Museums in Sharjah celebrated Ramadan by holding a series of Iftar events for community members including orphaned children and elderly citizens.
The events were held by Sharjah Maritime Museum, Sharjah Discovery Centre, and Beit Al Sheikh Saeed, which form part of Sharjah Museums Department’s portfolio of museums.
Each Ramadan, Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) organises Iftars as part of its ‘Because We Care’ social responsibility initiative.
This year SMD also allowed free public entry to Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization during the duration of the Holy Month.
In addition, the department held a special Iftar for its staff and their families, and marked Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on Ramadan 19 every year, by honouring workers at Sharjah Museums during Iftar and presenting them with new mobile phones.
Manal Ataya, director general of SMD, said: “The Holy Month of Ramadan is a very important time for Sharjah Museums Department to connect with as many members of our community as possible, especially orphans and the elderly. SMD wants to ensure that the important daily Iftar is experienced in a close knit community atmosphere in which the people of Sharjah public are brought together.
“In addition, by allowing free entry to Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization during the Holy Month, we are encouraging people of all faiths and nationalities to learn about why Ramadan is observed and what makes it so special. The aim of these events is to bring the spirit of kindness and solidarity, and provide support within our society which will help to forge a close knit community spirit.”
The Ramadan programme at Sharjah Maritime Museum included workshops, lectures, cultural seminars, as well as a ceremony to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day.
At Beit Al Sheikh Saeed, the programme of Iftar events specifically targeted orphaned children and the elderly.
Events included art and heritage workshops, and competitions based on religion and heritage.
Meanwhile, Sharjah Discovery Center hosted Iftar events for the third year in a row in cooperation with organisations including Sharjah Charity Association and Al Ihsan Charity Association.
Aimed at orphaned children, the event programme includes an introductory tour of the exhibition’s gallery, scientific activities, competitions, magic shows and face painting.
There was also a special corner for children’s photography with cartoon characters. Gifts were distributed at the end of the event.
Ataya added: “The aim of these events is to extend psychological and moral support to orphans and the elderly by giving them an occasion to share the joy of Ramadan together.
“We hope that by bringing the spirit of kindness and solidarity, and providing humanitarian support within our society, we will help to forge a close knit community spirit.”
The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as an independent government department.
SMD includes 16 museums covering Islamic art and culture, archaeology, heritage, science, marine life and the history of Sharjah and the region.
