rd National Day from November 23 to December 3, 2024. These celebrations will include traditional folk performances, heritage corners with local delicacies, and cultural competitions in Arabic and English. To further celebrate the occasion, SMA will offer free entry to all its museums on December 1 and 2, ensuring families and visitors can enjoy these enriching experiences.
Enhancing these cultural offerings are the newly recreated community spaces at the Sharjah Art Museum and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization to provide visitors with a more immersive and engaging experience in our museums. These thoughtfully designed areas reflect SMA’s commitment to innovation and offer versatile environments that inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and encourage social interaction. These spaces enable visitors to connect, share ideas, and become part of a vibrant creative community.
