Sharjah and "UNESCO" You sign an agreement to rehabilitate the Beirut Grand Theater
Paris, October 15 / WAM / Yesterday evening, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) witnessed the signing ceremony of the agreement to rehabilitate the Beirut Grand Theater between the Government of Sharjah and UNESCO, in continuation of the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for cultural institutions in the Arab world.
The signing ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in the French capital, Paris, was attended by His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, His Excellency Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director General of UNESCO – Culture Sector, His Excellency Hind Darwish, Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to UNESCO, Muhammad Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs in the Department of Culture, George Kreidi, Director of the UNESCO Office in Beirut, and a number of Members of diplomatic missions, Arab officials and intellectuals.
In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency Abdullah Al Owais stressed the importance of cultural cooperation between countries and international organizations, and the positive impact it has on societies, pointing out that the signing of the agreement reinforces this constructive trend for a life that enjoys culture and arts, which is the approach that the wise leadership in the UAE is keen on through the implementation of many cultural initiatives at the Arab and global levels.
He said that signing the agreement is a continuation of the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi in establishing many cultural, artistic and educational centers in the world, in a noble endeavor to provide people with science and culture in order to achieve stable societal development.
For his part, the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for the Culture Sector praised the continued efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in supporting the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in many cultural projects, noting that Sharjah’s contribution to the rehabilitation of the Beirut Grand Theater in Lebanon confirms the emirate’s pioneering role in sponsoring cultural work.
He appreciated the fruitful cooperation between UNESCO and the Government of Sharjah, pointing out that this partnership represents an effective model in protecting the world cultural heritage and preserving historical monuments that form part of human memory.
In turn, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to UNESCO confirmed that the hands of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah Al Bayda extend from the Arab world to all parts of the world, leaving a clear and important impact on the global cultural scene.
She said that Sharjah plays a prominent role in the renaissance of the Arab cultural movement through a series of ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at supporting creativity and creators, and consolidating the status of culture and arts as a pillar of life.
She pointed out that the contributions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah are clearly visible and appreciated, stressing that His Highness’s donation to support the rehabilitation of the Beirut Theater will contribute to strengthening the artistic and cultural movement in Lebanon.
It is worth noting that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, allocated financial support for the rehabilitation of the Beirut Grand Theater, as part of the international campaign launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aimed at restoring the historic building of the theater in the Lebanese capital.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of the Sharjah Department of Culture, witnessed the ceremony announcing the Emirate of Sharjah’s contribution to the rehabilitation of the “Beirut Grand Theater,” which was held in the Lebanese capital recently.
It is noteworthy that the Beirut Grand Theater was designed by Youssef Aftimos and built by Jacques Tabet, a “poet and theater lover” during the 1920s. While the building was opened in 1929, it hosted international theatrical performances over the years.
The theater hall accommodates 630 seats, with an orchestra, two balconies, and machines to prepare the theater. It contains a small steel dome that operates with electricity, in addition to a domed ceiling with decorative stained glass covering the lobby. It was designed in a way that serves the performances of theater and opera groups, and the performances continued in it until the mid-1970s.
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