Sharjah Museums Authority Joins ‘UAE Innovates 2024’ to Promote Cultural Innovation
Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is excited to announce its participation in the prestigious ‘UAE Innovates 2024’ event, which showcases the nation’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and visionary thinking. As a key player in the cultural landscape of Sharjah, SMA aims to position the Emirate as a global cultural beacon while highlighting the significance of museums as enriching educational spaces.
The event, taking place in Sharjah until February 21st, perfectly aligns with SMA’s vision and mission of preserving collections, promoting culture and education, and elevating museum standards. Throughout the week, SMA invites the public to immerse themselves in various innovative initiatives and events.
One of the key highlights will be the Innovation in Museum Learning showcased at the Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) and Bait Al Naboodah. This exceptional experience combines technology and augmented reality (AR) to bring historical stories from Sharjah to life. Developed in collaboration with Krzysztof Pietroszek of the American University’s IDEAS Institute, Suhail Dahdal of the American University of Sharjah, and talented students from the American University of Sharjah, this AR experience represents a significant milestone in blending technology with cultural heritage. By animating historical sites and artifacts within a virtual and augmented reality environment, this approach aims to engage Emirati youth with their heritage in a novel and immersive way.
The Sharjah Archaeology Museum will host the Innovation in Living initiative, taking visitors on a journey back in time to explore the ancient human era and the development of early settlements. This initiative showcases the evolution of agriculture through human innovation, highlighting the Al Falaj irrigation system, hunting techniques, the use of ornamental tools, and the intricacies of daily life in ancient times. Visitors can engage in interactive activities, guided tours, and workshops to get a firsthand experience of Flint Stocks, Glazed Pottery, and Al Aflaj.
At the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, the Innovation in Science initiative celebrates the remarkable contributions of Muslim scholars in mathematics, physics, astronomy, and medicine. The Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology highlights their scientific innovations that have greatly influenced human civilization. A hands-on workshop will delve into one of the greatest Islamic scientific achievements, the Elephant Clock, invented by Ibn Al-Razzaz Al-Jazari. In addition to interactive screens, visitors can participate in guided tours and various activities to enhance their understanding of these groundbreaking contributions.
In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion initiative at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation provides a tactile tour specifically designed for visually impaired visitors. This tour incorporates models from the museum’s collections, allowing visitors to have a hands-on learning experience by touching and handling replicas. Braille labels and booklets are available to enrich the tactile experience of exploring antiquities and Islamic civilization. Additionally, on February 18, the museum will offer a guided tour in sign language to ensure an inclusive cultural experience for visitors with hearing disabilities.
The participation of Sharjah Museums Authority in ‘UAE Innovates 2024’ reinforces the Emirate’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and cultural development. The diverse range of initiatives and events on display not only highlights the rich heritage of Sharjah but also showcases the Emirate’s dedication to embracing new technologies and engaging its youth in meaningful ways. Through this event, SMA continues to set an exemplary standard for museums worldwide, solidifying Sharjah’s position as a global cultural destination.
