Sharjah to Launch ‘Sharjah Creative Quarter’ a Cultural Hub for Innovation

An exciting new cultural initiative has been unveiled in Sharjah, the Sharjah Creative Quarter (SCQ), designed to spur artistic expression, innovation, and cultural dialogue. The SCQ will, therefore, become a core hub for creatives, providing many spaces and opportunities for local and international artists, designers, and thinkers.

Designed by the award-winning Taller de Arquitectura under Mauricio Rocha and Daniel Rosselló, the SCQ is strategically situated in the very heart of Sharjah next to prominent institutions like the House of Wisdom and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. Here, the SCQ is ultimately to become a vibrant community for innovation and collaboration.

The decree formalizing the establishment of the Creative Quarter is signed by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Art Foundation, will chair the project and turn her vision into reality. The SCQ presents some critical components with an orientation toward a variety of creative fields; among these is the Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi Collection, a museum housing a collection of art and artifacts curated from Sheikha Jawaher’s personal collection.

Also, the Qasimi Archives will commemorate the late Sheikh Khalid Al-Qasimi, the founder of the QASIMI fashion label, intending to inspire future fashion designers.

Another major attraction will be the Sharjah Fashion Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that provides local designers with access to advanced machinery and resources for fashion prototyping and digital pattern creation. The Irthi Museum, part of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, will empower traditional craftswomen while promoting Emirati and regional craftsmanship.

Focusing on design innovation, the Sharjah Design Centre will house spaces for prototyping and design fabrication, from woodworking to jewellery making. This will allow makers from different fields to collaborate and experiment. In addition, the centre will serve as an exciting cultural rendezvous, since L’ÉCOLE, the School of Jewellery Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, is the first of its kind in Sharjah and the second in the Middle East. The school will run courses covering art history, craftsmanship, and stone studies, thus increasing the region’s expertise in jewellery arts.

Sustainability is an important thread throughout the SCQ, with green spaces, buildings designed to promote interactivity and creativity, and community-centric areas. The architectural design connects nature and the built environment, contributing to enhancing the overall experience for visitors and residents. The full support of BEEAH, a leading sustainability solutions provider in the Middle East, is expected to ensure that the SCQ operates in an environmentally responsible manner. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group Chief Executive Officer of BEEAH, maintained that the company is committed to shaping a sustainable future through innovation.

Fusing art, design, and cultural heritage, the Sharjah Creative Quarter will become a major landmark in the cultural map of the emirate and provide an inspiring atmosphere for creativity, innovation, and collaboration