SHARJAH: The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) is hosting a lively programme from October 1 to 4, in celebration of World Cultural Heritage Weeks with an event, themed “Coffee is a Human Heritage,” aligns with International Coffee Day on October 1 and aims to showcase the cultural, historical, and heritage importance of coffee. Coffee is not just a beverage but a symbol of human connection across nations and cultures.

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The programme, held at SIH’s headquarters in Sharjah, will feature participants from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, alongside contributions from Syria, Jordan, Italy, and Ethiopia. Each participant will present their unique traditions related to coffee, including its preparation, serving etiquette, and hospitality practices. Visitors can look forward to coffee-tasting sessions, learning about coffee’s role in folk medicine, and enjoying traditional arts related to coffee. There will also be various coffee-based products on display.

Aisha Obaid Ghabesh, the Director of Events and Activities at SIH, highlighted that this celebration underscores coffee’s significance as a shared heritage across cultures. Coffee, which is enjoyed worldwide, holds a particularly special place in Arab culture, where it is a symbol of hospitality, generosity, and social connection. In Arab societies, coffee has long been central to gatherings, serving as a bridge for dialogue and community interaction, often prepared with traditional tools.

The event offers a platform for cultural institutions to celebrate coffee’s global legacy and strengthen civilizational ties between communities. It also contributes to cultural tourism by attracting visitors to events and festivals, enhancing cross-cultural understanding.

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Throughout the programme, attendees can participate in workshops and educational activities, with school and university students also benefiting from the engaging sessions on offer.