At the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026, Sharjah Heritage Institute's director Abubakr Al Kindi urged a shift from static displays to dynamic, interactive heritage experiences, positioning Emirati traditions as a global cultural force.
Heritage is not a relic to be admired from a distance-it is a living, evolving force that can shape identity and global perception. This was the message delivered by Abubakr Al Kindi, Director of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, during his visit to the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026.
Al Kindi did not mince words: the true value of Emirati heritage lies in its ability to adapt, educate, and innovate, not in its preservation as mere artefacts. He argued that the exhibition's real achievement is its transformation of traditional practices like falconry and horsemanship into immersive, interactive experiences that resonate with visitors from every culture.
"When heritage is presented as a holistic system of values, knowledge, and skills, it becomes a soft power for the UAE's cultural presence," Al Kindi stated. He emphasised that safeguarding these traditions is a cultural responsibility-one that demands documentation, education, and creative renewal to ensure their relevance for future generations.
What sets the Abu Dhabi exhibition apart, according to Al Kindi, is its refusal to let heritage stagnate. Instead, the event places Emirati traditions at the centre of a global dialogue, using live demonstrations, competitions, and hands-on activities to bridge generations and cultures. This approach, he said, allows the UAE's legacy to speak in a universal language while retaining its authenticity.
For Dubai and the wider UAE, the implications are clear. Heritage, when actively maintained and reimagined, becomes a platform for creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and identity-building. The exhibition's model-rooted in participation rather than passive observation-offers a blueprint for how cultural institutions can remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The lesson is unmistakable: only by refusing to let tradition become a museum piece can the UAE ensure its heritage remains a source of inspiration and influence, not nostalgia.
