Director SMD Manal Ataya delivers key talk at Cultural Heritage Programme

Organised jointly by Athar Programme and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the four-week course aims to introduce professionals working in the Arab region to the field of conservation and management of heritage and museum collections.

In her talk entitled 'The Role of Museums in an Arab Context - Case Study Sharjah', Ataya explored the vital function that museums are playing in both preserving and promoting the region's heritage with a specific focus on the many highly successful museums currently functioning under the umbrella of the Sharjah Museums Department.

Supported by a series of informative visual aides she discussed the development of the exemplary collections of SMD's various museums and lauded the role visionary role played by the UAE's leadership and that of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, particular.

On the occasion, Director Manal Ataya, commented, "Today, the SMD supports around 16 heritage, history, scientific discovery and art museums in Sharjah, an Emirate which is well-known as the region'scultural hub. The role of museums in the Arab world has recently become an ever more important topic of discussion, and more so, as they offer kaleidoscopic opportunities for education, knowledge creation and self-development for individuals, communities and societies. The course is an excellent Endeavour to create the much needed skill pool among young professionals who want to excel in their careers as archeologists, historians and academicians."

Manal said further, "The Museum ethos is anchored firmly in the personal vision of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a consummate intellectual and scholar in his own right and an ever dedicated advocate of education and culture as key components in the long-term development of his people. In order to be truly effective, a deep understanding, knowledge and appreciation of what constitutes the local history and heritage as well as the religious, cultural and national identity, is very important. He continues a long line of Islamic patrons whose commitment and stately duty continually drove them to provide facilities for the intellectual and educational as well as spiritual advancement of their people."

The course aims to provide a foundation for professionals who wish to develop their knowledge in specialised cultural heritage fields including heritage documentation, presentation and interpretation, preventive conservation of cultural heritage materials, management of heritage places, cultural tourism, and risk preparedness.