The four-day academic summit explored artificial intelligence and digital media integrations to safeguard Arab oral traditions.
SHARJAH, July 11, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) officially concluded its third Heritage Conference following four days of comprehensive academic discussions. The summit brought together an elite group of scholars, researchers, and cultural experts from across the Arab world to analyze the future of intangible cultural heritage within the digital landscape.
The conference, which ran from July 7 to 10 under the theme “Oral Traditions in a Changing World: From Live Performance to Digital Media,” focused heavily on leveraging scientific research and technological innovations to protect oral traditions and reinforce global cultural identity. By acting as a strategic bridge between universities, research centers, and cultural institutions, the event highlighted the deployment of cutting-edge modern technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to document, archive, and promote historical oral assets.
A major highlight of the four-day event was the launch of 35 new academic publications by the SIH, spanning specialized folklore studies, heritage literature, and documentation methodologies aimed at enriching Arabic academic libraries.
“The third edition has successfully achieved its academic objectives, cementing its status as a premier Arab platform for intangible cultural heritage dialogue,” stated Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of SIH and Head of the Conference. “Oral traditions are a living expression of our societal values. Digital media and artificial intelligence must be utilized to safeguard and seamlessly transmit this legacy to future generations.”
The conference also honored notable figures, including Dr. Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mazroui, who praised the summit’s role in preserving collective memory.
Key Recommendations
In the final closing statement, Professor Mohammed Saeed Al Belushi of Qatar outlined the collective scientific recommendations generated by the summit’s participants:
- AI Integration: Deploying artificial intelligence models to systematically collect, catalog, and analyze complex oral heritage data.
- Digital Infrastructure: Developing robust, interactive digital platforms and expanding comprehensive field documentation projects.
- Educational Inclusion: Integrating oral heritage elements directly into school curricula and actively engaging youth demographics.
- Institutional Alliances: Strengthening cross-border research partnerships between universities and cultural bodies while expanding Arab and international cooperation.
The closing ceremony concluded with traditional Emirati folk art performances by the Sharjah National Troupe alongside modern musical presentations by Professor Mariam Al Shaloubi, reflecting Sharjah’s broader vision of using heritage preservation as a baseline for sustainable cultural development.
