Latest news with #SharjahDepartmentofGovernmentRelations
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah explores cooperation with Guinean cities in higher education and civil aviation
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi: Sharjah is committed to sustainable development partnerships with African nations The Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR) explored avenues for strengthening cooperation in higher education, civil aviation, and cultural exchange with a high-level Guinean delegation led by His Excellency Sekou Cherifke Camara, Ambassador of Guinea to the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, welcomed the ambassador and emphasised the importance of fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation with African nations. He stressed the importance of exploring joint development opportunities that promote regional stability and serve the mutual interests of both parties. During the meeting, the Guinean ambassador conveyed his country's interest in encouraging Guinean students to pursue higher education in Sharjah. He also discussed the potential establishment of scholarship opportunities and expressed interest in arranging visits to academic institutions across the emirate. These visits, coordinated in collaboration with DGR, would provide first-hand insight into the educational environment and academic offerings in Sharjah. The meeting also explored potential collaboration with Air Arabia to introduce direct flights between Sharjah and Guinea. Both parties acknowledged the significant role such a development could play in improving connectivity and advancing economic, commercial, and cultural relations. A follow-up meeting with relevant stakeholders will be scheduled to explore this initiative further. Promising opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: 'Sharjah is committed to strengthening its relations with African nations, guided by a development-oriented vision that recognises investment in education and culture as essential to building prosperous societies and fostering enduring ties. This commitment reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.' He continued: 'Strengthening Sharjah's engagement with the African continent is a strategic priority, founded on the belief that meaningful partnerships in cultural, educational, and economic sectors are essential to shaping a collaborative and forward-looking future. Our continued dialogue with Guinean officials represents a valuable platform to identify new avenues for cooperation and to implement actionable initiatives that support long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes. Such efforts further affirm the vital role of culture and education in building bridges between nations.' The Guinean delegation's visit to DGR reflects Sharjah's ongoing commitment to expanding its partnerships with African countries and enhancing collaboration in education, aviation, and cultural exchange, in line with the emirate's vision of supporting global engagement and fostering long-term international partnerships.
Sharjah 24
05-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates art exhibition in Rome
The exhibition showcases 110 rare artifacts unearthed from Sharjah's ancient trade centers, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn. These artifacts highlight Sharjah's central role in the thriving trade networks between the East and West during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, offering a captivating glimpse into the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the ancient world. This collaborative showcase between Sharjah and Rome, organized by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), celebrates the millennia old historical and cultural connections between the ancient civilizations of the Arabian Gulf and Rome. The exhibition continues until May 4, 2025. A distinguished gathering of government officials, cultural figures, and dignitaries from both the UAE and Italy attended the opening, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Government Relations; Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; and Ms. Alfonsina Russo, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. This high-profile attendance underscores the exhibition's significance in enhancing cultural dialogue between the two nations. Tracing cultural exchange through archaeological discoveries The rare artifacts unearthed from important archaeological sites in Sharjah, including Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn tell the story of thriving trade centers during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE). Among the standout items are Roman glass flasks, a bronze statue of Venus, and coins from both Roman and Greek empires. These treasures reveal the long-distance trade that connected Rome and Sharjah, illustrating the profound cultural and economic exchanges that took place. Mleiha, in particular, was a flourishing urban and economic center, where these items were in high demand, reflecting the city's integration into the international trade network. The deep ties between the Arab and Roman civilizations, highlighting the commercial and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Spice Route - a vital artery connecting Asia and Europe for trade, knowledge, and technological advances, are a key highlight of the curation. The exhibition illustrates how this route served as a bridge, enabling the movement of goods, ideas, and craftsmanship across continents, laying the foundation for global trade networks. Sharjah Archaeology Authority: Showcasing Sharjah's Historical Legacy to the World Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasized the exhibition's significance, stating: "This exhibition marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to present Sharjah's rich historical legacy to the world, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It serves as a platform to enhance cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration through international archaeological exhibitions and initiatives. Moreover, it reaffirms Sharjah's status as an essential component of the ancient global trade network." He added: "Beyond displaying archaeological discoveries, we are reconstructing history—offering scholars and the public an extraordinary opportunity to explore the profound connections between East and West. The SAA remains committed to advancing research and excavation efforts to uncover more historical treasures that reaffirm Sharjah's leadership as a global center for heritage and culture." Eisa Yousif further noted: "Archaeological discoveries have demonstrated that Sharjah's ports and trade centers were not merely transit points but thriving economic hubs that facilitated the flow of Roman goods into the Arabian Peninsula. These exhibitions and continuous research efforts allow us to reimagine the commercial and cultural landscapes of ancient cities in our region, shedding light on how these connections shaped our shared history." Exploring Sharjah's central role in the ancient global trade network The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Sharjah's pivotal role in the ancient global trade networks. Key ports such as Dibba Port served as strategic hubs where Roman goods, highly sought after by local communities, were exchanged. These bustling trade centres were not only hubs for the flow of commodities but also for knowledge and cultural exchange. This dynamic interaction significantly contributed to the creation of early global trade routes, promoting economic and cultural integration between civilizations. Mleiha: A flourishing economic centre in the heart of the desert Archaeological excavations in Mleiha have revealed Roman and Greek coins, traded alongside locally minted currency featuring designs inspired by foreign coinage. This convergence of currency further emphasizes Mleiha's vital role in the ancient trade routes. Additionally, findings of gold, silver, and bronze circulating through Mleiha highlight the region's thriving commercial activities and the wealth amassed by its merchants, solidifying its place as a key trading city. Trade between Sharjah and Rome facilitated the sharing of artistic, intellectual, and cultural ideas. Artifacts discovered in Sharjah display distinct Roman artistic influences, indicating that Mleiha's inhabitants not only imported Roman goods but adapted and integrated them into their daily lives. This exchange laid the foundation for a vibrant cross-cultural connection that shaped both civilizations, fostering mutual enrichment in areas such as craftsmanship, art, and commerce.
