Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 1 December, 2016 11:07 am |

In the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, Sharjah’s celebrations of the 45th UAE National Day began under the theme "Accomplishments of a Country, Rise of a Nation’’ on Wednesday, at Sharjah National Park, with the participation of a number of government and private organisations in the emirate.

 

The celebration programme covering the events from November 29-December 3, has been organised by the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah.

 

The programme features a variety of events, theatrical performances, entertainment and folklore shows and competitions.

 

Al Dhohoreen Tribe performed folk dances and traditional songs that included folk genres of Al Nadba, Al Rawah and Al Wahabiya.

 

The celebrations involved a documentary chronicling the creation of the UAE, from its beginnings through the most important historical phases of the country and inspirational visions of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Al Ayala Band, accompanied by a vocalist, performed a tribute to the UAE, its dignity, the glory of its army and the pride of its people.

 

HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), and Chairman of the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah, said: "December 2 is an exceptional day, not only for Emiratis, but also for its residents and those who pursue ambition, success, excellence and innovation. This day symbolises the rise of a country whose foundations were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan and his brothers. The belief in our nation by the founding fathers and the continued commitment by our leaders today has given us the ability and the opportunity to play a leading role on a world platform. Our union has become a model to be emulated in all corners of the globe."

 

He noted that the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations has approved more than 40 national events and heritage-related activities to mark the glorious occasion.

 

Al Midfa noted that the UAE does not only celebrate a national memorial where a banner is raised and the national anthem is sang, it also celebrates endeavour, unity and faith – an approach laid by the founding fathers who succeeded in paving the way for a more prosperous future.

 

He extended his profound thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, for their ongoing support and directives to ensure Sharjah's celebrations meet the expectations of the event and the reputation and history of the UAE.

 

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured government and private organisations participating in the celebrations and presented the trophy of the 45th National Day to the representatives of several entities. The honoured entities included the Sharjah Chess Club, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the Loyalty Document and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.

 

Souq Al Jubail, Department of Social Services, Emirates Transport, military bands, Knowledge without Borders, Museums Department, Mega Mall, ADNOC, Al Dhaid Municipality, Khorfakkan Municipality and Municipal Council, Al Hamriya Municipal Council, Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sharjah Police and Al Dhohoreen Tribe members, were also honoured during the event.

 

The first day celebrations ended with a tour by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, accompanied by a number of official figures. He saw various events and activities to mark the occasion and toured the Sharjah National Park and stopped at stands by government bodies, Children's Cinema, an Oasis of Creativity, theatrical shows, among others.