NAMI ISLAND: The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) has unveiled a memorial dedicated to the traditional Emirati art of “Al-Ayyala” on Nami Island, Republic of Korea.
This initiative celebrates the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the UAE and serves as a pioneering international step in building a cultural bridge between the two nations.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Fred Minn, CEO of Nami Island Arts and Education. The park where the monument is located has been named “UAE Park.”
The monument celebrates the UAE’s deep-rooted heritage and symbolises the growing cultural ties between the two countries. It embodies the traditional art of Al-Ayyala, a symbol of the authentic values of the UAE’s heritage, passed down through generations, and underscores the importance of intangible cultural heritage in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
In his o
pening remarks, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam emphasised that this initiative reflects the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to engage in dialogue with others and embrace their knowledge and arts. The monument strengthens cultural interaction and builds bridges of understanding between different cultures. Al-Musallam stressed that cultural preservation transcends geography and fosters civilizational and intellectual exchange on a global level.
He noted that Al-Ayyala is more than just a traditional art; it is an expression of collective spirit and unity among the people of the UAE. Through this monument, he hopes to build new avenues for cultural cooperation and human connection between peoples.
“The Al-Ayyala monument stands as a key pillar in the journey of cultural exchange, reaffirming our strong ties with South Korea through a cultural symbol that reflects our rich heritage. It offers visitors to Nami Island an opportunity to experience th
e authentic arts and traditions of the UAE. The monument also serves as a testament to the efforts of the SIH in promoting Sharjah’s cultural mission globally and enhancing cultural awareness of the importance of heritage and its preservation for future generations,” added Al-Musallam.
He also highlighted that the unveiling of this monument coincides with the 10th anniversary of Al-Ayyala’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The monument is crafted from stainless steel with a polished metallic finish and is mounted on a marble-covered concrete base, ensuring it will endure for the next ten years in its designated spot on Nami Island. It consists of seven pillars connected to a single base, symbolising the unity of the seven emirates. The names of each emirate are engraved on the pillars in both Arabic and English.
At the top of the pillars, handgrips holding the traditional sticks used in Al-Ayyala performances are artistically integrated to reflect the dynamic spirit of the performer
s. A central metal plaque displays the name of the UAE in Arabic and English, followed by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage’s logo and a QR code that links to informative videos about Al-Ayyala in Arabic, English, and Korean.
Source: Emirates News Agency
