Sharjah and Egypt forge deeper cultural partnership through museums and heritage collaboration

H.H. Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi meets with Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities to explore expanded cooperation in archaeology, museum practice and academic exchange.

A significant meeting in Cairo has paved the way for enhanced cultural and academic cooperation between the Emirates and Egypt, as H.H. Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Museums Authority and President of the Global Studies University, engaged in substantive discussions with Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The bilateral conversation, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, reflected the enduring bonds of fraternity and shared heritage that unite the two nations. Both parties underscored the profound historical ties connecting the Emirates and Egypt, whilst affirming their commitment to deepening collaboration across multiple domains of cultural and scholarly significance.

The discourse centred upon three principal avenues of cooperation. First, enhanced partnership in archaeology and museums represents a cornerstone of the emerging framework, with particular emphasis upon Egypt’s unparalleled expertise in antiquities restoration and the sophisticated management of archaeological sites and museum collections. Second, capacity building and the systematic exchange of professional knowledge will facilitate the advancement of curatorial practices and heritage stewardship across both jurisdictions.

H.H. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi articulated a vision of museums as vital conduits for public engagement and scholarly inquiry, emphasising how Sharjah’s cultural institutions serve to weave together artistic and historical narratives with contemporary research whilst fostering meaningful intercultural exchange. This philosophy extends to the Global Studies University, where Professor Salah Mohammed Hassan, the institution’s Director, highlighted the particular value of the Master’s programme in Critical Museum and Heritage Studies as a bridge between academic rigour and the practical realities of museum stewardship.

A particularly promising initiative emerged from the discussions: the possibility of hosting temporary exhibitions showcasing Egyptian antiquities within Sharjah, accompanied by an enriching constellation of workshops and cultural programming. Such endeavours would illuminate the magnificence of Egypt’s ancient civilisation and present to Emirati audiences the remarkable diversity of Egypt’s archaeological and tourism assets.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from both parties to advance their collaborative vision through the development of a formal cooperation protocol. This framework will delineate the specific areas of partnership and establish the practical structures through which these ambitions shall be realised, promising a particularly fruitful era of cultural and intellectual exchange between two custodians of Arabian heritage.

Source: WAM