Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage in Dubai participated in a Ramadan evening event organized by the Sharjah Book Authority at the House of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi in Kalba, under the theme “Women’s Empowerment,” held in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
The event was attended by Sheikha Asma bint Saqr Al Qasimi, along with a number of directors and representatives of governmental institutions, and a large gathering of women from Kalba and the eastern region cities.
The Center’s participation included a lecture titled “The Role of Emirati Women in Libraries,” delivered by Ms. Shaikha Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Head of the National Culture and Public Relations and Media Departments. Al-Mutairi opened her lecture with a historical overview of women’s connection to libraries in ancient civilizations and the roles they occupied in this field. She then moved to the modern era, highlighting the contributions of women to the field of librarianship both in the Arab world and globally.
Al-Mutairi also shed light on the contributions of women to the establishment of several Emirati libraries, including the private library of Hajar Al Khaja. She further highlighted the efforts of Ms. Shaikha Al-Muhairi, former Head of the Libraries Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism, in supporting the library movement in the UAE, especially through her role in the Emirates Library Association.
On the sidelines of the event, the Center organized an exhibition showcasing manuscripts copied by female scribes, including Rahima bint Ridwan, Bint Al-Mawla Muhammad Al-Hanafi, Umm Al-Khair bint Burhan Al-Din Al-Maktab, Fatima bint Abdul Jalil Ibrahim, Salha bint Hussein Qudsi, and Fatima Al-Fudailiya bint Hamad Al-Hanbila.
The evening concluded with a variety of activities, including lectures, exhibitions, and a captivating performance by the Al Sharq Choir, which delighted the audience with authentic Andalusian muwashahat (traditional songs).
At the end of the event, Sheikha Asma bint Saqr Al Qasimi praised the efforts of the Sharjah Book Authority in organizing this remarkable and diverse event. She also commended the Sharjah government’s continuous support for Emirati women and its commitment to empowering them across all sectors.
