Monday, Dec 09, 2013
Sharjah: The emirate unveiled its Islamic cultural capital logo during a ceremony on Sunday.
Sharjah’s wealth of mosques, cultural institutions and museums helped it to win the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014 (SICC 2014).
Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Head of Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital Executive Committee, revealed during the launch that the Dh140 million Al Majaz Island project was the first of 24 heritage, tourism, cultural and architectural projects to be carried out in 2014.
“These projects are poised to contribute to the world’s intellectual patrimony by boosting cultural development and giving prominence to Islamic culture,” said Shaikh Sultan.
The Al Majaz Island project will be supervised and implemented by Sharjah Media Centre.
Considered the official venue of the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, Al Majaz Island will house a huge Roman-style amphitheatre, covering 7,238 square metres that can accommodate up to 4,500 people. Estimated to cost Dh120 million, the amphitheatre will host international cultural and art events. There will also be conference rooms, galleries, shops and green areas.
The Al Majaz Island project will include a Dh13 million bridge between the island and Khalid Lagoon Street. With construction under way, the Al Majaz Island Amphitheatre is set to open during the first week of March.
The title was approved by the ministers of culture of Islamic countries and the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).
Sharjah is set to host the next Islamic Conference of the Ministries of Cultures in the next two years.
By Jumana Khamis Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
