Shaikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairwoman of Higher Committee for Sharjah File, inaugurated the Trucial Emirates Gate at Nabouda Council located in the heart of Sharjah, the Visitors Center of Sharjah: The Trucial Emirates Gate”. It narrates the serial nomination of the sites which the emirate seeks to have them listed among the World Heritage List at the UNISCO. Following the inauguration of the center, Shaikha Bodour Al Qassimi chaired the third meeting of the higher committee of Sharjah File “Sharjah: The Grate of the Trucial Emirates” in presence of Dr. Sabah Jassem the director general of Sharjah Archaeology Authority, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Muslem President of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Marwan Bin Jasem Al Serkal Executive Director of Sharjah Investment and Development ((Shrouk)), Manal Ataya director general Sharjah Museums Authority, Amani Al Abdulla director of executive office of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, Kholoud Al Holi Director Administrative office for ((Sharjah: The Gate of Trucial Emirates)). The committee members discussed the developments of nomination process. Also, they discussed the latest developments and plans related to the nominated sites, focusing on the protection and management to maintain the originality and safety of such sites. The committee approved a number of strategic decisions which support preserving the cultural heritage and enhance the mechanism of mutual cooperation among the cultural establishments in the emirate. The delegates toured the Visitors Center where Sharjah history was presented since 1820 till 1971. It houses three main halls, each one narrates the story of ((Sharjah: The Gate of Trucial Emirates)). The first hall narrates Sharjah Story before, during and after the Trucial Emirates era, focusing on the major events and incidents in which the emirate had a local, regional, and international role in terms of development and enhancement of security and peace across the region. The second hall highlights the geographic environment and the spiritual links among the eight sites including coastal, desert, and mountain areas, through an interactive form. The third hall presented the role of ((Historical Sharjah City)) during the era of Trucial Emirates, showing the visitors the architectural layers in the city along the last two centuries. Khould Al Holi director of administrative office stated that the Visitors Center introduces the locals, residents, and tourists to the role of Sharjah emirate during the Trucial Emirates era, during which the area was a focus point of the world powers; however, the Quwasem rulers’ political and economic prudence led to security and stability in the emirate. At that time, Sharjah played a leading role realizing development and civilization exchange across the region, through development of security and communication systems and cultural exchange. The Visitors Center promotes knowledge and awareness on the region’s history before union, by using modern and interactive methods giving such a distinctive touch during their cultural visit at Sharjah historical city.
