Huge crowd attends Sharjah National Day celebrations

Celebrations for the UAE's 44th National Day kicked off in Sharjah on Sunday in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation.

The National Day Celebrations were also attended by Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Committee, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (Epaa), Tareq Al Naqbi, Director of the Sharjah Media Centre, and a number of official figures, media personalities and members of the public.

Al Midfa extended heartfelt congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as to Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, on the glorious national occasion.

Al Midfa said, “Our country has maintained stable growth, on solid foundations, laid down by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.  An approach that is followed by UAE leaders today and as we know, the UAE is achieving success at every level. This is clear and tangible evidence of the vision and wisdom employed by good leadership over the past decades.”

During the celebration, Al 'azi, a form of sung poetry, was performed by a band, whose members belong to Al Junaibi tribe. The sung poetry highlighted aspects of the UAE's folklore and cultural heritage and was highly admired by the attendees who were eager to take photos with members of the band.

The audience then enjoyed an operetta called “Fortress of Security and Safety” written and composed by Rashid Al Shamsi, with poems by Mattar Ramadan. The operetta was performed by students from the College of Information and Mass Communications at Ajman University for Science and Technology.

The operetta illustrated the importance of the fortress to Emiratis, and their sense of security, reflecting the prevailing situation in the UAE and its development after the establishment of the Union. It also highlighted the evolving role of the courageous UAE army in recent years in protecting the people and providing security. The operetta also highlighted current events and developments on the Arab and regional arenas.

At the end of the celebration, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi toured the venue of the National Day celebrations at the Sharjah National Park and expressed his admiration for the events.  The aim of the events, which combine national identity with national heritage, is to enhance the values of loyalty, allegiance and pride in the sacrifices of the founding fathers and brave Emirati soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom of their country and to ensure security and stability for all citizens and residents.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the park and other venues in the emirate to enjoy the celebrations and many were wearing national dress and carrying UAE flags. The celebrations gave tourists an opportunity to learn about the UAE’s history and achievements over the past four decades, in a joyful atmosphere.

Sharjah's has a comprehensive programme consisting of 22 events, including theatrical and musical shows and cultural and heritage activities held across tourist and heritage sites throughout Sharjah. Everyone is invited to participate in the celebrations which reflect the UAE's rich past and present as well as its bright future.

Free operetta titled 'Nation of Hope" to be showcased for families in Sharjah

The Sharjah Committee for the UAE's 44th National Day Celebrations has announced the showcasing of an operetta called "Nation of Hope" on December 2 at 8pm on Flag Island in Sharjah.

The operetta is written by Emirati poet Mosbeh Ali Al Kaabi with music by composer Khalid Al Nasser, and performed by artists Hussein Al Jassmi, Jassem Mohammed, Arwa, and Ismail Mubarak.

The show features six musical performances, and revolves around the theme "Spirit of the Union".

It tells the story of the establishment of the UAE and its development over the course of four decades. It also exemplifies the heroism and sacrifices of the founding fathers of the UAE, most notably the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultal Al Nahyan, and depicts the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs who gave their lives for their country.

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Head of the Committee, said: “We focused on highlighting the huge sacrifices made by our UAE founders and the great contribution they made to ensure the high status of the Emirates, as well as on their relentless work and dedication for a bright future for younger generations. Today, we are reaping the fruits of their work and devotion at every level. We aim to chronicle these sacrifices and instill them in the minds and hearts of our children and young people, so they can learn from them. We hope that, through this performance, we increase the love and pride all Emiratis have for their country.”

The first act of the operetta highlights the UAE's historical phases, while the second deals with the connections the UAE has with GCC citizens, and the third one highlights the history of the UAE Armed Forces. The fourth act is titled the “Nation's Martyrs…Parades of Glory” and depicts heroisms of UAE martyrs and their sacrifices, while the fifth demonstrates the strength and resilience of UAE mothers. It highlights their important role in the upbringing of their children, and encouraging them to join the armed forces. The sixth and last part of the operetta is focused on promoting loyalty to the country, and the importance of defending it.

A group of young national service recruits is participating in some parts of the musical show, accompanied by military music and sound effects as well as special displays of military exercises and command skills performed by young men on the stage. There will also be a number of school pupils from the Sharjah Educational Zone and folk teams taking part in the operetta.

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