Sharjah Museums Authority opens ‘Art of Architectural Ornamentations in Emirate of Sharjah’ Photography ExhibitionSultan bin Ahmed attends UOS Alumni Association ceremony

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) announces the opening of its latest exhibition, "The Art of Architectural Ornamentations in the Emirate of Sharjah - A Photography Exhibition," hosted at Bait Al Naboodah. Inaugurated by Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of SMA in the presence of the exhibition participants, the exhibition opens its doors to visitors from February 17, 2024, and aims to inspire audiences for a period of six months. The choice of Bait Al Naboodah as the venue is attributed to its rich historical significance, central location in Sharjah, and stunning architectural design. The house features wooden columns influenced by Roman architecture and a unique backdrop of designs sourced from India by Obaid Al Naboodah, adding to its cultural richness. Its architecture, adorned with intricate wooden and plaster decorations inspired by Islamic art-including floral motifs, geometric shapes, and calligraphy-enhances its historical and aesthetic value. The Director General of SMA highligh ted that the exhibition showcases a fusion of beauty and heritage through various architectural styles, aligning with Sharjah's renewed identity as a beacon of creativity and heritage, encapsulating the Emirate's historical narrative. 'This event is a significant platform to showcase Sharjah's dedicated efforts in preserving its cultural and architectural heritage,' she said. 'It mirrors the emirate's creative essence through its distinctive architectural styles that blend history with modernity, showcased in iconic structures like beautiful mosque domes and other cultural landmarks.' The exhibition features creative photographs from three talented photographers selected from 85 contestants in a competition organized by the Authority for individuals aged 15 and above between September and November last year where a panel of experts from the Emirates Photography Society evaluated and shortlisted the outstanding images for display. Ten works were chosen for display, narrating through their unique perspectiv es the story of Islamic art and the contemporary essence of the vibrant emirate. These images capture the unique architectural narratives of Sharjah, incorporating Islamic elements like floral patterns, geometric designs, and calligraphy, offering a special experience for photography enthusiasts, professionals, and architectural aficionados to delve into the beauty of architectural decorations and discover the unique characteristics of Sharjah's buildings. Among the featured photographs is the entrance to Bait Al Naboodah Majlis, depicting traditional Emirati door designs and heritage floral decorations, and an image of Bank Street showcasing a graffiti mural, a visual spectacle on a building's wall. Additionally, the exhibition includes images of Sharjah Mosque, the largest in the emirate, celebrated for its intricate architectural decorations, as well as the Central Souk, an iconic structure printed on the UAE five-dirham note, known for its beautiful domes, distinctive, blue-colored walls, arches, and g eometric decorations. The University City Hall, illuminated during the Sharjah Light Festival, also features, highlighting its elegant architectural elements inspired by Arab culture. Accompanying the exhibition, the Authority has organized workshops aligned with the event's goals, including the 'Basic Principles of Photography" workshop in collaboration with the Emirates Photography Society and photographer Tahani Al-Arsali. Additionally, a "Traditional Ornamentations" workshop, starting Sunday, February 18, and running until August 18, offers participants a chance to explore the architectural beauty of Bait Al Naboodah, enriching their appreciation of Sharjah's cultural legacy. Source: Emirates News Agency SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, attended the annual ceremony of the University of Sharjah (UOS) Alumni Association 2024, under the slogan "Our Graduates, Our Pride", held in the outdoor area of the student colleges. During the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurated the Media Club for the graduates as a new initiative by the Alumni Association, and he was granted honorary membership in the club. At the beginning of the ceremony, the attendees watched a visual presentation highlighting the achievements of the Alumni Association. Several officials of the association spoke about the association's strategy, goals, and the digital transformation in its communication with its members inside and outside the country. Dr. Hanadi Obaid Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the University of Sharjah Alumni Association, delivered a speech emphasising the importance of the annual gathering of the gradu ates and its role in enriching their diverse knowledge. She said, 'Every time we gather at our annual association ceremony, we breathe a great sense of nostalgia and memories, and a long history of discoveries and first experiences of more than 45,000 male and female graduates that our prestigious university has produced over a quarter of a century. They form a miniature society that creates impact and change in their communities across the Arab world and perhaps even globally, armed with its scientific and humanitarian values.' The Chairperson of the association also presented the achievements of the Executive Committee during the previous time, including expanding its activities and events and establishing new branches in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Oman, reflecting the extended influence from the heart of Sharjah to the Arab world. She also highlighted the efforts in assisting new graduate members and preparing them for professional practice through various specialised workshops. The Chairperson of the University of Sharjah Alumni Association concluded her speech by sparking light on the importance of exerting unlimited efforts to serve the future generations of graduates in the coming years. On the occasion of the launch of the Media Club for the graduates, Dr. Nawal Asker Al Naqbi, the Director of the club, delivered a speech sparking light on the initiative of launching the club, which is coordinated with the College of Communication at the university to enhance connections and collaboration with the graduates of the college and the university, affirming that the aim of the initiative is to provide a platform for exchanging experiences, opportunities, and developing media practices skills. She added, 'We firmly believe that learning does not stop after graduation, and therefore, our club is designed to continue the journey of acquiring the cornerstones of knowledge and keeping up with developments in this field.' Dr. Nawal Asker concluded her speech by emphasising the Media Club's commitment to en hancing skills and sharing experiences, inviting the graduates to join the club and engage with its activities and events. At the end of the ceremony, the President of the University, along with the attending graduates, enjoyed a dinner held on the occasion of the annual ceremony of the University of Sharjah Alumni Association. Source: Emirates News Agency