Inauguration of Arab Theater Institute headquarters in Al Hira by Sharjah Ruler – Celebrating Arts & Culture

The Arab Theater Institute (ATI) has officially opened its main office in Al Hira, with the esteemed presence of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion, with the Sharjah Ruler unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the launch of the headquarters.

In his speech, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi expressed his deep appreciation for the theatre and its community, emphasizing the importance of theatre as a fundamental element of culture in advancing and enriching society. He announced a financial contribution to support the Authority’s work and reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting the theatre and its community across all Arab nations.

The Institute’s main offices, housed in two traditional heritage buildings that were reconstructed as part of the restoration of the old town of Al Hira, were designed in the traditional Emirati architectural style with modern amenities and facilities. The intricate wood carvings and plaster decorations reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment for theatre artists.

During his tour of the headquarters, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi explored the various facilities, including administrative and technical departments, the library, publishing, training and qualification departments, the school theatre, the digital library, and the Arab Center for Documentation and Theater Studies. The Institute’s commitment to preserving and promoting Arab theatre was evident in the attention to detail and the provision of services to facilitate visitors’ movement within the premises.

Ismail Abdullah, Secretary-General of the Arab Theater Institute, expressed the theatre community’s joy at the opening of the headquarters and thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support in nurturing and advancing the theatre and its practitioners. He highlighted the significance of the new headquarters as a source of inspiration for Arab theatre artists, motivating them to strive for excellence and progress.

Arab artists from various countries also expressed their gratitude and pride in the Ruler of Sharjah’s unwavering support for the theatre community. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures in the cultural and theatrical scene, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture, and Dr. Salah Butti Al Muhairi, Head of the Initiatives Implementation Authority “Mubadara”.

The launch of the Arab Theater Institute’s headquarters in Al Hira marks a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Arab theatre. With the support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and the dedication of the theatre community, the Institute is poised to elevate the standards of Arab theatre and inspire future generations of theatre artists.