Emirati folk performances at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024 garnered widespread public interest, as visitors gathered eagerly to explore the rich heritage of Sharjah, the first Arab guest of honor at the 20th edition of the fair. The Sharjah Folklore Arts Group continued to present its performances until the final days of the event. Over the course of four consecutive days, the audience enjoyed vibrant displays of folk heritage, reflecting the prominent cultural presence of the United Arab Emirates around the world.
The Sharjah pavilion welcomed visitors with the scents of traditional local perfumes carried by girls dressed in folk attire. The audience also tasted Arabic Emirati coffee, which narrated the ancient hospitality stories of the Emiratis and the Arab nation with every sip, turning the pavilion into a meeting point for cultures and a unique civilizational exchange between Arabs and Greeks.
The Sharjah pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair showcased a variety of interactive cultural experiences that attracted the Greek audience to Emirati heritage. A special corner was designated for women to wear traditional Emirati women's clothing and experience traditional women’s jewelry and henna painting, inviting visitors to try on the outfits and take commemorative photos to capture their memories. Additionally, the pavilion displayed handmade crafts created by Emirati artisans in their traditional attire, adding a touch of authenticity and creativity.
The pavilion also featured a diverse array of heritage segments, including folk dance performances, Arabic calligraphy workshops, and storytelling sessions that revived ancient tales, along with other activities that highlighted the richness of Emirati heritage and underscored Sharjah's role as a cultural and artistic hub, affirming its role in promoting civilizational communication and global cultural exchange.
