Sharjah: Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), recently welcomed Elmar Seibel, President of ARS Libri in the United States, and John Rutter at the Institute's headquarters in University City. The gathering, attended by Dr Hamad Bin Saray, Dr Mona Bouanama, and Noura Al Khayal, aimed to bolster cultural ties and foster collaboration in the fields of library management and cultural heritage preservation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting between the two parties focused on exploring potential collaborations in documenting cultural heritage, exchanging expertise in library management, and developing strategies to preserve and disseminate knowledge amidst digital transformations. Elmar Seibel showcased a selection of rare collections that include Arab and Islamic heritage, architecture, and traditional crafts, which will be part of the Institute's new library under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
The discussions underscored the pivotal role of libraries as cultural custodians and knowledge transmission centers. Opportunities for launching joint initiatives to raise awareness of human heritage and support specialized research projects were also explored. The delegation was given a tour of the Institute's facilities, including the Restoration and Manuscripts Department, the Heritage Library, and the Arab Heritage Centre, concluding at the International Organisations Centre for Cultural Heritage with discussions on the importance of museums in fostering intercultural dialogue.
This visit exemplifies the Sharjah Institute for Heritage's dedication to learning from international experiences and incorporating global best practices in archiving and documentation to enhance its mission of preserving and promoting Emirati cultural heritage. At the conclusion of the visit, Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam presented Elmar Siebel with various Institute publications, highlighting the significance of knowledge exchange and cultural collaboration.
