House of Wisdom Builds Cultural Bridges Through Strategic Partnerships in Qatar

House of Wisdom Explores Ties with Qatari Institutions Strengthening its role as a driver of regional cultural initiatives, a delegation from the House of Wisdom (HoW), led by Executive Director Marwa Al Aqroubi, conducted a high-level visit to Qatar to explore collaborative opportunities and exchange expertise with key cultural entities. The engagement included the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and M7 – Qatar’s dynamic hub for innovation, design, and entrepreneurship. At the core of this visit was the development of joint cultural programmes, partnerships in museum and library management, and the exchange of community development best practices. The HoW delegation stated that these initiatives align with Sharjah’s vision to foster regional collaboration, promote openness, and contribute proactively to global cultural evolution. “Culture is a strategic pillar for building connections between nations and shaping pathways to sustainable development,” commented Marwa Al Aqroubi. “This visit to Qatar reinforces our commitment to fostering Arab collaboration in the fields of knowledge and the arts. We are focused on developing initiatives that transform cultural dialogue into a driving force for progress. These partnerships are long-term investments in human and creative capital, and they play a vital role in positioning our region as a vital contributor to the global cultural landscape.” The visit to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) offered a deep dive into thirteen centuries of artistic heritage, showcasing rare manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, and jewellery. The MIA is recognized as a noteworthy institution that articulates the transcendent and unifying nature of Islamic art across time and geography. Equally central to the delegation’s itinerary was the Qatar National Library (QNL), which plays a leading role in preserving Arab and Qatari heritage, while fostering academic research and lifelong learning. With a catalogue of over one million books and extensive digital resources, the QNL is a testament to the region’s commitment to accessible, knowledge-driven societies empowered by digital transformation. A highlight of the cultural immersion was the ‘Fables in Fashion’ exhibition, presented by the Qatar Reads initiative and hosted at the QNL. Featuring contributions from more than 30 local and international artists, the exhibition was inspired by the Maqamat Al-Hariri, integrating historical narrative into contemporary visual expression, and celebrating the fusion of literature and art. These visits mark a strategic expansion of HoW’s collaborative network, enable the exchange of global best practices, and underscore its status as a premier cultural institution in the UAE. They also further the vision of cultivating next-generation libraries and redefining their roles in public engagement and community empowerment. In keeping with its mission, HoW also participated in the 89th World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, held under the theme “Connecting Knowledge, Building the Future.” The congress, organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), hosted more than 3,500 professionals from over 120 countries. On the sidelines, the delegation explored collaboration with the National Archive and National Museum of Kazakhstan, focusing on knowledge preservation and heritage documentation. These interactions further advanced cultural diplomacy between Sharjah and Astana and echoed the enduring significance of libraries and archives as guardians of collective memory. HoW’s voice was also prominent in the “Arab Librarians Session”, organized by IFLA’s Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, where they discussed the importance of community knowledge in building resilient, informed societies. Marwa Al Aqroubi actively contributed to the session, introducing the Wisdom Vault project, a flagship cultural initiative built on the rare collection of late Professor Richard Ettinghausen. Gifted by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah, the archive comprises over 12,000 rare books and publications in more than ten languages on Arab and Islamic art and architecture. This treasure trove stands as a cornerstone of HoW’s dedication to documenting heritage and advancing research across borders. With renewed institutional ties and a slate of joint initiatives on the horizon, the House of Wisdom continues to shape an interconnected, knowledge-rich future for the region and beyond. Team V.DIR-EM-UAE