Sharjah: The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) on Monday inaugurated the SAWA Conference 2024, marking ten years of the SAWA programme-a pioneering initiative that has significantly contributed to cross-cultural museum learning and professional development in the Middle East and Europe. The conference is organised by SMA in collaboration with the Strategic Partner, Crescent Group, and the Platinum Partner the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and is supported by the German Consulate in Dubai.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event is being held from November 4th to 5th, 2024, at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum and serves as a landmark occasion for museum professionals and cultural enthusiasts. The opening ceremony featured keynote speeches from Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, and Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai, alongside Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of SMA, and k
ey cultural figures such as Prof. Dr. Stefan Weber, Director of the Museum for Islamic Art (Pergamon-Museum), and Prof. Dr. Susanne Kähler, Dean of the School of Culture and Design at HTW Berlin, and Dr. Gabriele Landwehr, Former CEO Goethe-Institut Gulf Region.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi highlighted the cross-border opportunities created through the collaboration with Berlin, emphasizing the dynamic potential of museums as spaces for discovery and learning. He stated that the collaboration aims to share knowledge and encourage an exchange of ideas that deepens mutual understanding of histories, beliefs, and communities.

Sybille Pfaff, Germany’s Consul General in Dubai, stressed the SAWA program’s role as a unique platform fostering cultural exchange and empowering those passionate about museum studies. She noted the decade-long impact of the program in creating a collaborative environment that enriches understanding across different backgrounds and commended the Sharjah Museums Authority for its dedication to
sustainability.

Aisha Rashid Deemas celebrated the SAWA programme’s journey over the past decade, highlighting its role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and professional growth. She acknowledged the program as a bridge connecting Arab heritage with European culture, emphasizing the rewards of the long-term partnership with Germany.

The event underscores the cultural significance of the SAWA Museum Studies programme, its role in international collaborations, and its contribution to advancing cultural diplomacy. Attendees will participate in sessions exploring critical topics, including the importance of international cooperation between museums and cultural entities, and the enhancement of museum standards through cross-cultural partnerships.