In the presence of Sheikha Bodour, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Italian archaeologists
The UAE Embassy in Rome organizes a symposium on the UAE’s efforts in preserving and maintaining antiquities
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Rome organized a symposium on “Antiquities in the UAE and the most important archaeological discoveries in Sharjah”, with the aim of shedding light on the archaeological heritage of the UAE and the best practices followed in preserving and maintaining antiquities, in addition to reviewing the mechanisms for registering and promoting them, and emphasizing the importance of this sector in the history of the country, its economy, and its role in promoting cultural tourism.
The symposium coincided with the opening of the international archaeological exhibition “From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route”, which is the first Arab exhibition to be held in the Roman Senate “Curia Julia” in the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome.
The symposium was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, Khalid Ahmed Al Jarman, Advisor at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Rome, His Excellency Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, the entity responsible for implementing the exhibition, in addition to Professor Paolo Crafa, Vice President of the University of Rome I Sapienza, along with more than 55 academics and specialists in archaeology.
Commercial and cultural ties extending across the ages
During the symposium, Professor Paolo Crafa spoke about the historical relations between Rome and the Arab region, especially with the UAE, highlighting the commercial and cultural ties that extended across the ages. A number of Italian researchers and scholars specializing in archaeology also participated with interventions that addressed the mutual influences between ancient civilizations, the importance of archaeological discoveries in understanding the history of the region, and the role of archaeological research in enhancing cultural rapprochement between peoples.
A cultural legacy dating back thousands of years
In turn, His Excellency Issa Yousef spoke about the most prominent archaeological sites in the Emirate of Sharjah, pointing to the important discoveries that confirm the region’s richness in a cultural legacy dating back thousands of years. He reviewed the efforts made by the Authority in excavation, documentation, and preservation of archaeological sites, in addition to restoration projects and international cooperation with specialized institutions. He also stressed the importance of these sites in understanding human history and enhancing Sharjah’s position as a global cultural center.
In her participation during the symposium, Kholoud Al-Holi Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Tangible Cultural Heritage Department at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, reviewed Sharjah’s efforts in documenting archaeological sites and promoting research studies on the history of the region, pointing to specialized initiatives in rehabilitating archaeological sites and integrating them into the cultural and tourist scene, in addition to using the latest technologies in studying and analyzing archaeological discoveries, which contributes to preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
The exhibition “From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route”, which will continue until May 4, highlights the cultural heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah, and introduces Italian and international cultural and scientific circles to its historical role as a commercial and cultural center on the ancient Spice Route. The exhibition includes 110 rare artifacts discovered in ancient commercial centers in the Emirate of Sharjah, including the Mleiha and Dibba Al Hisn areas, confirming the Emirate’s commitment to preserving its heritage and conveying it to the world as part of its efforts to promote cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.
