Preserving Sharjah’s Heritage & History through Sustainability

Sustainable tourism is not only focused on environmental protection but also on preserving important heritage sites and celebrating local culture. The Heart of Sharjah and the Mleiha Archaeological Center are world-renowned examples of historic preservation in the Middle East.

The Heart of Sharjah is the largest heritage preservation project in the Gulf, involving the conversion of traditional houses into museums, souqs, shops, restaurants and galleries. The Mleiha Archaeological Center is dedicated to showcasing Bronze Age and pre-Islamic artifacts found in the desert. These projects attract tourists but also promote education and awareness of the cultural history of Sharjah to residents.

Preservation vs modernization

A challenge for many heritage sites and historical buildings is balancing preserving traditional architecture and style and creating an attractive experience for modern tourists and visitors. The Heart of Sharjah found a balance by preserving many of the architectural and building features, as well as the Bedouin style of houses with centrally placed courtyards, while modernising the interiors. Many of the buildings are now used for modern art galleries, which increases engagement, and since the galleries are arranged in different buildings, visitors are encouraged to wander through the area. The Mleiha visitor centre is a modern building that blends seamlessly with the archaeological ruins and desert environment, and the centre offers a range of educational and adventure tours. Both sites attract visitors with engaging activities while showcasing the heritage and history of Sharjah.

Uniquely Sharjah

Eco-tourists seek unique travels that are not part of mass tourism offerings. They often search for beautiful nature and rare cultural experiences that are off the beaten path. By identifying, preserving and highlighting uncommon attractions found in Sharjah, there is potential to attract eco-tourists and those seeking unique experiences. The Heart of Sharjah contains over a dozen museums, galleries, souqs, and even a preserved fort. For a tourist interested in culture and history, this area is brimming with options and sets Sharjah apart within the United Arab Emirates. Further, the Mleiha Archaeological Center contains historical evidence dating back over 130,000 years, showing that the site was visited by the earliest humans. These rare finds appeal to ancient history lovers who can view ruins and artefacts.

Safeguarding heritage

Beyond attracting tourists, the Heart of Sharjah and Mleiha are critical in preserving the heritage of Sharjah for local residents. The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest developing countries in the world, and there is always the risk of historical sites being razed in favor of infrastructural developments. These two sites, as well as many more heritage and natural areas, are protected against development in order to preserve their historical value. These areas have preserved ancient buildings and artefacts but also included renovations and restorations to prevent degradation of the sites. Preservation can be expensive, but Sharjah has demonstrated that it is a priority, showing a sense of pride in the history of the emirate while also looking to the future. These attractions also offer low-cost tickets and school programs, ensuring that the centres are accessible to all populations of national and international visitors.

The cultural side of sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism often focuses on the environmental and economic impacts and social impacts tend to be overlooked. Social sustainability in tourism means that cultural elements of the destination are protected and preserved, much like natural ecosystems are, and that the local community are benefited and included in tourism. Benefits can be secured through offering education and activities to communities, but also by strengthening the economy and creating jobs. Just as with environmental protection, cultural sites should not be overexploited and care should be taken to protect heritage assets for future generations. The Heart of Sharjah and Mleiha site demonstrate how social and cultural sustainability can be implemented for tourism projects.

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Heritage and History in Sharjah

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