Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) is the emirate’s annual celebration of Emirati and international heritage, organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. The 23rd edition ran from 4 to 15 February 2026 under the theme “Radiance of Authenticity”, as announced by the Institute’s chairman, Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, at a press conference at Al Bait Al Gharbi in Al Mureijah Square (Sharjah24, 16 Jan 2026). The next edition’s dates were not available in the sources we checked.
The 2026 edition at a glance
- Dates: 4 to 15 February 2026.
- Guest of Honour: Portugal, with a pavilion presenting Portugal’s historical cultural exchange with the Arab world.
- Participation: 29 countries.
- Programme: more than 1,000 events, including heritage, cultural and artistic performances and folk groups from Europe, Asia and Africa.
- Visitor services: free parking and transportation, including free transport from Dubai and Ajman, and shuttles between event venues, according to the announcement.
What visitors typically do
The festival is a mix of pavilions, performances, crafts and traditional food. It is aimed at families as much as at tourists, so plan around the programme: school groups, evening performances and weekend shows run on different schedules.
How to plan for the next edition
- Watch for the official announcement from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; dates, theme and guest country change every year.
- Check the shuttle and parking arrangements. Free services were part of the 2026 plan, but the details vary by edition.
- Choose a day and a focus: a pavilion, a performance or a workshop. Seeing everything in one visit is hard with 1,000+ events.
- Take sun and comfort precautions if events are outdoors.
- Combine it with the Heart of Sharjah and other attractions.
Heritage and the real estate story
Sharjah’s emphasis on heritage shapes parts of the city, and many residents value living near cultural districts. For area-by-area advice, read Best areas to live in Sharjah and our events calendar.
Using Heritage Days as a cultural introduction
For a newcomer, Heritage Days is one of the easiest ways into how Sharjah presents Emirati traditions, because the programme is built for families as well as researchers. According to the organisers’ 2026 announcement, the festival combined local heritage with the heritage of participating countries; Portugal’s pavilion was designed to show more than 500 years of historical exchange with Arab culture, visible in arts, architecture, language and customs.
Questions to ask yourself before you go
- Do I want performances, crafts, food or talks? With a programme of more than 1,000 events, choosing a focus makes the visit manageable.
- Am I coming with children? Look for family and workshop sessions and plan breaks.
- Am I travelling from Dubai or Ajman? The 2026 plan included free transport from those emirates; confirm whether a similar service is offered next time.
- What time of day suits me? Evening programmes and weekend afternoons are likely to be busier; check the schedule.
After the festival
Heritage is a year-round theme in Sharjah’s historic districts. If you enjoy the festival, the Heart of Sharjah and other attractions and the Sharjah events calendar point to year-round options.
Frequently asked questions
When was Sharjah Heritage Days 2026?
4 to 15 February 2026 (23rd edition).
Who organises it?
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage.
Which country was Guest of Honour in 2026?
Portugal.
When is the next edition?
Not announced in the sources we checked; check the Institute’s website.
Event information checked on the date shown and may change. Always confirm dates, times, tickets and venue details on the official website before you go. General information only. Information checked 2 October 2026.