Architectural Archaeological Tangible Heritage in the Arab Region (ATHAR) News

The 5th Arab Forum for Cultural Heritage, organized by ICCROM through its Regional Centre in Sharjah, concluded today with a powerful call to empower women and youth as central actors in protecting and revitalizing heritage. Over three days of exchange, cultural leaders, policymakers, and practitioners came together to reaffirm that safeguarding heritage is not only about preserving the past but...

Reflecting the mission of the National Museum of Oman to preserve and showcase the Sultanate’s cultural heritage for present and future generations, a joint initiative with ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah has reached a key milestone. This achievement is the result of close collaboration and shared commitment, highlighting the power of partnership in safeguarding heritage.

On 3 February 2025, ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, welcomed H.E. Mrs. Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, to discuss strengthening the long-standing partnership between ICCROM and Jordan. As a Member State since 1958, Jordan has worked closely with ICCROM since its inception on cultural heritage management and capacity-building initiatives.

Today, 18 December 2024, we join UNESCO in celebrating World Arabic Language Day, recognizing Arabic's vital role in culture, arts, and innovation. This year’s theme, “Arabic Language and AI – Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage,” emphasizes how modern technology can support the evolution of the Arabic language while safeguarding its rich traditions.

ICCROM actively participated in the International Summer School for Youth & Heritage (ISSYH), an annual international event organized by the International Forum Bosnia (IFB). ISSYH emphasizes the transformative power of cultural heritage in rebuilding communities affected by conflict, where cultural heritage has been both a target and a tool for reconstruction. In this context, the programme...

On November 27, ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, met with Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Government Relations (DGR), and Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah.

On 26 November 2024, ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, met with H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture of the United Arab Emirates, at the Ministry's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

On November 27, ICCROM’s Director-General, Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, met with H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and former ICCROM Council member. The meeting focused on advancing their shared commitment to cultural heritage conservation and community empowerment.

The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah organized a special ceremony to announce the winning projects of the 4th cycle of the ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices in the Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Arab Region (2023-2024), and the 3rd cycle of the Arab Cultural Heritage Award for the Young, at the headquarters of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah - Centre for...