SHARJAH The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has announced the 20th Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) will take place from March 1st to 21st with the theme “Heritage and Creativity.” The event will be held in 12 cities in the Emirate of Sharjah and will include participation from 42 Arab and foreign countries, as well as 40 government agencies. During a press conference, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musalla m, Chairperson of SIH and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for SHD, emphasised the significance of the event in showcasing the beauty of Emirati heritage and consolidating its values, traditions, and customs. The guest of honour for this year’s event is Hungary, and Austria is a distinguished guest. TheSHD will host a varietyof cultural activities, including dances, performances, arts, and exhibitions.Additionally, several Arab, Islamic, and international organisations will also be participating, including UNESCO and ISESCO. The event will also feature a children’s village, with activities for kids, as well as a variety of cultural, academic, and entertainment programmes. The event was attended by Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, and Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Abu Bakr Al Kindi, General Coordinator of SHD, and a group of dignitaries, officials, and media representatives. Recently, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah,was briefed, on Thursday, on the ongoing restoration work in Shariat Al Dhaid and the accompanying projects. Sheikh Sultan toured Shariat Al Dhaid to see the latest completed restoration work and the progress in the accompanying projects. The restoration work included Al Maidaq farm, which belongsto the late Sheikh Saqr Bin Sultan Al Qasimi. With regard to the meaning of the name of the farm, he stated that Al Maidaq in Arabic is the place where gravel is pounded and broken. Al Maidaq Farm includes an old rest house, a basin, and a well where their restoration was completed. Al Maidaq was a resting place for the sheikhs in Shariat Al Dhaid. Sheikh Sultan inspected the water refilling works using the old pump, which is more than 60 years old. The restoration works underway also include Al Mudarasah Tower, which is one of the main defensivetowers inShariat Al Dhaid, and connects Al Dhaid Fort in the south with the defensive tower located in the north of the Shariat. WAM