Sharjah and UNESCO Sign an Agreement to Rehabilitate the Grand Theatre of Beirut

Al Owais: The vision of the Ruler of Sharjah establishes cultural, artistic, and educational tributaries around the world
Ramirez: The partnership between Sharjah and UNESCO represents an effective model in protecting global cultural heritage
Darwish: The support of the Ruler of Sharjah will contribute to enhancing the artistic and cultural movement in Lebanon

Paris –
In continuation of the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for cultural institutions in the Arab world, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) witnessed the signing ceremony of the agreement to rehabilitate the Grand Theatre of Beirut between the Government of Sharjah and UNESCO.

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday at UNESCO headquarters in the French capital, Paris, in the presence of H.E. Abdallah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; H.E. Ali Alhaj Al Ali, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to UNESCO; H.E. Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO; H.E. Hind Darwish, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to UNESCO; Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture; George Kredi, Director of the UNESCO Office in Beirut; and a number of diplomatic missions, officials, and Arab intellectuals.

“Cultural and Educational Tributaries”
The signing ceremony began with a speech delivered by Abdallah Al Owais, who highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation between countries and international organizations and the positive impact it reflects on societies. He said in this regard: “We are pleased with this renewed occasion that embodies the importance of cultural cooperation between countries and global organizations. This approach has proven the success of cultural initiatives implemented over past decades and their impact on humanity as a whole.”
He added that the signing of the agreement strengthens this direction, saying: “Our meeting today, on the occasion of signing the agreement to rehabilitate the Grand Theatre of Beirut between the Government of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and UNESCO, reinforces this constructive approach toward a life enriched with culture and arts whose impact extends to a peaceful and fulfilling existence — an approach diligently pursued by the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates through the implementation of numerous cultural initiatives at both Arab and international levels.”
Al Owais stressed that this occasion is a continuation of the care and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in establishing numerous cultural, artistic, and educational centers around the world — a noble endeavor to enrich people with knowledge and culture for the sake of achieving stable social development.
The Chairman of the Department of Culture conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the attendees, saying: “It is my honor, in this position, to convey to you His Highness’s greetings and best wishes for success and prosperity.”

“A Leading Role”
The Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, at the beginning of his speech, praised the continuous efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in supporting UNESCO through numerous cultural projects. He pointed out that Sharjah’s contribution to the rehabilitation of the Grand Theatre of Beirut in Lebanon confirms the Emirate’s leading role in sponsoring cultural work.
He also appreciated the strong cooperation between UNESCO and the Government of Sharjah, noting that this partnership represents an effective model in protecting global cultural heritage and preserving historical landmarks that form part of human memory.
Ottone renewed UNESCO’s gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his generous donation and support for the rehabilitation of the Beirut theatre.

“Cultural Renaissance”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to UNESCO affirmed that the benevolent hands of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah extend from the Arab world to all parts of the globe, leaving a clear and significant impact on the international cultural scene.
She said: “Sharjah plays a prominent role in the renaissance of the Arab cultural movement through a series of continuous projects and initiatives aimed at supporting creativity and creators, and at establishing the status of culture and arts as essential pillars of life. Today, Sharjah is knocking on the doors of the world through its noble cultural actions that seek a humanitarian and civilizational discourse on a global level.”
Darwish emphasized that the contributions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah are evident and highly appreciated, confirming that His Highness’s donation to support the rehabilitation of the Beirut Theatre will contribute to enhancing the artistic and cultural movement in Lebanon.

“Financial Support”
It is worth mentioning that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, allocated financial support for the rehabilitation of the “Grand Theatre of Beirut,” as part of the international campaign launched by UNESCO aimed at restoring the historic theatre building in the Lebanese capital.
H.E. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, had attended the announcement ceremony of Sharjah’s contribution to the rehabilitation of the “Grand Theatre of Beirut,” which was recently held in the Lebanese capital.

“Grand Theatre of Beirut”
It was designed by Youssef Aftimus and built by Jacques Tabet (a poet and lover of theatre) during the 1920s. The building opened in 1929 and, over the years, hosted international theatrical performances. The theatre hall accommodates 630 seats, with an orchestra, two balconies, and stage equipment. It features a small steel dome powered by electricity on rails, as well as a domed ceiling with decorated stained glass covering the lobby.
The theatre was designed to serve theatre and opera performances, and shows continued until the mid-1970s, after which it has remained abandoned to this day.