Haris Doukas: Sharjah and Athens are deeply connected by cultural heritage and investment in knowledge


The Department of Government Relations (DGR) inthe emirate of Sharjah organised an official visit for Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, coinciding with Athens’ participation as Guest of Honour at the 10th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival.

The two-day official programme included visits to several sites across the emirate, highlighting Sharjah’s cultural, intellectual, and developmental landscape.

Xposure introduced its Guest of Honour programme at its 10th edition, recognising cities that have shaped global thought, science, culture, and visual storytelling throughout history, and whose legacies have left a lasting impact on shared human knowledge.

Athens’ selection reflects its enduring standing as a centre of philosophy, science, and civic life, alongside its historical connections with the Arab world through centuries of exchange, interaction, and cultural dialogue.

Athens Mayor, Haris Doukas was received by senior Sharjah officials, including Chairman of The Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD); Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH Group; Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB); Alia Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB; Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, and Abdulrahman bin Taliah, Director of Executive Affairs at Air Arabia.

Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Doukas said: “Athens and Sharjah may come from different geographies, traditions, and historical paths, yet we share important common values. Both cities are deeply connected to their cultural heritage. Both invest in knowledge, museums, libraries, and education. Both understand that sustainable development can be achieved by respecting history while embracing innovation. Thank you for building bridges through culture.”

The programme included curated visits reflecting Sharjah’s cultural vision, heritage, and approach to sustainable development.

Knowledge, heritage and civic space

As part of the programme, Mayor Doukas toured the House of Wisdom, Sharjah’s landmark cultural institution and a lasting legacy of its designation as UNESCO World Book Capital in 2019. The delegation also visited the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, home to more than 5,000 artefacts spanning scientific instruments, manuscripts, coins, textiles and works of art. The visit highlighted the shared scientific heritage of Islamic and Greek civilisations, particularly in astronomy, mathematics and engineering, underscoring centuries of intellectual transmission across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sustainability and the future of cities

A central highlight of the visit was a tour of the BEEAH Headquarters, hosted by senior leadership of the BEEAH Group. Designed by the late Architect Dame Zaha Hadid, the headquarters is among the world’s most sustainable and technologically advanced buildings, operating at LEED Platinum standards and targeting net-zero emissions.

Discussions focused on waste management, recycling systems, clean energy and civic sustainability. Mayor Doukas explored how integrated urban design and policy can support resilient, future-ready cities.

Cultural exchange through hospitality

The programme included a dinner at Bait Elowal, a heritage dining destination envisioned by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in the Heart of Sharjah. Mayor Doukas also attended lunch at House of Wisdom’s Chie Restaurant, where contemporary culinary expression complemented the broader themes of the visit.

A city in dialogue

Athens’ designation as Guest of Honour at Xposure 2026 is reflected through a curated programme of exhibitions exploring Greek heritage, contemporary society, and visual culture. The initiative reinforces Xposure’s role as a platform where cities intersect, using photography and visual storytelling as shared languages that transcend borders.