Sharjah, November 26, 2024
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, explored cultural and educational collaboration with a Deutsche delegation spearheaded by Dr. Claudia Römmelt, Director of the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, discussed strategies to enhance German language education within Sharjah’s cultural institutions, organise workshops and training sessions, and collaborate on joint initiatives in cinema and the performing arts, aligning with Sharjah’s commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and openness to global experiences.
The visit, in the presence of Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR; Peter Barlow, Executive Director of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy; and Svea Lang, Head of Language and Deputy Director of the Goethe-Institut, included a tour of the House of Wisdom and the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy.
A legacy of philosophers, thinkers, and writers
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi praised Germany’s profound cultural heritage, which has greatly enriched humanity through its celebrated philosophers, thinkers, and writers, who have played a pivotal role in shaping modern civilisation.
The Chairman stressed that the collaboration with the Goethe-Institut aligns with Sharjah’s vision of fostering a knowledge-based society, positioning the emirate as a regional hub for knowledge, creativity, and culture while contributing to comprehensive and sustainable development.
A rich cultural history between Sharjah and Germany
Dr. Claudia Römmelt’s visit aligns with the strong cultural collaboration between Sharjah and Germany, which has laid a solid foundation for cultural and intellectual exchange. This year, the Sharjah Museums Authority hosted the “SAWA: 10 Years of Cultural Exchange in Museum Learning” conference, marking a decade of collaboration between the authority and prominent German institutions such as the Berlin State Museums and the Goethe-Institut.
Sharjah has also participated in ITB Berlin, an international tourism and travel exhibition showcasing its rich cultural heritage and diverse arts, drawing significant attention from German visitors. Moreover, the culture without Borders initiative has collaborated with German cultural institutions to develop cultural content and exchange experiences.
Cultural Initiatives
Dr. Claudia Römmelt’s visit is significant, reflecting her leadership in advancing cultural initiatives and German language education programmes and fostering cultural partnerships across the region. Overseeing initiatives throughout the Gulf, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, Dr. Römmelt focuses on enhancing cultural dialogue and facilitating knowledge exchange.
In the UAE, the Goethe-Institut is key in promoting German language education and cultural exchange by organising workshops and training programmes in literature and the arts. Through its collaborations with Sharjah’s cultural institutions, the institute builds cultural and intellectual bridges, strengthens dialogue, and fosters mutual understanding between cultures.
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Attached general images during the visit to the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy