Sharjah Ruler Inspires SPAA Music Students with Visit

Sharjah witnessed a vibrant cultural moment on Wednesday morning when His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), met with students of the Academy’s College of Music.

The gathering at SPAA headquarters celebrated the achievements of young talents, with His Highness praising the dedication of academic and administrative staff who have nurtured their growth. He emphasised that the academy’s rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare students to compete and shine at international levels in music and performance.

In his address, the Ruler underlined the academy’s vision of becoming a leading global institution for the arts. He urged students to remain focused, hardworking, and ambitious, assuring them of his personal follow-up and support even after graduation.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

The meeting was enriched with live performances from music students, featuring piano, oud, and nay recitals, alongside vocal showcases that reflected the high calibre of training at the academy. His Highness attentively listened to the presentations and praised the innovative teaching methods aimed at refining skills and preparing graduates for meaningful contributions to global music.

Faculty and students expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Ruler’s continued encouragement and the provision of state-of-the-art resources that enhance learning and creativity. The moment was commemorated with group photographs capturing the shared pride of the occasion.

During the visit, His Highness toured several of SPAA’s advanced facilities. He viewed the upgraded lighting room equipped with modern stage technology, the design studio for set creation, and the costume workshop where students learn tailoring from their first year. He also observed rehearsals in progress, visited the carpentry workshop for stage design, and explored the academy’s extensive library, home to more than 12,000 books dedicated to arts and theatre.

Accompanying His Highness were key cultural and academic figures, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; Ismail Abdullah Ismail, Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute; and Dr Peter Barlow, Executive Director of SPAA, alongside several academics and artists.

The visit reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to nurturing creativity and building world-class platforms for aspiring artists to excel in music and performing arts.