House of Wisdom Recognised for Cultural Leadership in Sustainable Tourism

Sharjah's House of Wisdom has received the Sustain Sharjah Award for Tourist Destinations, honouring its commitment to weaving sustainability through education, culture and community engagement.

Knowledge, when it moves beyond the page and into the consciousness of those who encounter it, has the power to reshape how people understand their relationship with the world. This principle lies at the heart of the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, which has been recognised for its contribution to sustainable tourism through cultural and educational excellence.

The institution received the Sustain Sharjah Award for Tourist Destinations at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum Awards 2026, held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on 28 October. The award was presented by Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Seaports and Customs Authority, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, received the honour in recognition of the institution’s efforts to promote sustainability through carefully designed programmes and community initiatives. Her acceptance reflected a philosophy that extends far beyond conventional tourism metrics. “A cultural destination’s sustainability depends on its ability to remain relevant to its community and its evolving needs, helping generations understand and respond responsibly to contemporary challenges,” she noted.

The House of Wisdom contributes to Sharjah’s cultural landscape through interactive spaces, exhibitions and a thoughtfully curated selection of experiences designed for visitors of varying ages and backgrounds. These programmes blend learning with exploration and community engagement, creating moments where understanding deepens and awareness takes root. Importantly, the institution works to embed environmental consciousness into everyday behaviour, weaving sustainability awareness through initiatives that encourage responsible practices and help people integrate ecological responsibility into their daily lives.

This recognition arrives as Sharjah advances its commitment to sustainable innovation through urban development, and reflects the emirate’s broader vision of creating knowledge and cultural institutions that serve not merely as tourist destinations but as catalysts for meaningful change. The award underscores the essential role that cultural spaces play in shaping how communities think, learn and respond to the challenges of contemporary life.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The recognition of the House of Wisdom exemplifies how the UAE’s cultural institutions are increasingly positioned at the intersection of tourism, education and environmental stewardship. This model demonstrates that cultural attractions drive economic benefit whilst nurturing the intellectual and civic life of the communities they serve, creating sustainable value that endures beyond visitor statistics.

For Abu Dhabi and the broader emirates, the award signals the growing sophistication of tourism strategy across the region. As cultural tourism becomes increasingly important to the UAE’s diversified economy, this recognition underscores how educational and cultural institutions can differentiate themselves through commitment to genuine sustainability and community responsibility, influencing how the emirates are perceived internationally.

Source: WAM