Sharjah Museums unveils exciting educational activities for families and visitors with disabilities

Activities cover Hajj rituals, ancient kitchens, Islamic pottery, marine life, nature-inspired art and 20th-century glamour

As part of its commitment to provide a cultural learning experience in a fun environment, Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) is conducting a comprehensive educational workshops programme during October with six events for families, adults from the age of 16 and above and visitors with disabilities.

Taking place at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Art Museum, the workshops are designed to offer a wide range of social and cultural experiences, from tasting the blessed water of Mecca's holy well to feeding sea turtles and becoming a fashion designer.

The workshops will include hands-on activities that make learning easy and highlight Sharjah Museums' extensive collection. The programme caters to various age ranges and all ability levels, and is available in English and Arabic.

On Wednesday 2 October (10am), visitors aged 16 and above can experience the magnificent rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This culturally rich event will bring the spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia's Makkah into focus, with the chance to sip holy Zamzam water and sew a Hajj-inspired textile.

For children aged 7-13 years and their caregivers, there is a workshop entitled ‘Your Ancient Kitchen', taking place on Saturday 5 October 10 am at Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Youngsters will find out how food was prepared in years gone by, using rudimentary tools now on display in the Museum. The young participants will then design their own tablecloth to take home.

On Saturday, 12 October, 10 am, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is hosting ‘Prayer Rug', a creative workshop for young artists aged 3-6 years and their parents. Islamic patterns embellished with plant illustrations will be unveiled to the children and used as the inspiration for decorating their own prayer rug. The workshop will be held alongside Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization's exclusive exhibition (‘Draping the Holy Places; Religious Textiles from Makkah and Madina') 1 Oct-31 Dec).
Families with youngsters aged 7-13 who are curious about marine life should head to Sharjah Aquarium on Saturday 19 October ,10 am, to feed the sea turtles as well as learning how these fascinating creatures are cared for. Participants will enjoy using materials from daily life to create turtle artwork.
On 23 October, Sharjah Archaeology Museum will host a talk titled ‘A Journey in History' at 11 am for young adults aged 16 years and above where specialists in the field of natural history and civilization will be invited to discuss the history of UAE and the Arabian Peninsula.

For visitors with disabilities, Sharjah Art Museum is holding a workshop combing art and nature on Saturday 26 October at 10 am. The session will offer for participants the chance to paint eye-catching flowers and foliage.
The month-long programme of workshops draws to a close on Wednesday 30 October (10am) with ‘Create Elegantly', for visitors aged 16 and above who wish to be immersed in the world of elegance and style. The workshop will coincide with the Sharjah Art Museum's exclusive exhibition of 20th-century fashion illustrations and fashion photographs  'The Lure of Beauty', which will be held  from 25 Sep.-30 Nov

Family programmes for children aged 3-6 and 7-13 years old with their parents/caregivers are available on a first-come first-served basis in October.
To enrol in the month of October workshops and for more information please call 06 5197266أو Or visit www.SharjahMuseums.ae