Researchers and academics have confirmed that supporting heritage projects is a fundamental pillar for preserving and documenting Emirati heritage. They noted that the sustainability of these projects contributes to passing cultural heritage to future generations and reinforcing societal awareness of the importance of national identity. This was discussed during a cultural session titled 'Supporting Heritage Projects: A Pillar for Documenting Emirati Heritage,' organized by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage as part of the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025. The event, attended by Emirati heritage researcher Dr. Rashid Al Mazrouei and academic Dr. Hamad Bin Surai, and moderated by Mohamed Noor El-Din, highlighted key points. Dr. Rashid Al Mazrouei stated that heritage projects represent a continuous and evolving effort, inseparable from the nation's cultural development journey. He pointed to the constant need for projects across various aspects of folk heritage, both tangible and intangible, adding that publications, seminars, and folk studies are natural outcomes of these projects. He revealed that his current project focuses on documenting the works of poets who have not published comprehensive collections, having completed four encyclopedias so far, each featuring 16 poets. Dr. Hamad Bin Surai emphasized that the success of heritage projects depends on a genuine awareness of the importance of preserving heritage. He stressed the need to design initiatives within a developmental framework that considers the social and economic dimensions and aligns with the identity and values of society. He explained that scientifically documented research is the foundation for the viability of individual heritage experiences, citing his fieldwork that has documented oral history and folk heritage across the UAE and the region. Bin Surai stated that heritage is a living legacy that connects generations with their ancestors and deepens their sense of belonging to the nation and their cultural identity, confirming that these efforts represent a trust in the hands of researchers and specialized institutions.
